Everyone's heard of recycling, and most people do some kind of recycling (aluminum cans and newspapers). But do you wonder if you could be recycling more? What if your neighborhood garbage company doesn't offer it? We'll answer all of these and offer links to get more details.
"In 1999, recycling and composting activities prevented about 64 million tons of material from ending up in landfills and incinerators. Today, this country recycles 32% of its waste, a rate that has almost doubled during the past 15 years." - EPA
What is Recycling?
Recycling is the process of collecting materials that would be thrown away and sent off the a land fill and instead sorted into raw materials groups so that they can be used to make new products.
Starting Curbside pickup in your neighborhood
So you want to recycle but curbside pickup isn't currently offered. The first thing you should do is call your current trash collector. Have your neighbor call. Bug them until they realize that they have to offer the service.
If curbside won't become available look into a drop-off center nearby as well as buy-back centers, and deposit/refund programs.
The Ins and Outs of Recycling
Here are some basics when it comes to recycling
- Aluminun Cans - one of the easiest items to recycle. It also has one of the fastest turn around times - as little as 60 days!
- Plastic Bottles - typically associated with water these are one of the biggest issues when it comes to waste. If you must buy bottled water, make sure you dispose of it in a recycling bin.
- Batteries - these should not go into your normal recycling bin. Put aside a small bin just for batteries, cell phones and other items that need to go to a drop off center. Many electronic stores now offer drop offs in their lobbies.
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Plastic Bags - these usually should not go in your curbside pickup bin, but collect them and drop them off at your local grocery store. Better yet, don't bring them home at all- use a reusable cloth bag that you bring with!