Recycling plays a key role in mitigating the disastrous effects of global warming—from extreme temperatures to microplastics in people’s bloodstreams. One of the best ways to ensure that you and those around you play your part in protecting the environment is to focus on building recycling habits in the workplace. The more commonplace these behaviors become, the better off everyone will be in the future. Check out these tips on how to encourage recycling at your business to help get things started.
Many people have an apathetic attitude toward recycling, and this mindset can stem from either disinterest in the subject or a lack of in-depth knowledge of the situation. To remedy this, you can host environmental workshops so your employees learn the importance of small acts like recycling. It’s worth emphasizing how important of a role they play in the environment and the positive effects that their actions can have.
These workshops should center around the consequences of pollution. From oil in the water to increased greenhouse gas levels, the way these issues impact daily life is significant. But remember: fearmongering isn’t the idea for these workshops. Instead, the idea is to provide your employees with information, then hope it makes for positive habit changes. While you can’t force everyone to develop a passion for preserving the environment, educating them creates the chance for a more authentic movement within your company.
It’s a common argument and belief that one’s actions amount to a drop in the ocean, so individual habit changes do effectively nothing to help the planet. This leads to an apathetic mindset concerning environmental issues.
It’s true that one person is just one among billions and that large corporations are the most responsible for harming the environment. This can make battling pollution feel hopeless, especially since it’s impossible to control the actions of every human being. However, it’s important to note the danger of that mindset. If people assume no one else is doing their part and therefore give up, it ensures that nothing is ever done.
Presenting the bigger picture to your workers is essential to demonstrate their efforts are worth it. Local communities can make large impacts with what little they have. Whether it’s picking up garbage on the beach or recycling a water bottle, the smaller acts add up over time and create a culture of environmental care. Showing your employees that their actions are creating a positive impact and reducing the overall waste you produce as a company is a great way to motivate positive change.
There’s nothing wrong with a little competition in the workplace. By involving everyone in either individual or group recycling activities, you can engage them to make it more fun. One way to do this is by measuring the amount each person successfully recycles and tallying it up at the end of the week or month for a prize.
Keep in mind, though, you have to offer prizes that employees actually want. One good prize might be giving the person with the most recycled goods a reserved parking spot for an allotted period. The more convenience it provides your workers, the more likely they are to try to succeed.
Your team can also compete against itself to hit a set recycling goal. If met, you can reward the whole team with gift cards, shortened Fridays, or food.
There are plenty of environmental issues that come with single-use items. Mainly, they are not efficient uses of materials like plastic, as the parts of them that can’t be reused—like bottle caps—land immediately in landfills.
Encouraging your employees to use less single-use plastics is a good strategy to reduce the waste produced by each employee. You can make this easier by limiting the number of single-use items available in the workplace. For example, you could remove plastic cutlery from the premises and provide metal silverware instead. While this does require cleanup, it drastically reduces the amount of waste produced in your business each day.
A great way to reduce the need for employees to buy new office equipment is to provide an open space where employees can donate old office supplies. Whether through email or in-person, updating everyone when something has been added to the pile of donated items ensures that people are aware of anything they need. This type of engagement also opens up a great path forward by getting your employees to communicate and engage with each other, all while reducing the overall waste in the office.
Consider bringing in things from home that are about to be thrown out. Things like printers can be given to employees if they have the space for them, offering them the convenience of printing from their own desks. Your employees will appreciate the extra tools, and you prevent waste in the process.
Even if your team is on board with making an effort to recycle, knowing what can actually be recycled is complicated! If a person doubts an item’s recyclability, that doubt may lead to them throwing it away to be safe.
To avoid this, consider having a graphic poster above each of your indoor and outdoor recycling bins that lists simple examples of things that can and can’t be recycled. These lists may seem basic, but they are extremely helpful in empowering your employees to recycle correctly, preventing them from contaminating recyclable material with something that is not recyclable.
Knowing how to encourage recycling in your business does not have to be difficult. By educating and incentivizing your employees, they learn the importance of reducing the waste they produce, doing a lot in the long run to help the environment. Regardless of whether your employees do it for themselves, the business, or their loved ones, the higher a priority that recycling becomes, the better it is for everyone.
At Trash Cans Depot, we want to help make this process as easy and convenient as possible for your business. Our high-quality trash and recycling bins provide the perfect means for you and your employees to dispose of waste properly. Check out our products today!
]]>Recycling is something that has become entwined with many people’s daily lives. For the sake of caring for the environment, many businesses have taken the necessary steps to ensure their employees dispose of their waste properly. Those concerted efforts play a part in the larger picture and help the state of the ecosystem as a result. However, a few obstacles still get in the way of some people’s habits. Check out these five common myths that keep people from recycling.
While it’s good to assume that you can recycle all of your plastic, the truth is that there are limits to certain types of plastics and how reusable they are. There are seven different classifications of plastic that are good to be aware of. These categories allow others to understand the properties of that specific plastic type and how reusable it is. You can determine what type of plastic an item contains by looking for the three-arrowed symbol. The usual three arrows have a designated number in the middle. That number relates to the types listed below.
Polyethylene terephthalate is a commonly recycled plastic used for soda and water bottles along with different kinds of containers. While this plastic type lasts around five to 10 years, it’s easily usable for most things besides hot liquids.
High-density polyethylene is another commonly recycled plastic used for thicker containers, like milk jugs or shampoo bottles. This plastic lasts nearly 100 years and can take more extreme conditions than PETE plastics.
Polyvinyl chloride isn’t a recycled plastic and doesn’t decompose after a set period. While there are specialized programs to repurpose PVC plastic, only 1 percent is salvageable in the end.
Low-density polyethylene plastic is another kind that you won’t commonly recycle, and plastic wrap and thicker shopping bags contain it. LDPE lasts up to 1,000 years and is durable in high heat and low temperatures.
Polypropylene is common in things like prescription bottles or some car parts, and it lasts up to 30 years. This material is uncommonly recycled, and it can withstand extremely high temperatures but struggles in the cold.
Polystyrene plastics last up to 50 years and are commonly recycled, but the process is difficult and specialized. This material is typically for things like foam cups and egg cartons.
Anything that falls out of the prior categories falls into the others section. Things like baby bottles or CDs are unfortunately not highly recyclable.
Sometimes your contributions to your outdoor recycling bins feel like a drop in the bucket in the grand scheme of things. However, the combined actions of other individuals end up making a bigger splash as a whole. Recycling is one of many methods to help mitigate the consequence of continual material production in other industries. While the world tries to take some measures against companies that leave waste due to their production methods, it’s not always the case for some. When you recycle, you’re preventing unnecessary waste.
These items then go back into the production cycle for consumers and reduce the need for making something brand-new. Conserving the energy needed to create those new items increases the more often people recycle. Big impacts grow slowly over time. While a single water bottle doesn’t feel like a big help, it’s one of many contributions to the environment.
You don’t always need to sort your recyclables. This other recycling method is single-streamed recycling. Single-streamed recycling is when all recyclable materials, such as papers, plastics, and cans, go through the same processing cycle. While this isn’t necessarily the most optimal process, it increases recycling participation the most. When deciding whether to separate your recyclables, the answer is often no, as most processing plants use the single-streamed method.
However, in cases where your local processing plant accepts separate containers, this is the best method to try if you’re willing to put in the work. At the end of the day, most people opt for the single-stream method as it’s less work. Due to single-streamed recycling’s noticeable participation rate compared to separation, communities typically take what they can get. After all, any recycling is better than none at all.
Some recycling centers don’t require individuals to clean their recyclables and take on the task of cleaning for themselves. However, removing the bulk of food residue on your items is still a good idea, as not all centers wash them. It’s not necessary to completely scrub things like water bottles and containers. Instead, giving it a quick rinse or shake is normally enough to get it up to standard.
Luckily, any extra residue left on your recyclables typically won’t mitigate the recycling process. High heat burns most of it off, and anything left is brittle and disappears later down the line. It’s best to clean your recyclable containers lightly, even if your local plant does a fair bit of washing on its own. The less work they need to do, the more likely it is that your waste can find new life as something else after the process ends.
Many people assume they can’t recycle something that has already gone through the recycling process. This isn’t true for some materials. Things like metal and glass can go through the process several times without seeing a decline in quality. Unfortunately, plastic doesn’t always fall within that category. The most important thing to remember is that regardless of its recycling ability, it’s good to dispose of any waste properly. Plastic water bottles have a relatively short lifespan, whereas we can reuse soda cans countless times without fail.
Taking care of the environment and reducing your impact on the ecosystem isn’t always about going out and making drastic changes to your life. By performing small acts through your day-to-day activities, doing your part becomes a thoughtless activity and makes a big impact. These five common myths that keep people from recycling are worth considering the next time you wonder whether it’s worth it to recycle or not.
]]>Practicing recycling in your home or business is a great habit for being more sustainable. However, don’t just toss any old plastic or glass product into the recycling bin. Unfortunately, not all products are recyclable, and you can cause recycling contamination by recycling the wrong materials. To better understand which products are recyclable and which aren’t, here is a quick guide to help you learn how to identify if something is recyclable.
When it comes to identifying if a product is recyclable, you first need to familiarize yourself with the common recycling guidelines and main types of recyclables. Responsible recycling requires a lot of memorization of the individual recyclables and their categories, so it helps to start by exploring the most common types of recycling materials.
Glass recyclables are easy to categorize and sort. You should avoid recycling only a few types of glass. Some recycling services may ask you to sort your glass recyclables by color, but this sorting process usually takes place at the recycling center. If you’re in need of extra outdoor recycling bins for your sorting needs, you can browse our selection here at Trash Cans Depot. Be sure to avoid recycling glass products such as windowpanes, ceramics, light bulbs, and other types of industrial or appliance glass. These products will usually require a specialty recycling service.
Metal recyclables can include everything from aluminum cans to heavy-duty auto parts and building materials. Metals such as steel are some of the most common recycling materials due to this wide spectrum. While most consumers will only produce metal recyclables like tin and aluminum cans, if your business works with metal, consider recycling your scrap metal if you don’t already. Recycling scrap metal and metal parts can help reduce pollution and you may even get paid for your scrap metal in some areas.
Paper is one of the most used recycling materials. We’re lucky that you can recycle many types of paper. From printer paper to spiral notebooks, most types of paper are recyclable. You can also recycle newspapers, books, and more. However, avoid recycling dirtied or greasy paper, especially when it comes to food wastepaper. Waxy paper for files and laminating also does not work with most recycling services. When recycling shredded paper, check with your local recycling service to see if they accept it, as shredded paper can pose problems for some recycling sorters.
Because we use so many different types of plastic, it can be difficult to determine which plastics are recyclable and which aren’t. In fact, some areas have completely different guidelines for plastic recycling than others. Keep reading for a breakdown on the different types of plastic and which are more recyclable than others.
Plastic recycling has its own classification and guidelines. This is because there are so many different varieties and different types of plastic. When plastic products are manufactured, they are labeled with a corresponding symbol and number to make the sorting process easier down the line. Recyclable plastic will feature the universal recycling symbol with a number stamped into the center of the symbol. This number helps identify the type of plastic and is crucial for determining which plastics are recyclable in your area.
Plastic number 1 & 2: Plastic number 1 and number 2 are the categories for polyethylene terephthalate and high-density polyethylene respectively. These two types of plastic are some of the most common recyclable materials. You can find these symbols on plastic products like water bottles, milk jugs, and other food and product containers. After a good cleaning, these plastic items are perfect recycling candidates.
Plastic number 3: Plastic number 3 is known as PVC or polyvinyl chloride. These plastics fall under the “maybe” category as far as recycling is concerned. Residential and commercial recycling services do not often accept PVC plastics for pickup. However, you may be able to find a specialty recycling service that accepts PVC plastic.
Plastic number 4 & 5: Plastic with the number 4 classification is known as LDPE plastic or low-density polyethylene. This type of plastic shows up in everything from food packaging to carpet materials and clothing. Due to their versatile makeup, category 4 plastics are not always accepted by collection services. Number 5 plastic, or polypropylene, is also used in food packaging and utensils. This type of plastic is becoming more widely accepted by recycling services.
Plastic number 6 & 7: Plastic number 6 is the category for polystyrene foam products, which commonly include Styrofoam cups, plates, take-out containers, packing materials, and more. Generally, most residential and commercial recycling services do not accept polystyrene plastic. Use polystyrene products as little as possible and dispose of them in the trash when you do. Plastic number 7 is a general category and contains a wide variety of plastic products, including water cooler jugs, baby bottles, and more. This category contains other plastics and resins that are not commonly recyclable.
Checking your local recycling guidelines is key to understanding which materials are and aren’t recyclable. Some recycling services accept unique types of plastics and other materials. If you live in a residential area or municipality with its own recycling collection, check your community’s website or newsletter for more information on recycling guidelines. If you run a business and utilize a local recycling collection service, check with your service provider directly to clarify which types of plastic and other recyclables they accept.
Now that you know how to classify your recycling materials and how to find out if you can recycle them, committing all this to memory might feel like a daunting task. Help cement these guidelines into your memory by using recycling cheat sheets, charts, and infographics in your home or workplace. Utilizing these educational materials will also help your family or coworkers learn the same responsible recycling habits as well. You can use distinct recycling bins to separate materials, such as different colors of glass or different types of plastic.
When it comes to knowing how to identify if something is recyclable, all you need to do is follow your local guidelines and keep these general classifications in mind. If you have a question about a specific recycling material, reach out to your local recycling provider. And if you need resources for separating your recycling materials such as the assorted colors of glass or types of plastic, check out our selection of recycling receptacles here at Trash Cans Depot.
]]>Now that consumers are spending more time outside this summer, many business owners and community leaders are focused on improving their public outdoor spaces. One of the most effective ways to keep your outdoor space clean and litter-free is to implement outdoor trash cans. However, you can’t just use any old trash receptacle outdoors. Keep reading to learn how to properly utilize outdoor trash cans in public spaces and which types of receptacles to choose.
The first step to properly utilizing your outdoor trash cans is to pick the right type of material for your environment. When it comes to outdoor garbage cans, this usually means selecting a bin material that is durable and resistant to the most extreme weather conditions in your area. There are many material options available for outdoor use, including plastic, metal, composite, stone, and more. Plastic garbage cans are traditionally used residentially, although this material might not be sturdy enough for public use. Metal garbage cans, such as stainless steel receptacles, are ideal for public use thanks to their sturdiness and weight, which helps them stand up to strong winds and other weather conditions. Be sure to weigh the pros and cons of each material before choosing your public trash cans.
The next most important factor when selecting a public outdoor trash can is the size of the receptacle. To avoid overflow and accidentally creating a littering issue, it’s important to choose a trash receptacle large enough to accommodate your outdoor space and the anticipated number of patrons. On the other hand, you don’t want to place a large trash can in a low-traffic area, or it could become an eyesore. Don’t install a garbage can that is too large for your space, either. Consider how many people might use your garbage cans daily, how often you would be able to empty them, and how much space you have available. Examining each of these factors can help you determine whether you need a small (20–30 gallon), medium (40–60 gallon), or large (65–90 gallon) garbage can.
You might not need to choose garbage receptacles that are on the larger side if you plan to space out several garbage cans around your outdoor area. In fact, this is the best practice to prevent littering and encourage proper recycling and waste management habits. The likelihood of your patrons littering and contaminating your recyclables will increase the further they must go to find a garbage can. Make sure your garbage cans are easy to locate, and provide an adequate number of them throughout your outdoor property or venue. The number of trash cans you need will depend on the property size; for example, an outdoor park or venue will require many more receptacles than the space outside a storefront.
Where you place your outdoor trash cans is just as important as their size and the number you have available. You could have the perfect number of trash cans, but if they’re located in the wrong areas, they won’t be any more effective. The most prominent place to start is high-traffic areas, where garbage cans are likely to fill up faster. Set up several garbage cans in those high-traffic areas so the trash is spread equally amongst several receptacles. While you don’t need quite as many trash cans in more remote areas of your property, such as hiking trails, you should still place the occasional garbage can in these spaces. If patrons don’t see any waste disposal options in the more remote areas, they may turn to littering.
Pay special attention to the proximity of your trash cans and recycling bins. If your business or organization participates in recycling, always position a recycling bin next to or near your garbage cans. Otherwise, you could end up with recycling contamination when consumers throw their garbage in recycling bins and vice versa. As previously mentioned, try to keep the distance between garbage cans to a minimum if you want to crack down on littering.
Your outdoor trash and recycling receptacles won’t be of much use if they’re constantly overflowing with rubbish. If you’re experiencing this issue, consider emptying your garbage cans regularly throughout the week or scheduling your trash pickups more frequently. If you’re still experiencing trash can overflow despite more frequent emptying, this is a clear sign you need to upgrade your bin size or add more bins to the area.
Another way to prevent recycling contamination and littering is to clearly differentiate between your garbage and recycling bins. Labeling and color-coding your waste and recycling receptacles can have a significant impact on decreasing contamination between trash and recycling. Along with labeling, you could also choose garbage and recycling receptacles that feature their respective easily recognized imagery to assist patrons and guests who might not be fluent in the native language.
If you’re concerned that adding outdoor garbage cans to your property or venue will ruin your aesthetic value and curb appeal, try the following tips to restore balance. You can always choose receptacle colors that match your business or organization’s branding so they fit right in alongside other installations. Another option is to invest in garbage can enclosures that disguise your garbage cans behind a wall, fence, or small shed. But keep in mind that many commercial outdoor trash cans are designed with appearance in mind. Overall, a sleek garbage receptacle will look much better on your curb than a pile of litter would.
Now that you know how to properly utilize outdoor trash cans in public spaces, you can get to work beautifying your outdoor spaces and preventing litter. If you're looking for proper outdoor garbage cans to add to your venue, you can find a wide selection of outdoor trash receptacles here at Trash Cans Depot. We’ll help you find an outdoor trash can in the best size and material for your outdoor space.
]]>Commercial recycling is changing and evolving year after year, which is promising for waste management efforts. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic altered and set back recycling; however, 2022 trends show that recycling efforts have come back with a vengeance. If you’re curious how the state of recycling looks in 2022 and what methods companies are utilizing to transform the industry, explore five new recycling technology trends below.
One of the biggest influences on recycling trends in the past few years has been the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID crisis led to an increase in recycling contamination and a decline in recycling altogether as consumers’ lifestyles changed drastically. Now, over two years later in 2022, consumers have had time to adjust to life at home and old recycling habits. Additionally, businesses and venues are more health and sanitation-conscious now than ever, and many companies are stepping up their recycling programs.
Additionally, due to the need for technology and digital spaces during the pandemic, our society is now utilizing digital resources and materials more than physical ones. With many people still working from home, paper documents are being traded for digital files that you can easily send across the web.
Electronic waste or “e-waste” is a huge issue in modern times. Without the proper recycling and repair strategies, lots of electronics end up in landfills, where their components break down into toxic materials. These toxic materials can leak back into our environment if we’re not careful, which is why proper recycling methods for e-waste are so important. Fortunately, recycling and repair for electronics are on the rise. More companies, such as Apple, are switching to more sustainable strategies for their electronics. Apple plans to make repair kits and manuals available for their products. Customers can easily access these resources to prolong the life of their electronics. Additionally, Apple and other electronics companies are finding success in refurbishing and reselling electronics at a discounted price. This not only promotes a culture of reuse, but it also makes technology more accessible and affordable for all.
Plastic is one of the trickiest materials to recycle. While many recycled plastics are re-manufactured to create new plastic bottles, containers, and even artificial lumber, there is still room for improvement. To break the plastic cycle, many companies are experimenting with different technologies to help recycle plastic more effectively. For example, PureCycle Technologies is a chemicals company that is developing a recycling process that would remove color, odor, and contaminants from plastic recyclables to create reusable materials. The goal of this process is to create pure, recycled polypropylene and resin that we can utilize in other manufacturing processes besides re-creating plastics. Plastics are one of the most generated materials in the world, so a more efficient process for recycling them could expedite recycling processes and keep more materials out of landfills.
The Internet of Things is the concept of physical objects with data processing abilities. These systems feature unique identifiers or “UIDs” that transfer data over an internet connection and don’t usually require human interaction. Using embedded sensors, devices connected to the Internet of Things can exchange information automatically to collect data and analyze results. Many modern-day appliances and applications can connect to the Internet of Things. Items like your refrigerator, thermostat, cars, and electronics can utilize this technology. But why stop there?
Some companies are using sensors in garbage receptacles to streamline recycling and waste management. The use of the Internet of Things for waste management can help haulers and waste facilities understand recycling trends and where there are still areas needing improvement. This technology can help facilities understand who is recycling and who isn’t, allowing them to target and educate problem areas.
Entire municipalities are also getting in on the recycling technology trends of 2022. The pandemic has changed the way entire cities think about recycling. The recycling and waste issues of 2020 caused cities to rethink their strategies and led to increased interest in refreshing their recycling programs. For this reason, many municipalities are exploring diverse ways to educate citizens and build engagement surrounding recycling habits. Cities have turned to digital solutions such as online fundraising platforms and social media to spread the word. With the rise in social media use due to the pandemic, municipalities are targeting their communities and citizens through media we all use daily. Cities are also exploring local recycling advancements, such as using RFID chips in recyclables to illustrate how to dispose of them.
Using social media like the communities from this trend is an effective way to start reaching out to your own community. If your city has a digital newsletter, email list, or other digital means of contact, these are also great ways to spread the news as well. The first step to recycling change is to educate your community members—make sure they understand waste issues, why recycling is so important, and how they can help. Once you’ve educated the public, the next step is to provide them with the tools that they can utilize. For example, consider increasing your public trash and recycling bins throughout town. You could also start local composting piles or set up an e-waste collection center where members can drop off their appliances.
While some of these innovative 2022 technologies are still under development, there are strategies you can utilize in your own community to promote change. Recycling efforts start person-by-person and community-by-community, so do what you can as a company or community leader to promote better recycling habits in your area. And if you’re looking for tools to help you crack down on recycling habits, consider investing in new commercial recycling bins for your community. Here at Trash Cans Depot, we offer a wide selection of recycling bins with clear markings to encourage proper recycling and prevent contamination. Promote recycling in your community by making it easier and more convenient through more receptacles.
]]>No office or workplace is complete without the right waste management features. Having sufficient garbage cans helps eliminate littering in your workplace, while recycling bins help create an eco-friendly environment. However, not all trash and recycling bins are the same; some models might work great in your office, while others may not. Learn how to choose the right trash and recycling bins for your office or workspace with these tips.
When committing to waste receptacles for your business and office, don’t blindly choose the first garbage can and recycling bin you find online. Noting the factors below during your browsing process can help you choose the best waste and recycling models for your workplace. Read on to learn what to look for in the right waste receptacles.
The first step to choosing the right garbage can for your space is determining where your office needs garbage and recycling access the most. Often, high-traffic areas like the kitchen, break rooms, and entryways are hot spots for littering due to a lack of waste receptacles. Consider which areas of your building have some of the highest employee foot traffic and equip these areas with sufficient trash and recycling options.
You might also want to consider outdoor waste collection options if your business features an outdoor space for breaks, lunch, meetings, etc. Most outdoor garbage and recycling cans utilize sturdy materials to hold up against natural conditions like wind, sunlight, and other weather conditions. When you start browsing waste receptacles for your office, be sure to note whether the bin is an indoor or outdoor model.
Once you know the location and placement of your garbage can, understanding its application and usage goes hand and hand. Will your garbage or recycling bin go in the kitchen for food scraps and waste? Will it sit beside your desk and collect paper and other office supplies? Some waste receptacles are better suited for certain applications than others. How you intend to use your garbage bin will affect other factors you should consider, such as its material, shape, size, and even something as simple as the bin’s color.
You’ll find garbage cans and recycling bins in a variety of material options. However, there are three main construction materials for these waste containers: plastic, metals, and stone. Each material will lend itself best to different conditions, locations, and more. For example, stone garbage cans are incredibly sturdy and durable, so most workplaces situate them for outdoor use in high-traffic areas. Metal garbage cans are also durable and resistant to wear and tear, like stains and scratches. Metal cans are often the best choice for use in office kitchens and break rooms where food is present due to their ease of cleaning. Plastic garbage cans are also resistant to most wear and tear, though they are more likely to absorb odors. That characteristic is why buyers don’t often use plastic bins in kitchens and other spaces where food is present around the office.
Your personal style will come into play while selecting the shape of your chosen bin. The shape of a trash can or recycling bin can be just as much of a functional choice as it is an aesthetic one.
The shape that you choose can also impact how employees and guests interact with it. The size and shape of the openings for waste disposal can make a substantial difference in the effectiveness of your waste container. For example, when employees pass by in a hurry, they don’t want to spend precious moments trying to feed their trash into a small opening. When choosing a garbage can or recycling bin, especially for high-traffic areas, consider its ease of use as well.
The size of your garbage cans and recycling bins is one of the most crucial factors to consider when making your choice. Like the shape, the bin’s size will impact the ease of use for both you and your employees.
If you choose a waste receptacle that is too small, you’ll find that the bin collects garbage or recycling too quickly and starts to overflow often. This issue means you’ll need to collect the trash and replace the bag more frequently, which can be inconvenient for your team. On the other hand, choosing a receptacle that is too big for your office can be an eyesore and take up unnecessary space. Consider how much use your garbage can or recycling bin might endure and choose a size from there.
You might not expect it, but color has a surprising influence on our waste disposal habits. We often associate certain colors with specific methods of waste disposal. For example, many recycling receptacles are blue in offices, communities, and at home. We associate colors like blue and green with recycling and eco-friendly practices, so choose these colors for your recycling receptacles to subconsciously encourage recycling efforts. Colors also play into the aesthetic values of your office—try matching your garbage can colors to your company’s branding to brighten up your workplace.
While the factors for choosing waste receptacles above apply to both garbage cans and recycling bins, you should also consider ways to differentiate your garbage and recycling. Don’t choose garbage cans and recycling bins in the same colors, as this can lead to confusion and recycling contamination.
Recycling contamination occurs when items that usually belong in the garbage mix in with recycling. These items are harder to sort out and can even lead to entire batches of recyclables going to waste. Choose recycling receptacles with clear prompts and labels to encourage good recycling practices.
Choosing the proper waste receptacles is important for any business. The right garbage and recycling bins can help reduce the chances of littering in your building and promote responsible waste management habits like eco-friendly recycling. Remember the factors above to help you choose the right trash and recycling bins for your office. Start and end your search for the perfect waste receptacles here at Trash Cans Depot, where we offer the best in wholesale trash cans and recycling options.
]]>Have you ever wondered how your local government plays a role in sustainability and tackling issues such as littering and recycling? Well, it turns out that your local government, state government, and federal government are all making strides to improve waste management practices in your community and across the country. Keep reading to find out how government programs are advancing waste management and making strides to be more sustainable on multiple government levels. You might have already noticed some of these changes in your own community at one point or heard about them in the news.
Waste management advancements and changes must start somewhere. Without clear goals and plans to achieve them, government programs wouldn’t be able to get far off the ground. Fortunately, according to websites and government institutions like the EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency), we can see clear plans and even some examples that are starting to be implemented along the way. Many goals start at the community level, where a lot of waste management operations take place, such as goals for diverting waste from landfills or committing to a zero-waste goal and plan. Several states across the country are already starting to see positive changes.
One place that government programs want to start is at the collection level of waste management. These changes begin at the residential and municipal level as local governments adjust for better waste management practices. For example, some cities are starting to expand their waste pickup collections to encompass recyclables where they weren’t collecting these materials before. The small town of Cartersville, GA, adopted a curbside recycling program in 2012 after the city funded the residential recycling program. This shows that even small cities can expand their sustainability efforts through their local government programs.
Composting is one major way that we can separate reusable materials from landfill waste, keeping more materials out of methane-producing landfills. And increasing numbers of government programs are starting to realize the potential of composting. Another goal of residential government programs is to expand existing waste collections to include composting pickups. From California to New York, cities across the country are adopting compost collections as a part of their local trash pickups. Some cities are even seeing a reduction in solid waste tonnage by over 30%, such as in the case of Hamilton, MA. Collections are also taking place in high composting-generating businesses, such as restaurants and grocery stores.
Change doesn’t happen overnight; government institutions understand this. Some businesses and facilities might not understand the importance of waste management advancements. Even if they do, some businesses might not know where to start or how they can improve their sustainability efforts. This is why government programs are also extending help to educate businesses and other institutions on waste management practices. These programs provide technical training and assistance to businesses and event coordinators for settings such as sports stadiums, hotel conferences, and even private venues. For example, the city of Eugene, OR, worked with Olympic organizing committees to make the 2012 Olympic Trials a zero-waste event.
Waste management programs are important for building sustainable habits and protecting the planet, but they can also impact smaller city goals, such as sanitation and beautification. Littering is a common concern in almost every community or venue. Trash and litter piling up along the side of the road can be unsanitary at worst and unsightly at best. And some cities, such as New York, have a reputation for littering. This is exactly what New York officials have been focusing attention on in recent months. As of April 2022, the Mayor of New York pledged funding to the Department of Sanitation to place commercial outdoor trash cans in places where trash bags collect on city streets. This is just one step that cities are taking to look and feel more sanitary and tackle littering issues.
Some communities may not be able to extend recycling and composting collections to the entire community. Other times, collections might just be out of the budget for smaller towns. In these cases, some communities are expanding their waste management programs to feature a variety of drop-off facilities. These types of drop-off facilities support recyclables, compost materials, electronic waste, and more. Previously, a community member’s only option to properly dispose of these items may have been to ship them out to participating recycling services. However, opening community drop-off centers offers convenience and a new avenue of disposal, especially for larger, bulkier items that would be hard to ship. Electronic waste like computers, monitors, televisions, consoles, and more can damage the environment when incorrectly sent to landfills, so supporting pick-up facilities is a great step in the right direction.
Finally, these government programs are a fantastic way to promote better waste disposal habits, but the only way to see any real change is to get the entire community involved. Just because the right disposal options are present doesn’t mean people will use them. That is why providing community outreach and education is the final goal of government outreach programs in the waste management field. Government programs are providing informational content for community websites, directories, venues, events, and more. This helps communities set up educational events with the right materials. From there, the community can start to set up their own neighborhood composting centers, workshops, and more.
These are just some examples of how government programs are advancing waste management. Government institutions like the EPA are keeping track of these positive changes and further implementing what works. Thanks to these efforts, you might be able to see changes in your own community soon or read about them in a local newsletter.
Here at Trash Cans Depot, we also offer communities and businesses opportunities to advance their waste management habits in the form of sustainable trash and recycling receptacles. Find the perfect trash or recycling bin to prevent litter and boost sustainability at your business or venue!
]]>Do you notice nasty odors consistently coming from your home or business’s garbage cans? These odors can make living at home or working in the office unpleasant and uncomfortable. Don’t continue to put up with these unpleasant smells—learn eight ways to deal with bad smells from your trash can.
If you notice your garbage cans at home or in the office starting to smell unpleasant very quickly, you may need to increase how often you take out the trash. If your smelly trash cans are in a very high-traffic area such as your kitchen or a common room, they will collect garbage fast. If this excess garbage sits for too long in the bin, its odor will start to spread throughout the room.
Whether you empty your own bins at home or have a hired cleaning service empty your cans in the office, try increasing the frequency of your dumpster runs to solve your stinky bin problem.
Throwing waste directly into your trash can indirectly cause waste odors to linger in your home or office. Even the sturdiest garbage bins will start to absorb food and waste odors after a certain time. This fact is especially true if you use plastic bins at home.
Lining your garbage cans with trash bags before throwing trash in provides a buffer between the waste and your trash can, which helps cut down on odor absorption. Garbage receptacles can still absorb odors over time, but garbage bags significantly delay this process. You can even find scented or deodorized trash bags that can help reduce the smell of garbage as they collect it.
Even after using garbage bags, your trash cans will start to absorb odors after prolonged periods of use. This issue could be due to your bags tearing or ripping, garbage spills, or unavoidable simply scent absorption over time. After enough use, you’ll either need to deep clean your trash can to address the smell or replace it.
You should try to regularly clean your garbage can to keep it fresh and to promote the most hygienic conditions. Disinfecting wipes and sprays that include bleach are effective at killing bacteria and removing spills and stains hiding inside your garbage bin.
Some garbage cans will start to smell more rapidly due to the types of trash and waste they collect. For example, a trash can in your home or business’s kitchen area will have a stronger odor due to the food waste you toss into it. Fortunately, you can combat some of these food smell sources by separating your compostable materials from the rest of the waste.
Try starting a composting bin for excess food scraps such as eggshells, fruit and vegetable peels, and more. Keeping these items out of your garbage cans will help you reduce occupied capacity in your receptacles and help keep some of the odor down. You can even add other household and business composting materials to the pile, such as paper scraps and yard waste.
You may have heard of leaving an open box of baking soda in your refrigerator to help reduce food odors. Well, you can apply the same method to your garbage can to tackle unpleasant odors. You can leave the box of baking soda at the bottom of your trash can underneath the bag or you can create smaller baking soda sachets to save room.
To create a quick and easy sachet, place small coffee filters flat and fill them with baking soda, then tie the coffee filter off with a rubber band or string. Place these smaller packs at the bottom of each garbage can—just remember to replace them each month so they remain effective.
If you have an essential oil collection at home, you can use these oils in several ways to stop a smelly garbage can. Essential oils are an effective and safe way to add a fresh scent and keep your garbage bins smelling fragrant instead of unpleasant.
You can diffuse essential oils into a deodorizing spray by adding distilled water, white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and your favorite essential oils to a spray bottle. Use this mixture as you add garbage to your can to keep it from smelling. Alternatively, you can also try soaking a cotton ball in essential oils and dropping it into the bottom of the garbage bag or can itself.
Coffee grounds and beans have a strong aroma that is ideal for absorbing and masking other smells. Many perfume or candle shops use coffee beans as a “reset button” while sampling scents. You can utilize coffee beans in the same way at home or in the office.
Use coffee beans or coffee grounds as a base layer for your garbage or compost pile. The nutty and strong scent of coffee will overpower the odor of the garbage or waste. Used coffee grounds also make great composting material in general, so don’t skimp on adding these to your pile.
There are plenty of extra DIY deodorizers that you can find scattered around your home besides coffee grounds and essential oils. It might surprise you to learn that cat litter makes a good DIY deodorizer. After all, cat litter helps cut down on odors in your cat’s litter box, right? If you have a cat at home, utilize some of their clean litter at the bottom of your garbage bag. The litter will clump to absorb moisture and odors from the waste.
Another simple home remedy for smelly garbage cans is to use dryer sheets. Place one or two dryer sheets at the bottom of your garbage can or bag to add a fresh scent and deodorize pungent smells.
If you notice strong waste odors coming from your trash can consistently, it might be time to upgrade your home or business’s garbage can. Shop at Trash Cans Depot for commercial indoor trash cans to start fresh with a new receptacle. With your replacement on hand, you can put these eight ways to deal with bad smells from your trash can to use and protect your brand-new bin from future odors.
]]>Recycling is a topic that all of us learn about in grade school, but we often don’t learn much about the recycling process itself. We grow up learning about the importance of recycling, but do you know what happens to your recyclables after they are successfully collected and hauled away? If you’ve ever wondered how recycling centers process materials, keep reading to get a better understanding of how the everyday items you recycle can be processed and converted into new products and materials.
Every time you add to a recycling bin at home, your business, or a venue, you’re contributing to the recycling process. Technically, this is the first step to the recycling process. When it comes to processing those recyclables, there are three main steps along the way:
As mentioned, there are many different types of processing facilities where recyclables might end up for sorting and processing. For example, a materials recovery facility (or MRF) prepares recycling materials for buying and selling to end buyers. Another example of a unique processing facility is a paper processing facility or mill, which specifically handles paper products in the recycling process. Some recyclables also head straight to manufacturing facilities after the decontamination and cleaning process. There are also specific facilities dedicated to glass and plastic processing, known as reclaimers.
The recycling separating process can vary between each recycling company. Some recycling processors work exclusively on a single-stream or double-stream recycling method, which changes the way the recycling is sorted at the beginning of the process. A single-stream sorting process means that all recyclables go into one bin and start at the same place. Machines or employees at the processing plant will then sort each different type of recyclable. A double-stream sorting process means that recyclables are already sorted when they arrive at the facility. Many double-stream recycling companies will provide their clients with separate paper receptacles to keep these materials separate from plastic, glass, and other materials.
Depending on whether a facility uses single-stream or double-stream recycling methods, paper processing may start differently at certain plants. During the separation stage, workers will monitor conveyor belts to pick out any metal or plastic materials that may have mistakenly made their way into the mix. Once sorted, paper products move on to the paper mill. The first step in the paper milling process is to place the products into a hot water bath, which breaks it down into paper pulp. The milling process then filters the paper pulp, removing any remaining ink and glue impurities. When no ink or impurities are left, the paper pulp is filtered and prepared for manufacturing.
Once glass materials are separated from the rest of the recyclables in a plant, they must also be separated again by color. Certain types of glass possess different additives which give the material its color. Workers or automated machines will separate glass into separate groups based on clear glass or colored glass like shades of blue, brown, and green. Once separated, the glass continues along the processing system, where equipment will crush it into smaller, more workable pieces. Finally, machines melt down the glass at a low temperature so that it can be molded and shaped into new glass bottles and other products.
During the recycling process, many plants utilize magnetic strips to collect magnetic materials such as steel that wind up along the recycling conveyors. Steel is one example of a very recyclable metal. It can be melted down and reformed into recycled steel products. Many metal processors and manufacturers collect their scrap metals and steel for recycling processing.
Aluminum is another common metal that you can find in recycling processing plants. Workers and automated machines sort aluminum cans and other products along the way. These aluminum products make their way to another part of the facility where shredders chop them into smaller pieces. Small pieces like these are easier to melt. Machines pour the melted aluminum into molds, which will become new aluminum products for manufacturing.
There are many distinct types of plastic that wind up in recycling bins and collections. In total, there are seven different types of plastics that need to be sorted at a recycling center. Some plants have advanced infrared technology that can sort these distinct types of plastic automatically. However, some plants still utilize employees for plastic sorting. Certain types of plastics release toxins when melted, so they cannot be processed like some of the above materials. These plastics need to be chopped up and utilized in other ways. However, some plastics can still be reformed into recycled plastic bottles for reuse.
With each different type of recyclable material comes a unique way to process it. We hope this brief exploration into the recycling process helps answer your question, “How do recycling centers process materials?” Encourage your own community or business to contribute to the recycling effort by providing ample recycling receptacles on your property. You can browse our selection of commercial recycling bins here at Trash Cans Depot to find the right recycling bin for your business or outdoor space.
]]>Are you experiencing littering problems and recycling contamination at your workplace, public area, or venue? It can be difficult to encourage customers, citizens, and patrons to change their ways and practice better disposal and recycling habits, but there are a few small changes you can make to get started. Discover the effects of prompts and bin proximity on recycling and how they can positively impact community recycling habits. You might be surprised by the impact that educational prompts and more receptacles can have on your business, park, or venue!
You might be wondering what we mean by recycling “prompts.” Recycling prompts are any sort of informational media that helps make recycling easier or advocates for recycling efforts. Recycling prompts could include short, informative pieces of media that center on recycling facts and education. A simple way to make use of recycling prompts is to hang information above or nearby recycling receptacles, especially in public places where the information will be seen by numerous people. Posters, hanging signs, and even audio and video recordings can serve as recycling prompts to convey information about recycling at the source.
We all learn about recycling and the “Three Rs” in school, but beyond these basic teachings, many of us don’t grasp the full extent of recycling procedures and best practices. This is where recycling prompts come in handy, especially in public places. They help educate those of us who aren’t familiar with the best recycling practices. They also serve as a reminder for those who mindlessly dispose of trash and recycling in the wrong receptacles. Professional studies conducted on college campuses show that the presence of recycling prompts increases the amount of recycling in proper receptacles. This is a powerful tool to not only increase recycling efforts but, also to decrease the amount of recycling contamination that takes place in certain locations.
Bin proximity to high-traffic areas and places where littering occurs has a major impact on recycling efforts. Patrons of buildings, parks, and other venues are less likely to hold onto litter and recyclables for extended periods. Without both trash and recycling receptacles nearby, the chances of littering and trash or recycling contamination increase. Littering can occur in both indoor and outdoor locations if patrons don’t have access to multiple garbage and recycling disposal options. Even if you do offer several disposal options, errors can still occur without clear markings. Without clear signage and prompts, visitors may confuse garbage and recycling receptacles with one another, which further leads to contamination.
Trash and recycling contamination occurs when either items that could be recycled end up in the trash, or when non-recyclable items make their way into recycling receptacles. Recycling contamination is particularly damaging to sustainability efforts. The presence of enough waste items in a load of recycling could end up sending the whole batch to a landfill, even though some items qualify to be recycled. Waste products like plastic bags and other non-recyclables could also impact the recycling sorting process. These items could damage machinery, slowing and delaying recycling the recycling sorting process.
When it comes to bin proximity, the key is to pair recycling bins and garbage cans. With clear markings of which receptacle is which and educational prompts outlining trash versus recycling materials, the chances of contamination decrease significantly. Proximity of garbage and recycling receptacles not only applies to the distance from high-traffic areas to receptacles, but also to the proximity of garbage cans and recycling bins themselves. Because patrons are more likely to contaminate trash or recycling when they don’t have close access to the proper bins, it’s important to pair up garbage and recycling bins and keep them close by. This gives patrons the opportunity to sort their garbage and recyclables in one place, rather than disposing of one right away and navigating to another spot to dispose of the other.
Overall, the combination of recycling prompts and shortened proximity to high-traffic areas is enough to increase recycling efforts in various locations. However, this will only work when placing recycling bins and garbage cans near each other—otherwise, garbage and recycling contamination may occur. On their own, proximity of disposal options and recycling prompts both help increase recycling efforts. However, you can combine these methods for best results. You can decrease the distance between your disposal receptacles by placing more garbage and recycling cans at your venue and closing the distance between each station. Couple this with nearby posters or other recycling prompts, and you’ll have even better odds of keeping your venue clean and increasing recycling weight.
After hearing how bin proximity and recycling prompts work together, you might be interested in stocking up on these resources for your venue. You can find clear recycling information, outlines, and other resources detailed on the EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) website. Use these resources in the creation of posters and other recycling prompt media. If you’re looking to increase your recycling receptacle options, browse our lineup of commercial recycling bins and more here at Trash Cans Depot. You can find clear, well-marked recycling and trash receptacles to increase the disposal options at your venue. Combine these two resources, and you should notice decreases in your venue’s recycling contamination and littering.
We hope this article helped further explain what recycling prompts and proximity are and how they affect recycling habits. Now that you understand the effects of prompts and bin proximity on recycling, you can use these strategies to improve your venue’s sustainability and recycling efforts. With a few minor changes to your business, park, or venue, you can significantly reduce littering and improve your carbon footprint by promoting better recycling habits. These changes also cut down on recycling contamination, which helps you contribute to recycling efforts and keeps unnecessary waste out of landfills. You’ll be able to breathe easily knowing your business or venue is doing what it can to promote more sustainable habits.
]]>When it comes to starting or maintaining a business, one simple detail that people often overlook is their commercial garbage cans. Are you currently stocking your office, lobby, or warehouse with just any old trash bins you could find? If so, you’re not getting the most out of these receptacles, and they won’t serve your business very well. Several factors should go into choosing a trash can for your business, such as the material. Discover the answer to the question, “Should your business use plastic or steel trash cans?” and more deciding factors below.
When choosing between plastic and metal garbage cans, you may not know the differences each can make in your workplace. There are several factors that make each trash can different and explain why some models may work better in a certain workspace than others. While selecting the ideal garbage cans for your business, consider the following factors to determine which type of trash can will work best in your space.
Certain trash cans have different levels of durability depending on their material. The two main types of materials that give garbage receptacles their structure are metal and plastic, and each of these materials proves to be quite durable. While you might automatically label metal bins as the sturdier options, modern plastics used in these receptacles are quite sturdy as well. Many plastic garbage can models are designed to avoid scratches, dents, and rust, which is one area where they prove superior over metal cans. Stainless steel and other metals are more durable overall, but they are only rust-resistant, so if you’re planning to keep them in a moist environment, plastic may be your best choice.
Plastic and metal garbage can models come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit into any space in your workplace. When it comes to office work, you may not need any more than a personal, plastic garbage can for each desk. On the other hand, smaller cans will require more frequent emptying if they see quite a bit of use each day. Keep this in mind, especially if you’re leaning toward metal garbage cans, which can be bulkier and more difficult to maneuver. Small garbage cans will be easier to maneuver, regardless of material, though they will fill up faster. Larger garbage cans may be preferable, especially in high-traffic areas where they will see a lot of use.
Location is another key factor in choosing plastic or steel garbage cans. Picture where you wish to place each trash receptacle in your workspace. Using the previous example again, in an office space, all you might need is a small plastic garbage can for each desk. However, plastic may not be ideal in all areas. Plastic garbage cans tend to absorb food odors after some time, so a plastic garbage can might not be ideal in a workspace kitchen, for example. In this case, choose a steel model with a closing lid to keep food odors under control. With the help of a lid to block food odors, you won’t need to change your garbage bag out as frequently either.
Whether you will be placing your garbage cans inside or outside your business is another factor to consider. For outdoor garbage cans, you will need a durable, weather-resistant receptacle to last against the wear and tear of the elements. If your business is situated in an area surrounded by wildlife, you may also want to invest in critter-proof garbage cans. Indoor garbage cans don’t need to account for the same wear and tear, which means you have more options when it comes to choosing your commercial indoor trash cans.
If you still don’t have a distinct picture of the best trash can for your business, it might help to weigh the pros and cons of the two distinct types. Some of the benefits of choosing a plastic trash can include the fact that they’re lightweight, easy to maneuver, and easy to clean. However, you might want to avoid storing them in certain areas where passersby often dispose of food, as plastic can absorb food odors after some time. Plastic bins are ideal for smaller spaces, but they may need emptying more often. You will find many uses for a plastic trash bin around any workplace.
Stainless steel and metal trash cans have their pros and cons as well. While there are many durable plastic bins on the market, metal trash bins are typically regarded as more durable and sturdier, which makes them great for both indoor and outdoor use. Stainless steel cans also come in a variety of sizes, which means they can accommodate various workspaces, from offices to factories. Some metal trash cans may be prone to rust, so be sure to keep these models away from any water sources or humid environments.
Now that you have a better idea of which trash can is right for your business, where do you find such a variety of receptacles? Fortunately, you can find everything you’re looking for right here at Trash Cans Depot. We carry a wide variety of trash and recycling bins, from stainless steel to plastic models. Whether you’re looking for indoor bins or reinforced outdoor garbage cans, you can find them all here at Trash Cans Depot. Browse different styles, materials, sizes, and more, all in one place.
We hope this deep dive into the differences between garbage cans has helped answer the question, “Should your business use plastic or steel trash cans?” Every workspace has different requirements and needs to fill, which is why you shouldn’t choose any old garbage can you find at the general store. That is why there are so many different types of garbage cans to choose from. Now that you know what variety you’re looking for, find the garbage can that works best for your business here at Trash Cans Depot.
]]>Does your city or municipality have a newly established park in need of trash disposal solutions? Or maybe you’re experiencing a littering problem at one of your current parks or other outdoor recreational areas. Either way, make sure you choose the right type of garbage disposal receptacle for your location. There are many factors that go into choosing the right type of receptacle for your outdoor location, like size, style, and more. Don’t get stuck with a garbage can that doesn’t work for your park—make sure you know the seven things to consider when buying municipal park trash cans when you go to make your purchase.
How do you choose the right trash can for your municipal park? With so many options when it comes to commercial trash cans, it can be difficult to choose the right model for your location. Break down your purchase by considering the various aspects of a trash receptacle that you need and what would be fitting for your park.
You may not think that trash cans have much variety at first, but you’ll quickly discover while shopping around that there is a plethora of options available, especially when it comes to outdoor ones. Therefore, your choice matters when choosing the right models for your park. For example, the size of your trash cans will directly impact how effective they are for your trash collection goals. Consider the size of your park and how many people visit each day. You need trash receptacles that will be able to accommodate this volume of patrons without overflowing. Larger cans will be able to hold more trash and won’t require you to empty them as frequently.
The number of trash and recycling receptacles you feature in your municipal park will directly influence the success of your trash collection or recycling program. The more units you have scattered around the park, the less likely patrons will be to litter. Properly throwing away trash or recycling materials in their proper units often boils down to convenience for the average park visitor. People don’t want to have to hold onto their trash all day until they find a garbage can. Having multiple garbage disposal options helps prevent this littering urge and brings convenience to your park guests. This is why the number of units you feature in your park is so important to the success of your program.
If your municipal park is prone to wild animal visitors like raccoons, squirrels, or even bears, you’ll want to choose garbage cans that offer protection from these intruders. Manufacturers know how much of a problem raccoons and other wildlife can be, so they craft specialty locking trash bins that even the most determined creatures can’t penetrate. Consider these types of bins for your more wooded or other animal-prone park areas.
The durability of your garbage cans is also important. Garbage cans in high-traffic areas tend to receive a lot of wear and tear with repeated use. Make sure you choose a sturdy model for some of the more popular areas of your park. Most outdoor garbage cans are designed with weather in mind, but also consider the climate of your municipality when choosing garbage can models. For example, you’ll need a particularly bulky model if your park experiences high winds or storms often.
Beyond selecting the right type of trash receptacles for your municipal park, you also need to consider certain factors about these units and their relationship with the park itself. There are several factors to consider about the park before you start installing your new garbage cans around the park itself. Some of these factors below will also help you determine which units to choose, so you should take these factors into consideration as well before making your full trash cans purchase.
Similar to how the number of trash cans affects your patrons’ littering habits, so will the placement of your trash cans. Now that you have decided on a suitable number of bins, make sure to place them effectively throughout your park. When planning your trash can placement, first target high-traffic areas like popular paths and seating areas. These areas will see the most littering without adequate garbage disposal options, so make sure to stock these places. But don’t neglect the areas that are off the beaten path in your park either. When folks venture out to the corners of your park, they may be the most likely to litter in these areas due to their remoteness. Make sure that you account for garbage needs throughout the whole park.
Finally, you still need to make sure that your park garbage can choices fit within the range of your municipality’s budget. Many cities have a waste management budget, and garbage receptacles fit into that category. There are plenty of sources to shop for affordable waste management options online; you just need to know where to look.
Fortunately, you can find commercial outdoor trash cans that would be perfect for your municipal park right here at Trash Cans Depot. We provide a variety of assorted styles, sizes, strengths, and more to suit all your park’s needs. You’ll also find trash cans in a spectrum of price ranges that will fit any city’s budget. Peruse the options available while you consider the above deciding factors.
If your city or municipality needs additional trash receptacles for a local park, don’t forget to consider which type of trash cans will best fit the needs of the area. You don’t want to be stuck with a receptacle that’s constantly overflowing with trash because it’s too small or one that wild animals easily break into. Now that you are armed with these seven things to consider when buying municipal park trash cans, you can be assured that you’ve chosen the best option for your park. Trash Cans Depot will provide all the best outdoor trash cans, whatever your municipality’s needs.
]]>For many community members, choosing whether to recycle comes down to ease of access. Accessibility is a crucial factor for recycling programs and one your community should consider. If you want to promote recycling in your city better, start by examining the accessibility of your recycling program. If it falls short, try these six ways that cities can make recycling more accessible to their communities.
The first step to learning where your community can improve is to compare it with other successful recycling programs. Compare your recycling services with the successful programs in other municipalities and cities around you. Once your local government understands the community’s shortcomings compared to those around it, they can make changes for the better. Consider this the “doing your homework” stage of improving recycling accessibility. We may not always like doing homework, but in this case, it gives us a slate to work off of and helps us identify where we can improve.
Now that you’ve identified where your community can improve, one of the best places to start is by increasing the number of recycling bins in public spaces. If your community lacks recycling opportunities, members are less likely to participate. In terms of making recycling more accessible, increasing these opportunities is the most effective way to accomplish this.
Start by examining the public spaces that receive the most traffic—are there a suitable number of recycling and garbage receptacles in these areas? You want to ensure that you have a comparable number of recycling bins to garbage cans; otherwise, your patrons may continue to dispose of recyclables in trash receptacles. Sometimes, city planners overlook outdoor recycling receptacles. Make sure parks, sidewalks, and other high-traffic outdoor areas have both trash and recycling cans to cut down on litter and make the disposal of each more accessible.
Next, examine your community’s current recycling program. Take your conclusions from your initial comparison with other communities and explore the weaker areas of your program. For example, does your community participate in a weekly recycling collection program? If not, consider reaching out to a hauling company to expand your trash and recycling collections. Weekly collections make recycling easier and more accessible for households in your community. Once you set up a collection program, you also need to educate the community about said collection practices. Be clear about which materials they can and can’t recycle through this collection. For example, some haulers don’t accept certain plastics, such as single-use plastic bags. Make sure your community knows and follows these guidelines.
What can your community do about the recyclables that haulers don’t pick up? Try setting up a local drop-off or pickup center for these more niche recycling materials. If your city already supports a recycling drop-off, consider adding another or several. Many other cities and municipalities have seen a huge growth in recycling numbers by the pound after adding even one more drop-off center. The key to a successful and accessible drop-off center is to place it in a high-traffic location. For example, school offices are a popular location for recycling drives and drop-offs, as many students, parents, and teachers can take advantage of it. The local fire station or the courthouse are also prime accessible locations for the rest of the community. Encourage your local grocery stores that use plastic bags to include a collection receptacle where customers can conveniently and responsibly dispose of them during their next trip.
No matter what changes you integrate to encourage recycling, your community won’t take advantage of them if they don’t know these changes exist. Spread the word of your local government’s actions toward making recycling more accessible for all. Post an article on your city’s website, blog, or even in the newspaper. Bring up the changes at your next town hall or another community meeting. Teachers can even educate students on ways to recycle more responsibly, which they can bring home to their parents. Soon, your community will take notice, and your new recycling drop-off centers and collections will fill with recyclables instead of them piling up in landfills.
Whether you want to invest in a new trash and recycling hauler or need funding to set up a new drop-off location, your program will need extra funding at some point. The best place to start is by researching available funding through your state’s department of environmental protection and conservation agencies. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also funds both state and local municipalities with recycling programs. Municipal recycling programs can take advantage of this funding through grants, which you will need to search and sign up for. Some grants have specific requirements and guidelines, so make sure your community fits the bill before signing up.
Once you’ve obtained the necessary funding, it’s time to start enacting your recycling program’s action plan. If you discovered your community lacked the proper number of recycling receptacles during your homework phase, this is a great place to start. But where can you invest in top-quality commercial recycling bins? Look no further than Trash Cans Depot. We supply many different recycling containers in nearly any style or function. Whether you need indoor bins, outdoor bins, multi-container bins, or more, Trash Cans Depot has your community’s needs covered. We have marked bins so that there will be no more confusion over where to dispose of trash versus recycling.
Trying to encourage recycling efforts in your community is a noble cause. To promote this positive change in your community, start with these six ways cities can make recycling more accessible. When you make recycling more accessible, it becomes easier for the individual community member to take part in it. This may not seem like much on its own, but when one individual becomes an entire community of participants, you’ll start to see a positive change.
]]>Whether at home or your business, you’ve probably been on the hunt for a new garbage can before. Sometimes, our old garbage bins just don’t cut it anymore. This can be for a variety of reasons. For instance, they may break down or start to lose their quality, or they may just stink. This guide will answer the question, “How often should you replace your trash cans?” It’ll also cover how you can get the most use out of them in the future.
Like anything else, garbage cans don’t last forever. At some point, you will need a replacement bin. This can happen for a couple of reasons, whether your can becomes worn out or begins to lose its quality. These examples below are some of the most common times when home and business owners need to replace their trash receptacles.
The most common reason people replace their trash bins is that they have sustained some form of damage. Not all materials will last forever, and some will break down faster than others with repeated wear and tear. Residential trash cans have designs that can withstand the wear and tear that comes with collecting waste every week, but household bins won’t be as sturdy. If you notice a crack, hole, or any other damage, it may be time for a replacement.
Another common cause of homeowners replacing their current trash cans is the smell they can get. Over time, your trash bin will start to absorb the unpleasant odors from the garbage it collects. Whether you use a garbage can liner or not, your bin will begin to have odors eventually. Therefore, some homeowners choose scented or odor-neutralizing trash bags, although these options can be on the pricier side.
You won’t always have to replace your trash can. Sometimes, you can clean it and preserve it to get more use out of it. Keep reading for ways that you can make your quality garbage can investment last longer.
Using disposable trash bags to line your garbage can will significantly increase the use you get out of it. If you don’t utilize bags, you will need to clean your garbage bin much more often. Ideally, you should do this after every time you empty it. This is important for sanitary reasons and prevents lingering odors from wafting around your home. Cleaning your bin every time you empty it is inconvenient and unpleasant. But if you ignore it, your bin will be unsanitary. Your bin will also start to absorb odors from the food and waste you dispose of if you toss your trash in without a liner. After the smells have infused themselves with it, you will want to replace it.
As established above, the type of trash can you choose to invest in has a lot to do with how much use you will get out of it. Average plastic trash cans—even those you use with liners—can start to absorb food and other garbage odors after a while. Choose a model that will last, such as one made of sturdy material. Look for ones that have foot pedals to open them as well. Metal garbage cans are popular options because they hold onto fewer food odors and look better in most spaces.
Depending on where you store your garbage can, the space around it can have a lot to do with its upkeep. If you place your bin in an enclosed area, such as under the sink, it may trap food odors more quickly because it’s in a small, enclosed space. More ventilated areas like the rest of your kitchen or out in the garage won’t trap food odors as quickly. However, if you store your garbage can in the garage, make sure you protect it from the many pests and critters that might try to invade for a snack. Choose a covered garbage can for outdoor use.
Even if you don’t store your waste products directly in the trash bin, you should still get into the habit of cleaning your garbage can occasionally. When using trash can liners, tears and spills can sometimes happen. This can leave a mess in your trash can (sometimes without you realizing it). Even replacing the liners can make a mess. On top of this, bacteria can transfer from your trash bags to the bin without you noticing, too. Therefore, you should make it a habit to clean and sanitize your garbage bins when you can. That way, there won’t be any hidden areas of contamination.
You might be asking, “How often should I clean my bin?” after hearing this. Ideally, monthly is a good schedule to shoot for. If this is inconvenient, try to shoot for quarterly cleanings during the year at a minimum. This will help cut down on bacteria growth inside your bin. Further, it’ll prevent the bacteria from spreading throughout your house when you touch or transport the bin. Cleaning your garbage cans will give you extra peace of mind about the cleanliness of your home.
Now that you know how often you should replace your trash cans, you can apply this knowledge to your home or business. By freshening up your space with a new garbage can, you can improve the health of your home and family (and maybe get to the bottom of some nasty odor problems, too). Plus, you now know all the best ways to clean it and make it last for years. The correct garbage can is worth the investment, so make sure to take care of it!
If you’re looking for wholesale trash cans for a business, event, or larger building, you can find the best quality ones at Trash Cans Depot. Our trash cans will hold up after repeated use, wear and tear, and exposure to odors. You won’t be replacing these models for quite a while.
]]>Does your community participate in recycling efforts? Recycling is extremely important on a larger community level. While each individual household may not have a significant impact on sustainability, the community’s habits can add up, whether negatively or positively. Even if you already have recycling recommendations in place, your community may not always follow them. Find out how to start a recycling program in your community in order to improve your city’s sustainability efforts.
Before you can dive into planning and kickstarting a recycling program, you need to understand the rules and guidelines your community already has in place. You can find a lot of information through your city’s website or community centers. Do some research into the policies your community has in place regarding recycling and waste, so that you have all the information you need. To start, here are some areas you should look into:
Now that you are familiarized with the community guidelines, you should take a look at current waste and recycling shortcomings. Make note of the waste stream that your community produces by conducting a waste assessment. If they aren’t already in place, set up inspections of your community’s waste stream to identify its components and what is being thrown away or recycled incorrectly. For example, if you notice your community possesses a high number of paper or plastic materials in its waste stream, a recycling program could help correct this, and you would know exactly what components to target and bring awareness to.
Combine the information you’ve gathered from these preliminary steps into deciding what recycling materials to focus on and collect. After you’ve researched community guidelines and recycling shortcomings, you can create an action plan with this information. For example, if your waste inspections recorded many plastic products showing up in your community’s waste stream, and you knew that your community can accept plastic recyclables from the community guidelines, that would be a great material to tailor your efforts to.
Each community’s needs will be different; one may need more attention brought to paper recycling, while another might be electronic waste. Not every community may have the capabilities to recycle some of these materials, such as electronic waste (which requires stricter disposal conditions), so it’s important to always cross-reference with your current community mandates and guidelines.
Another reason for checking on community mandates before doing anything else is to understand how your program will work. For example, how will your program collect and transport recycling? If your community already has a waste collection system through a third-party contractor, you could look into their services for recycling as well. Alternatively, you could offer a recycling drop-off location for a more direct and hands-on collection system. Although, a drop-off system could dissuade community members from participating in the recycling effort and they could end up tossing recycling in with their trash collection out of laziness. On the other hand, drop-off locations are becoming increasingly effective for minimizing electronic waste and other recyclable materials for which traditional third-party services don’t offer pickup. Even increasing the number of outdoor recycling bins in public areas around the community would be a good place to start.
Once you or your team have compiled all the city recycling information, you can form an action plan for improvement. Start with identifying the materials your community can recycle and any specific materials you want to target. Detail the collection plan, whether it involves a drop-off or pick-up system, and its locations, days and hours of operation, and any regulations or details for the system. Your improvement plan should include your findings and present them in a way that is easily digestible to your team and community members.
Education is the most important step of starting a recycling program and is what all your planning efforts should culminate into. No change will take place if your community members don’t hop on board with the effort. Make sure your community understands what they can and can’t recycle, as well as how they can participate. If you plan a designated recycling collection and pickup day through a waste service, make sure to alert your community with these specific dates and times for maximum preparedness and participation. Also, consider sharing any statistics you discovered during the waste assessment process to encourage them to see the greater picture. Often, we don’t understand the impact we can have on sustainability issues until we see how individual issues (or improvements) can add up.
There are various methods that you can utilize to spread the word of your community’s new recycling program. If your city provides any fliers or posters, you could hand these out to businesses around town, asking owners to feature or distribute them as well. Try to get in touch with any community-wide resources, such as a newsletter, city websites, or even the local newspaper.
Finally, after implementing your community recycling program, make sure to regularly inspect the community waste stream. Taking further statistics on waste and recycling materials can help you understand if your plan has improved community recycling efforts or if it still needs work. If you don’t see improvement at first, try educating more of the community and spreading the word as far as you can.
When you are looking into how to start a recycling program in your community, these are the key steps to take. Without a proper recycling program, recyclables that get tossed out with the trash can start to accumulate. There is so much potential for good recycling habits in any community, but community members need instruction and education to correctly reach that potential. Follow these steps to build a sustainable program in your own community.
]]>In today’s modern world, we use more and more electronics than ever, but are we disposing of them properly? If you’ve ever tossed an old phone or battery in the garbage simply because you didn’t know where else to get rid of it, then this article is for you. With as many devices as we use each day, electronic waste (or e-waste) is becoming a huge problem for our environment. But there are ways that we can make changes, one person at a time. Keep reading to find out exactly what you should be recycling, how to recycle old electronics, and more.
Electronics don’t belong in landfills like normal trash. In fact, it’s illegal for electronics to end up in landfills. This is due to the materials that make up these devices and how they can become hazardous when they break down. This is especially true for older electronics, which used to be constructed with materials that are now known to be dangerous, such as lead and cadmium. These hazardous materials could leak from landfills back into our ecosystem, ruining water and wildlife sources. For these reasons, always save your electronic recyclables.
There is a wide range of electronics that you can and should recycle. Some of these categories of electronics include TV and video, computers, tablets, printers, inks, cell phones, accessories, appliances, and more. Because there are so many categories of compatible gadgets, it’s understandable that there is a long list of electronics that you should recycle. Follow this breakdown for a more detailed guide on what you can recycle:
These are just some of the most common examples of electronics that we use daily. We can start being more responsible for the disposal of these items by recycling them properly.
Now that you know the types of electronics that you can recycle, you can explore the different options for recycling them properly. There are several options for general electronics recycling, though some may not be supported from community to community, especially in smaller towns. It’s important to do your research and find out the best way to safely send off your recycling.
Even in smaller communities, one of the most widespread options is to drop off your electronics at an e-waste collection facility. In the effort to cut down on e-waste, nonprofit organizations and other drop-off locations are fairly common. If you’re not familiar with such a facility in your area, simply do a quick internet search for nearby e-waste recycling facilities. Some larger corporations and chain retail stores near you may also offer drop-off programs.
One of the most accessible methods of this type of recycling is to ship your electronics through participating services and programs. For example, USPS will ship your e-waste directly to recycling facilities. With some services, you may even receive compensation for helping to keep these items out of the landfill. Along with protecting the environment, this is more reason than ever to start separating your gadgets when you’re finished with them.
Rather than shipping your gadgets yourself, you can even find a program that will come to you. For a low cost, or even no cost at all, some recycling programs offer a home pickup option. Again, some larger corporations, such as Best Buy, offer free electronics pickup services as well. You can also check with your community recycling company to see if they offer a separate electronics recycling pickup. In some areas, with the proper stickers and identification, you may even be able to put your e-waste out to the curb at the same time as your regular trash and recycling.
If you have electronics that you don’t use very often, rather than letting them sit to collect dust and degrade, you could opt to donate them. Take your used electronics to your local charity or donation center. This helps your electronics have a longer life and keeps them out of your trash pile. You could even donate or sell your old electronics for parts at a tech firm. These places can even find ways to refurbish and reuse electronics you may have thought dead.
If you find it hard to remember to properly dispose of your electronic goods, there are ways that you can promote better recycling habits. Try investing in a new recycling bin to use exclusively for collecting recyclable electronics. If you have a designated spot for electronic recyclables in your home, you’re less likely to toss them into your regular trash bins. Explore the above recycling options in your area—you might even find that electronics recycling is as easy as a home pickup, which you will be ready for with your separated electronics bin. As a trash and recycling bin company with a variety of options, contact Trash Cans Depot if you need a designated bin.
Hopefully this guide helps answer the question of how to recycle old electronics and why it’s so important to do so in our modern world. You can get started by finding out what sorts of e-recycling options your community offers. We can all do our part to reduce e-waste—one household at a time.
]]>Overflowing trash bins are not only an unpleasant sight. They can cost you a lot towards waste disposal. Further not recycling can put you under the scanner of the local authorities. Luckily, office recycling is not an uphill task. Know what the 4Rs mean and how you can teach your workers to take up recycling with fervor.
Waste management is best done when you follow the 4 Rs. Do you know what the 4 Rs are? Here is a short guide on them.
This first step makes sure you produce less waste. By limiting the amount of waste, you can reduce the need for other Rs. You can cut the amount of waste you generate by using the following tips.
When you buy a new item, consider all aspects of its use like:
Try using an item for a longer period without replacing it. You can reduce the need to dispose it of and save the resources spent on buying a new item. For instance, you can use:
The food waste in the office is compostable as done in households. You can turn the paper towels, toilet paper rolls, and food scraps into compost rich in nutrients. Use compost bins to collect such items.
Reusing involves using old items by repairing them. You can do this in these ways:
Recycling involves turning waste materials into new objects. Office printer paper and cardboard are recyclable. Plastic and glass items are also recyclable. Use sturdy office recycling bins with separate slots for such items. Rinse glass jars and plastic cartons to remove food residue before you dispose them of.
Repurposing involves using an item you do not use for some other purpose. This will prevent the item from ending up in the trash. For instance, you can use old glass jars for the storage of office supplies, screws, and other such items. You can also turn a used milk carton into a watering can by poking holes in the cap top. Plus, you can use old CDs as coasters for the coffee table.
Although the 4 Rs offer many benefits, it is difficult to make your employees follow them. Here are some tips you can use to motivate them.
Paper and cardboard form a big chunk of recyclables in an office space. The printed copies of reports that end up in the trash are more than those in use. Despite going digital, there is still plenty of paper waste in offices. Here are some tips that will help.
Other than paper, you can find many recyclable trash items. E-waste like cellphones, computers, and other related items are recyclable. Carry out an audit of the waste in your office space. You can know the amount of trash in your office and its recyclable nature from the audit. Items that go into the trash bin but are recyclable include:
Avoid giving separate bins for each employee. Instead, use centralized recycling and waste bin. Employees will sort the waste they throw away and not dump all the waste into their desk-side bin. Use trash bins with slots for different items. The slots help to sort the items for recycling. They also prevent contamination of the items.
Reusing office supplies is a great way to upcycle products. It saves unnecessary expense and waste. Have a separate area in your office for old office supplies. Keep items like staplers, file folders, and other stuff in this upcycling area. An employee in need of some new item should check the upcycle space before buying new items.
Look into what you bring into your office and supply stream. Work with your vendors to control the items that you use in your office. Make sure only items that are compostable or recyclable enter the workspace. Some ways include:
Keep a separate bin for collecting biodegradable food scraps. You can find trendy touchless trash can models available that go well with the office décor. Employees can throw the food waste in it. A compost program for your office can feed the rooftop or landscaping.
You can also use the food compost to support the community garden in your locality. Give clear orders on compostable food scraps. For instance, coffee filters, coffee grounds, and fruits are compostable.
If you want your green measures to take off on the right footing, invest in quality trash bins. Use separate bins for general trash and recyclable items. An advanced model like the motion sensor trash can is easy to use and looks good.
Recycling bins with slots for different items are ideal for the office space. Employees will find it easy to throw recyclable items like paper, plastic, and bottles.
Besides, labeled bins will not confuse them about which trash goes into which slot. The Busch Systems Spectrum model is a good example. It has four streams with bold labels that will encourage your employees to recycle.
Having a good recycling program is the secret to successful waste management. With the various tips above, your employees will take up the program with zeal. When done in a consistent way, recycling can bring you several perks. You get to save on waste disposal and your customers will appreciate your green efforts. You will be proud of your part in reducing the carbon footprint. Try the tips here and find out the change in the way your office disposes of waste.
Once you succeed in making them aware of the benefits, it is easier to manage the office waste. Make sure you invest in durable and trendy-looking trash bins. Whether it is recycling or general trash, high-quality bins are easy to maintain. For more info on smart, stylish, and sturdy garbage bin models, visit Trash Cans Depot.
]]>Have you ever wondered about how plastic is recycled when you toss your recycling into the bin? There is a detailed process behind plastic recycling when you look past the metaphorical curtain and examine the recycling business. For those curious, here we will explore a step-by-step guide to recycling plastic by exploring the recycling process. We’ll walk you through the six steps of plastic recycling and how this process can have an impact on all of us. Maybe these details will even help you reconsider your recycling habits.
The first step to the process is obtaining the recycling materials. Typically, either local government programs or private trash and recycling collection companies will take care of this. Businesses usually hire these private companies to collect from their commercial recycling bins. There are also more local options for recycling collection. Your local grocery store may collect the plastic bags they give out to customers in order to be more sustainable. You can also find specific recycling locations that will accept more unconventional recycling items such as computers, batteries, and other electronics. Eventually, company or government recycling trucks haul all these recyclables off to a recycling plant for the next step.
Once the recyclables have arrived, workers and automated machines will sort the plastics from other recyclables. After separating plastics from the rest, recyclers will then further separate the plastics into their own categories based on code. Additionally, recyclers may separate plastics based on color, thickness, and use to helps organize them for reuse. The automation behind this step helps increase the efficiency of the recycling process and is becoming more and more effective as machines improve.
You may have noticed before that all plastics have a code and a number assigned to them. Plastics with numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 can all be recycled (these are also known as PET, HDPE, LDPE, and PP, respectively). However, plastic with numbers 3, 6, and 7 cannot be recycled (also known as PVC, PS, and OTHER, respectively). These plastics can release contaminants and toxins during processing, making them unsuitable for recycling.
Sometimes, we’re not as thorough with the washing process as we should be before throwing recycling in the bin. This is what step three is for! The machine line will wash the sorted recycling as it comes through to remove labels, dirt, food residue, glue, and more. This step strips the materials of anything that would cause damage or structural integrity during the transformation process.
Now, that doesn’t mean we can skip washing our recyclables before we put them in the bin – this is still a key step for consumers, as dirt and food debris on recycling can impede the previous steps and cause delays. All it takes is a quick rinse or scrub to get most recycling clean, and then you can go ahead and toss it.
From the washing station, plastic moves on to the shredding step, during which it breaks down into fragments. This step uses a shredder to reform the plastic items. The shredder takes the full-sized plastics (which are impossible to be reformed in their current form) and shreds them into little pieces. These small pieces are more workable for future steps. This process also acts as one final check for any impurities in the plastics, such as metal or any other debris.
After shredding, the plastic pieces go through another separation process. Since they have already been organized by code, they are then tested for density, thickness, and weight, and separated by these categories accordingly. To discover these differences, plastics are put through a series of tests by recyclers. First is the density test, which involves submerging plastic pieces in a large vat of water to see which sink or float. Next comes the air classification test, which involves placing plastic particles in a controlled wind tunnel. Two other distinguishing factors to note are color and melting point, which involves taking samples from each group. The results from each of these tests lead to the new groupings of each type of plastic particle.
Now that the plastics are thoroughly cleaned, identified, and separated, they can enter the final stage of the recycling process. Compounding is the process of taking these tiny plastic pieces and transforming them into plastic pellets and other safe, reusable plastic materials. Manufacturers can then use these recycled plastics in their future products. Compounding takes the longest amount of time of all the plastic recycling steps due to the processing time. Plastics might be made into these pellets, melted down into new shapes, and more, which are all time-consuming processes. But by the end, recyclers have turned what was once waste into a new material.
Plastic recycling has many benefits for consumers, businesses, and the environment. Most notably, plastic recycling keeps unnecessary waste out of landfills, oceans, and natural environments and habitats. This means less waste that must be burned or buried, leading to less air and water pollution. On a small scale, this might not seem like much, but this practice can significantly aid in the fight against global warming as a worldwide effort. Plastic recycling allows us to be less wasteful by reusing packaging. Some states and areas will even pay you a small reward for bringing recycling into certain centers. For all these benefits, the simple act of sorting your recycling is very much worth it.
This has been a deep dive into our step-by-step guide to recycling plastic. We hope this clears up any confusion about the recycling process and helps you redouble your recycling efforts. While it may seem like a complicated process, most recycling processes are handled automatically, which makes recycling more efficient than ever. Next time you toss a plastic bottle or container into the recycling bin, you can think about all the future products that the container might turn into. Take pride in the fact that you are helping the earth bit by bit.
]]>People do it because the local rules make it necessary for them to recycle. Whatever be the reason behind the collection, the process is sure to surprise you. From recovering usable items to repurposing them, many steps are present. Here is a quick overview of the important phases.
Many households use separate recycle bins. They use plastic or metal containers for recyclables. In many places, the local rules need all residents to recycle. The rules apply to commercial spaces too. A large commercial garbage bin is ideal for collecting recyclables.
The recyclable materials go in the recycle bin. These include items like paper, cardboard, and plastics. A durable stainless steel outdoor trash can is a good choice for recycling waste.
The collection truck brings the contents of your recycling bin to the facility. At the facility, the following steps occur for separating the materials.
Use garbage bins with more than one slot. They help sort different recyclable items with ease. Or, you can use separate bins for different recyclable items.
Three important phases are present in the recycling process. These include:
The collection of materials is the first phase. It occurs in many ways, such as:
You can use a separate trash receptacle for the items. Add only recyclable materials like glass bottles, plastics, etc. in the containers. The collection truck will sort the items curbside. The sorted items are put in different boxes in the truck.
Or, the collection truck tips the contents into the truck without sorting. The sorting takes place in the material recycling facility.
In this phase, the items reach the MRF (Material Recovery Facility). The sorting, cleaning, and processing occur at the facility. Thus, they separate the reusable materials. The separation happens in two ways:
Most facilities use a combination of both methods for sorting. The facility then ships the materials to recyclers of the specific materials.
After sorting the recyclables, they bundle them into cubes. The facility sends the cubes to the manufacturers. The recycling plants use the shipped products to make recycled materials. Since each material is different, the recycling method also differs.
Here are some of the methods in use now:
This method involves shredding the paper and soaking it in vats. It produces paper pulp. The pulp acts as the raw material for making sheets. Rolling and drying of the sheets take place from the paper used for making paper products.
The white printer paper that you find in offices is of higher quality than the paper towels you find in a washroom. Paper of higher quality can make better-recycled products.
You should have separate recycling bins for paper and wood items. You can find quality stainless steel automatic trash can types. These help in sorting recyclable paper.
The recycling facility sorts the items based on the type of plastic. The facility then crushes the sorted material into smaller pieces. It blends the plastic to form a homogenous material.
The next step is melting and screening the blend to form plastic strands. On cooling, pellets are cut from the strands to make new products. Most commercial spaces have large commercial trash bin models. These help in collecting plastic recyclables.
Glass is easy to recycle. All waste jars and bottles are recyclable. The facility sorts the items depending on their color. It then cleans and crushes the glass into cullets. The melting of the cullets with the ingredients results in new glass products.
The facility sorts metals as nonferrous and ferrous items. It then compacts the materials and cuts them into smaller pieces. New products emerge by melting these small pieces of metal. Food and drink cans made of aluminum undergo this type of process.
Waste wood items are reusable. The recycling facility shreds waste wood into pieces. These are stuck together with adhesives. The process helps make composite woods like laminates. The pieces also serve as raw materials for new wooden products. Garden decks and wooden flooring are some uses of waste wood.
Pouring waste oil from car and truck engines is bad for the environment. It pollutes seas and rivers and harms the drinking water. You can recycle the oil that you pour down the drain. Take it to the recycling center for reprocessing it into products like heating oil. Waste oil from cooking is a good source of biodiesel, which is a type of vehicle fuel.
A major part of rubber waste is from old vehicle tires. Shredded rubber ending up on the roads also causes water and air pollution. To prevent rubber pollution, you need to recycle your old tires. Recycling facilities turn old tires into retreads. Or, they shred the tires to make soft and bouncy landscaping items. These serve as cushioning materials for children’s playgrounds.
Sorting the items in your trash will not seem a tedious chore anymore. As you can see, many of the things that you dispose of in the trash bin are valuable items. You get to save resources, money, and energy. Besides, you get to play a role in making your surroundings clean and green. The large recycling bin you choose should have more than one slot. These slots help in easy sorting of the waste.
For instance, you can use the Commercial Zone ArchTec Waste and Recycling Center. It has a separate slot for general trash and mixed recyclables. Besides this, there are several more bin models available, which make recycling easy. You can find durable and trendy bin models at Trash Cans Depot.
]]>Such garbage items can harm the environment in the long term. You should know how to manage your kitchen trash bin contents. Even the local rules need you to dispose of your trash responsibly. You can take care of the overflowing kitchen trash issue. Furthermore, you can help keep your surroundings green. Here are 4 different things that you can do with non-biodegradable waste.
Recycling is a good way to dispose of non-biodegradable waste. It is a process where you collect the waste materials and process them into fresh products. You get two main benefits from recycling:
Apart from these, there are other benefits as well, such as it:
The process of recycling begins with collecting and separating the recyclable materials. The next step is passing the selected items through a certain type of recycling method. There are three main recycling types. After the process is over, the material becomes a raw material for the finished product. Here are the three main recycling types in use now:
This is a method that is in common use now. You can recycle plastic with this method. Mechanical methods help to change the plastic into new materials. The material does not change its chemical nature.
The process includes the following steps:
During the entire process, the material stays unaffected. You can reuse it again and again. Polyolefin plastic products undergo this type of recycling process. Car parts, hoses, and garbage bags are some of the items made by this method.
This is a process where you convert non-biodegradable items into an energy form. Burning recyclable items results in the release of heat. The heat is used as fuel. Since the process needs space, it is expensive. Only a few countries in Europe and Japan use it. The process does not produce any harmful emissions. The use of advanced machinery ensures this.
Of the three types, this method is the least one in use now. It involves changing the chemical form of recycled plastic. The recycled product forms the raw material for many new products. This is an expensive process and needs a large amount of plastic.
The recycling process has another classification based on how you repurpose it. The types include:
Waste materials like rubber, plastic, and other such waste items are burnt. The process does not cause pollution. The heat from the burning creates energy in the form of electricity or steam. The benefits of this method include:
Materials like pesticides, paint, medical waste, and others need to undergo chemical treatment. You have to separate such materials with care. If not, they can pollute the water or soil. You can use the small outdoor metal trash can with a lid for storing such types of waste.
If any of the above three methods do not work, this is the option for non-biodegradable waste. Landfill spaces are getting filled at a rapid rate everywhere. You need to focus on other methods of disposing of non-biodegradable waste.
There is a simple but effective way. You can start with having a separate kitchen garbage bin for recycling. Another area you should focus on is the bathroom. Keep a separate bathroom trash can with a lid. The bin can hold items like medicines, sanitary pads, and disposable diapers.
You can do your part in reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Here are a few tips:
You can reduce the amount of waste by reusing the items for some other purpose. Here are a few tips:
An overflowing kitchen waste bin is a big issue. Thus, you must focus on reducing or segregating your waste. This will prevent a big chunk of non-biodegradable items from ending up in landfills. You can use a separate recycle bin for your kitchen and other rooms that generate huge amounts of trash. Or, you can opt for recycling bins with more than one slot for easy separation of recyclable items.
The Busch Systems Spectrum Recycling Receptacle is a good choice to consider. With proper recycle bins, you can avoid the trash from becoming troublesome. Further recycling gives several benefits for your home and surroundings. For durable and quality recycle bins and other trash bin models, visit Trash Cans Depot.
]]>In this article, you will find a detailed guide on every part of the recycling process. The key steps provided here give you a clear idea of recycling and how does it work. Let’s dive in!
The recycling method differs by locality and the recycled commodity. But, it involves three steps:
The next step is the transportation of the objects to a milling plant. Or, they take them to a manufacturing facility. Glass items go to the glass beneficiation plants. Plastic materials go to the plastic reclaimers. The facilities then convert these into mill-ready forms.
In a typical material manufacturing process, two main things are happening:
The above two steps form a linear process. The entire process of mining, production, consumption, and disposal has led to a big crisis.
To reduce the impact of the huge amount of waste, the materials you do not need or want get remanufactured. As a consumer, you may have many questions like:
The first step is separating the materials into recyclable products and items you throw away or reuse. A trash and recycling bin combo would help in making the separation easy.
You need to collect yard debris in a separate bin. This helps in sending the contents to yard debris depots or composting centers. Plus, it reduces the volume of waste you send to the landfill.
Some common recyclable materials you can gather for curbside collection include:
Most plastic packaging items are recyclable. But, recycling plastics is a difficult process. This is because of the different resin types present for plastics.
To recycle plastic materials, you have to melt them first. Then, you need to convert them to their original petrochemical form. The gaseous form helps make a new product. This conventional method is expensive.
Resin types can contaminate one another. This is why plastics of different types have different resin codes. The numbers 1 to 7 denote the specific plastic, depending on the resin type they belong to.
But, even with the numbering system, it is still difficult to recycle plastics. For instance, take plastic bottles and tubs with the same code. They have different melting temperatures. So, you cannot recycle them together.
The second step is the collection of recyclable items. Different systems help to do the material collection.
In this type of collection, manual and mechanical methods are present. They help remove recyclables from mixed waste. The mechanical method uses properties like size, color, and density to separate. This collection type does not need people to sort the items that can be recycled.
In this collection category, sorting of recyclables occurs at the generation point. This can be at work or home. Separate recycling containers help to sort the different recyclable items.
Source separation of recyclables makes it difficult for garbage collectors. To avoid this, they follow the mixed recycling program. All recyclable items go into a single plastic recycling bin.
Items like glass waste and motor oil have separate collection bins. Here, you need a separate container for collecting yard debris. This method makes it easy for people to recycle. You need not confuse which items go into which bin.
There are a few common ways recycling facilities use for the collection of materials. They include the following:
Once the recyclables are at the facility, they need further sorting. This helps to process them in a cost-effective way. For instance, they separate newsprint, plastics, and other contaminants from office paper.
When sorting is over, the materials undergo compaction. The facility condenses them for easy transportation to the remanufacturing unit. For instance, they crush glass to cullet form, while they bale the metals and paper.
By processing the materials, you can avoid their contamination. This will ensure the recycled product is of good quality.
Once the processing part is complete, the manufacturing part begins. Here is a guide on how some of the common recyclable items undergo the production process.
Paper recycling helps in improving the environment. You can have separate plastic waste paper bins for the collection. When recycled, the material is ideal for making new products. Office paper recycling includes turning the waste into market pulp. The facility ships it to the mills.
You can make superior quality paper for printing, writing, and other uses. The paste is freed of contaminants like plastic, stables, and clips. The material is then run under centrifugal cleaners. After de-inking the pulp, it is turned into a dried and usable form.
More newsprint recycling occurs in the United States. This is higher than making newspaper from fresh paper. During recycling, the paper undergoes re-inking and washing processes. It then combines with wood-chip and recycled magazine pulp to form the new product.
Excess newspaper waste is sold for export to Asian countries. The materials take the form of newsprint or paperboards. Paperboards help in the making of crackers or cereal boxes.
It is possible to recover a major percentage of corrugated cardboard. You can have large plastic waste bins for collecting such recyclables. The recycling facility bales the cardboard and ships it to the mills.
In the mill, they make new cardboard by mixing it with wood chip fiber. It serves as the middle or outside layer.
Mixed paper denotes the left-over paper after you separate high-quality paper. Junk mail and paperboard boxes belong to this type. Kraft paper also has a small amount of such material.
The recyclable mixed waste paper helps in making boxboards. Egg cartons are another pulp product resulting from this type. Some of the recyclable material is also shipped overseas.
Most of the plastic in use now is difficult to recycle due to its porous nature. Another reason is it holds contaminants. Most often, the plastic material sent for recycling gets shredded and forms pellets.
The pellets combine with other plastic materials to form various products. Plastic recycling products include wrapping for shipping and flower pots. Products like carpets and polyester fiber come from soda bottle recycling.
Glass materials take a million years to break down. You cannot recycle certain types of glass, like light bulbs, window glass, and more. But, items like glass jars and bottles are recyclable.
This is because they have different melting temperatures and ingredients. You get a weak structure of jar or bottle if you mix other types during recycling. The glass may crack or burst when you fill or open it.
Electroplating steel with tin gives you cans that help store food for long periods. The steel coating helps prevent rusting. While a can has 0.25% of tin in it, recycling it is important. This is because such cans form the only source of the material in the United States. To remove the can, you have to soak it in an acid solution. This dissolves and separates it from the steel.
Extraction of tin involves melting it using electroplates. The resulting fluid forms bars by pouring it in molds or ingots. The tin extract forms the raw material for new cans. It is also ideal for metal mining and making fluoride toothpaste. The recycling facility sends the steel removed during the process to steel mills.
As a common recyclable item, aluminum helps save the mining of bauxite ore. Some examples of aluminum recyclables include patio furniture, pie plates, and others.
The aluminum materials you send to recycling centers reach a smelter facility. It reprocesses them into similar items. But, you cannot recycle foil due to its thinness. Contamination is another reason for its non-recyclability.
Steel and iron have undergone the recycling process since their introduction. Scrap metal forms about half of the raw material for new metal production.
At present, steel mills make steel from 100% scrap. The process needs much less energy than making it from virgin material.
Avoid pouring motor oil down the drain. It contaminates groundwater and harms the environment. You can recycle the oil through an oil processor, which can be collected in a small plastic garbage can. The processor cleans the oil and uses it for fueling ship boilers.
Furthermore, the processor uses the oil as tar for road construction. A tiny part of the oil serves as a lubricant for chain saws and other machinery.
You can recycle tires to form rubber mats, pavers, and other such items. Some recycling facilities shred the tires. They use them as fuel in paper mills and cement kilns.
The use of tires in asphalt concrete is under the testing phase.
There is an increase in the recycling of yard debris. You can keep a separate plastic recycling container for the debris. The collection facility sends them to composting units.
The units pass the material via the hammer mill and allow it to decompose for three months. The resulting compost serves as a top dressing or potting soil.
The curbside recycling program in the US takes care of collecting recyclable items. At present, only one-third of the products it collects are recyclable.
More than 50% of Americans can access this curbside system. The main issues that prevent a better reprocessing rate include:
It is possible to recycle metal and glass an unlimited number of times. Paper is recyclable up to five to seven times. Plastic can be reused once or twice. But, these items are not reusable in food containers. This is because the recycling process breaks down the polymers.
The EPA reports recycling or composting about 94.2 million tons of waste in 2017. This quantity is from the 267.8 million solid garbage that Americans generated. To be more specific, the percentage of each recycled material is as follows:
For an effective curbside recycling system, the cost per ton of trash ranges from $50 to $150. General trash and disposal programs cost $70 to $200 per ton of waste. Thus, recycling is a cost-effective solution when it is done in the right way.
Plan your recycling program well and put it into motion. By doing so, you can save plenty and generate revenue in a few years. Here are some tips:
The United States ships a major part of its plastic waste overseas. The EPA reports that the country sent more than half of this waste to China and Hong Kong in 2015. The countries process and reuse the valuable plastics. New products from recycling are sold back to the US.
But, a major part of the recycling was unusable due to contamination. The waste thus ended up in landfills in China. But, they put a ban on the import of recyclable waste. Since then, the U.S. sends the materials to other countries. Vietnam and Malaysia are some of the countries that the country sends its recyclables to.
Vermont is the state which ranks first in having a proper waste management program. It has the greatest number of recycling facilities. The state bans using single-use plastic bags. Other states that enforce the ban include Hawaii, California, New York, and a few others.
Oregon is the second state with the best waste management. The state has the highest energy production from renewable resources. It also ranks fourth in the number of green buildings present per capita.
The local and state governments have separate recycling rules. Many of the states collaborate with non-profit groups. This helps in making their recycling program a success. Here is a rundown on the different recycling rules in the various states:
Many of you know about recycling and its uses. But, you may not know whether you are doing it right or not. Depending on your location, the recycling rules may vary.
Some areas have people using a single bin for recycling. In others, people may use separate bins. In some localities, there is a curbside system in place. A few areas need you to take the items to the nearest processing facility.
Remember that whatever you are dumping in the recycling bin is not all recyclable. So, here are a few tips for proper recycling:
Make sure you know which are the common recyclable items. Materials like paper and plastic come to the mind immediately. Aluminum and glass items are reusable. A simple way to know which items are eligible is by contacting your local recycling center. Have a recycle bin for plastic and another for items such as paper. Things like hoses, propane tanks, needles, etc. are not recyclable. Throw them in the general trash bin.
Any food residue or other fluids in the recyclable items can contaminate them. This will make the materials difficult to recycle. If you are using a single recycling bin, this is very important. The food and fluid remnants can soil the paper trash you put in the bin. Keep aside a separate kitchen trash bin for the food items. Compost the food debris in your garden.
Storing the recyclables in a plastic bag makes your entire effort go to waste. Most of the time. recycling facilities send the bagged stuff to landfills. They do not feel it safe to open the bags and further it takes more time to sort them.
Despite knowing about recyclable items, you may still be unsure. If this happens, throw the materials in the trash. Such items go to landfills. But, even if you put it in a recycling receptacle, it can meet the same end if it is not recyclable. Recycling facilities spend a lot of time removing non-recyclable items. Some tangle up and damage the recycling equipment.
There is a lot more to recycling than you know about. These key steps and tips will make you more aware of the process. When you understand what this process is, it is easier to follow it. You will be less confused about what to do with your trash.
One effective way to make this program easier is to have a suitable recycle bin at home or work. Separate containers make it easy to sort your trash. Look for receptacles with more than one slot. For quality trash bins and recycling containers, visit Trash Cans Depot.
]]>Due to the growing population and demands on resources, managing waste is a top priority now. Having a proper recycling program is a sure step forward for this problem. Using a separate recycling bin for sorting recyclable items is an ideal way to manage waste. Recycling is a smart approach to reduce the trash you send to landfills. It is also beneficial to the environment. Read on to know how using recycle bins can benefit the environment.
The alarming rate at which landfills are filling up has become a global issue. It is hazardous for the environment and contributes to climate change. Thus, proper use of recycling helps in a big way. It facilitates converting waste into a valuable resource. It involves many steps like:
With more people taking up the practice, it will be easier to manage the waste and enhance the environment. How can you benefit the environment by recycling? Here are a few important ways:
By recycling, you convert the waste materials into new products. The conversion reduces the need to use natural resources. If you do not recycle, new raw materials from mining or forestry go into the making of new products. So, you can save the resources and protect the natural habitat for the future.
For instance:
When recycled materials are part of the manufacturing setup, the energy costs go down. There is a need for less energy when compared to making the goods from scratch. Even with the inclusion of all related costs, such as transport and others, you can save more.
The energy you save is more here. This is because you need more energy for making products from raw materials like:
Recycled items do not need factories to spend as much energy. For instance, aluminum recycling can save up to 95% of the energy used for making aluminum from its ore. When there is a reduction in the use of new materials, you save your ecosystem and wildlife from harm.
Disposal areas are a major problem for the environment. They cause soil, water, and air pollution. Climate change is another big peril of dumping grounds. The liquids from the junkyard enter groundwater and seep into the soil. This causes water and soil pollution, affecting animal life, local ecosystems, and drinking water.
Many toxic substances in landfills emit contaminated air, like methane and greenhouse gases. This leads to air pollution, which causes several health hazards. With recycling, you can reduce the waste sent to the dumps.
A large amount of plastic you use ends up clogging the oceans. This harms the marine ecosystem in an adverse way. It is very difficult to clean up the oceans. Moreover, the accumulation of such synthetic materials began only a few decades back.
An ideal solution to reduce the burden on the oceans is to manage such types of waste. This is possible by reducing the use of plastic, repurposing, and recycling it. The 3Rs assist in curbing the damage wrought by such waste.
The waste in landfills generates methane gas. Landfills are one of the main sources of methane emission. This is a cause of concern as the gas is very dangerous. It also causes climate change.
You can reduce the negative impact of methane gas. This is possible when you reduce the landfill input by one pound per day per individual.
It is not possible to stop producing waste in your workspace or home. But, you can reduce the waste you throw in your plastic garbage cans and use a recycle bin as well.
When you use a separate recycling bin in your home or office, you can help in waste reduction. Your support in reprocessing a major part of the waste can reduce the amount that ends up in the landfill.
Besides reducing waste, you can save energy and resources. You will also see a dip in the waste collection bills. Many recycling programs offer money for collecting recyclable items.
With the small act of recycling, you can do a huge favor for our planet. Use separate containers for sorting your trash. You can rest assured that you are doing your part in bringing about a positive impact.
You can buy goods that do not take as much energy or money to make. This is possible due to the reprocessing of materials.
Raw materials remain undisturbed with recycling. Most of the processes you need for creating the items from scratch are not needed. So, besides aiding the environment, you can also gain from the lower cost.
To recycle, you need to first do a proper collection of the materials. You first sort the discarded trash into different waste streams to reprocess the items. You can then turn the waste into valuable products.
Some common recycle container types found in homes and offices are:
Some councils and recycling centers have bins for specific items. These include electronic waste, motor oil, tires, and more. For proper recycling, it is important that you place the items in the right recycling bin. Contamination of the items can consume plenty of time and energy for sorting the items again. Knowing which items go into the recycling container will aid you.
Here are a few ways you can use your recycle bin in the right way and benefit the environment.
Because plastic is cheap and durable, it finds plenty of uses. But, the bad news about using plastic is it takes over a thousand years to break down. Thus, most of the plastic you use ends in the ocean or the landfills.
With proper recycling, you can prevent plastic trash from harming your surroundings and reduce the amount of new plastic. You must know that all plastics are not recyclable. Plastics are of different types and each type needs different processes for recycling.
The RIC (Resin Identification Coding) system sorts plastics into 7 types. Each type is of a different plastic ingredient. You can see an image with the number inside the recycling symbol in the plastic items you buy. The number #1, for instance, indicates Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET).
Recycling centers accept only items with specific numbers. #1 and #2 types are recyclable. Your local recycling center can assist you with which plastic types they accept. Recycling plastic bottles facilitates making items like clothing, auto parts, and carpet. Not only do you reduce the amount of trash, but you also help in making new products.
Paper products make up a big part of your daily trash. Items like newspapers, envelopes, magazines, and more end up in the trash every day. When you recycle paper, you get the following benefits:
Depending on the locality you are in, you can sort all paper trash in your indoor trash bin. Or, you can sort them as simple paper waste and paper with plastic coating. The recycling of the latter items needs special chemicals. So, you may have to sort such items in a separate bin.
Glass products are easy to recycle. Designers and manufacturers can use the recycled material without harming the environment. It is possible to repurpose the chips to make countertops or floors.
When you do not recycle glass, it takes about one million years to break down. Furthermore, making glass from scratch needs plenty of sand. Since sand depletion is a big cause of concern, recycling is the best alternative.
You can sort the glass in recycling bins, according to its color. Or, the recycling centers can sort them. They melt the glass chips and turn them into new jars and bottles.
Many companies specialize in metal recycling. Different metal types like aluminum, brass, copper, etc. come under this category.
By recycling metal cans, you can create a positive change in your surroundings. The products undergo proper recycling and will not pose any risk to the environment.
As you need to mine the raw materials for the metals, there is plenty of damage to the areas near to the mines. By recycling metals, you save the new mining of the ores, which aid in making the metals.
As you can find different types of metal products, you may not know which is recyclable. You can put all metal items in a single recycling container. Keep a separate kitchen trash can for the metal items. The recycling center can sort the items into suitable types.
All types of organic waste, including food, are biodegradable. One good way to recycle food waste is by composting it. Making compost from organic waste is a simple process.
You can use a compost bin to put all the kitchen waste, such as vegetable peels, eggshells, and more, in it. Use separate kitchen garbage bins for the composting. With time, the food becomes rich in nutrients. The compost is an ideal fertilizer for planting.
Many localities have brown bins for collecting organic waste. If you create more compost than you need, you can dispose of the organic waste in such bins.
It is not possible to break down electronic waste. The trash ends up taking a big chunk of landfill space. There is difficulty in recycling the items as they are made of different materials. A single device can have materials like glass, metal, and more.
But, it is possible to reuse most of the components in electronic devices. For instance, mobile phone recycling can give metals such as gold, silver, copper, and more.
Many large retailers have recycling containers for such items. You can place your e-waste in such bins.
Worn-out tires have about 99% rubber left in them. Thus, the tires you discard take up a huge part of landfills. Moreover, the tires contain more void space in them.
As recycling tires is a difficult process, people burn them. But, newer and biodegradable materials are going into the making of such tires. So, it is possible to reuse them.
Do not place your old tires in the general trash. Find out a nearby recycling facility that recycles tires in particular. Some centers retread the tires and reuse them. Or, they dispose of the tires in a safe way so they do not harm the surroundings.
Many of the clothing, sheets, curtains, linens, and more make up a huge part of the trash you throw out. If the items end in landfills, they can take hundreds of years to degrade.
But, you can avoid the items from harming the environment by recycling them. The recycling facilities sort and clean the materials. They are then respun into new clothing.
Check out the retailer or mall in your locality. You can know whether they recycle clothing and other textiles. They have separate bins for unwanted garments and other materials. Some even give a discount when you give your old clothes for recycling.
As you can see, many of the items you throw away are of value. Sorting the items for recycling saves the environment and reduces your carbon footprint. Plus, you can play your part in fighting climate change. The best part of recycling is you get to cut down the amount of trash you ship to landfills. Use recycling bins with more than one stream for proper sorting of your trash.
]]>Trash cluttering up your complex or other buildings can be an eyesore and deter new business. It may seem impossible to deter patrons from carelessly littering, but you can take steps to reduce waste on your property. If you find this issue applies to you, you may be wondering how to manage waste and clutter within your building. Read on for the best steps that you can take to manage waste and clean up your building or property.
If you don’t already have one, create a waste management plan that outlines all your current data. Record things like how often you haul away the trash, what percentage of waste you recycle, and any information or numbers you want to improve. From there, when you start to introduce practices to reduce waste, you can compare the numbers. But first, you may be wonder what kinds of campaigns to include in a waste management plan. Here are a few ideas to help you reduce waste and become more eco-friendly along the way.
A common practice to incorporate into your waste management plan is the three Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Of course, the point of your plan is to reduce waste in the first place, and some great ways to accomplish this are through reducing and recycling. If you run a business, encourage your employees to bring reusable items to work, such as water bottles, lunch bags, and more. If this strategy doesn’t apply to your business as well, move on to recycling. Are you providing your customers or tenants with enough recycling opportunities? Keep reading for a good way to tell.
If you find that your building often has trash piling up outside of garbage cans or dumpsters, this is a good sign that you need to increase your number of waste receptacles or pickups.
Another sign that you need more waste bins is the presence of trash on the floors and other surfaces of your building. Littering is pretty much unavoidable no matter how many trash cans you provide, but if you notice trash starting to pile up on your surfaces indoors or on your property outdoors, try adding more receptacles. Start by adding extra bins where you’ve noticed litter in your building and the surrounding property. You can find all varieties of outdoor and indoor garbage cans to fit your building’s needs at Trash Cans Depot.
Similarly, if you find your dumpsters start to overflow with waste bags in the days leading up to trash pickup, you may want to increase these larger receptacles or even increase your number of trash pickup days. Schedule your trash pickup days with your community or hauling company. Between adding to your current arsenal of waste bins and scheduling pickups more often, you should notice a difference in the clutter around your building.
While you shop around for more trash receptacles, consider what kind of bins you are looking for. Another way to manage waste is by reducing it. People throw away items that don’t actually belong in the trash every day, usually out of laziness. These non-waste items, such as recycling or compostable materials, don’t have to end up in landfills if you find a way to sort them properly.
Check on your community level as well as your waste removal service’s policies on recycling and composting. If they offer these pickup services, take advantage of them! Many types of garbage receptacles have slots for waste, recycling, and even composting materials. Some bins even feature all three categories together in one unit. Giving tenants or customers this option can significantly reduce waste because some things never belonged in the trash to begin with.
Make sure to carefully advertise which bins contain each type of trash, whether it’s recycling, food waste for composting, or general waste. Otherwise, if patrons are confused, they may end up dumping everything in the waste compartment anyway. Put a sign up over each compartment that clearly illustrates what types of materials belong in them. Another way to promote the correct disposal methods is by color coordinating each trash compartment; for example, green for composting, blue for recycling, and black for general waste is common to distinguish which type of waste belongs in each bin.
And if the budget simply isn’t there for a fancy divided receptacle, providing recycling bins near garbage cans will still help decrease wrongful waste. Just make sure to place general waste and recycling bins as close as possible to each other. Even if you offer recycling services, some tenants will be less likely to take advantage of this if they must go out of their way to dispose of their recyclables properly. Situating trash and recycling containers near each other prevents the lazy habit of throwing out recyclables from re-forming.
Make sure your tenants, guests, or customers know about updates to waste management policies by hanging flyers, sending emails, or making regular announcements. The only way to improve waste management is at the source, and if your patrons don’t know about new guidelines, they can’t follow them.
If you are managing an organization, make the recycling experience fun for everyone by creating challenges. For example, challenge your teams to see who can recycle the most during a certain period. Or, if you manage a housing complex or business, keep your tenants and patrons involved by posting how much waste they helped reduce by recycling that month.
Not only are these tips on how to manage waste and clutter within your building effective for waste management, but they are also environmentally conscious. By having a waste management plan and following these steps, you can cut down on clutter around your building and reduce waste headed to landfills. It’s a great opportunity for your business to make a difference while also improving your patrons’ quality of life by cutting down on clutter and eyesores such as overflowing dumpsters.
]]>Trying to promote recycling on such a grand scale as the university level is a noble effort to help increase sustainability. However, because it is on such a large scale, you may not know where to start when it comes to your recycling program. From the starting point to reaching out to your students, here are a few steps on how to encourage recycling at your university. Take the process one step at a time, and you will notice the changes that you wish to see.
Recycling is an important and responsible task for any large organization to take part in. Because of the amount of waste created somewhere as large as a university, it is crucial that anything not getting recycled isn’t lumped in with the trash. This not only promotes sustainability and a greener footprint, but it can also save your organization money in waste management. But before making any changes, you need first to educate your community.
We all likely learned about it as kids, but there is so much more that you can teach your students than just the concept of reduce, reuse, and recycle. Maybe, rather than thinking of how recycling impacts the whole environment, knowing how these efforts can benefit the community will resonate more with people. Recycling can create jobs, conserve energy, and protect wildlife, which will resonate with others. Helping people understand the problem and promoting a healthy community and future is the first step to promoting change.
One of the biggest reasons your students and faculty may deter from recycling is a lack of convenient receptacle access. Most folks are less likely to hold onto their recyclables and dispose of them properly than simply throwing them away when it is convenient. There are a couple of things to consider regarding placement and type of trash versus recycling receptacles and how they can encourage good practices.
Ideally, you would want to place a recycling receptacle next to every garbage bin on your campus. This makes recycling just as easy as throwing trash away, and it discourages placing recyclable items in the wrong destination. Although, you may already have a lack of trash cans across your campus. If you often receive complaints from students, faculty, or employees of finding litter around campus, this is a sure sign that you probably need more trash and recycling bins.
For example, some key areas to consider adding more trash and recycling units include:
Any areas around your campus that see large groups of students, faculty, and visitors per day should have several garbage and recycling stations. And consider including more than the standard trash and recycling containers. There are various outdoor and indoor recycling containers to choose from for your campus grounds, including varieties for paper, glass, metal, and even composting. Just make sure that these varieties are clearly labeled.
Another way to increase the likelihood of your campus members recycling is to mark and label your receptacles clearly. Make sure that different bins, such as paper versus plastic recycling, are labeled clearly and correctly; otherwise, students may give up and throw everything in the trash anyway. You should easily distinguish recycling categories from garbage bins at first glance so that students and faculty in a hurry don’t find it a waste of time to sort their trash. This also helps keep the proper types of recycling and garbage in their respective homes and not mixed, which can cause issues with hauling and trash pickups. The different breakdowns that you may want to feature in bins include:
Clearly label or color-coordinate these different categories to avoid confusion. You could also feature stations around campus to collect items that people may wrongly throw away—things like batteries, electronics, plastic bags, clothing, light bulbs, and more. Some programs collect these types of items for proper disposal or reuse.
Individual students may not think that they can make much of a difference by themselves. It’s important to encourage student-run organizations and events to connect so that they can better see the impact they have on the environment together. Some great ways to get your campus population involved in the recycling efforts include:
It may seem like an impossible task to promote recycling on a campus-wide scale, but it can help to take these tips on how to encourage recycling at your university one step at a time. Because recycling is an individual effort at its core, it helps to start small and work up to that more significant scale. If you educate your community and provide them with the proper resources, that alone is all you need to get started. From there, you will start to see the change for good in your community and beyond.
]]>But, the confusion about which items go into the recycle bin prevents them from doing a proper job. For instance, should you recycle the yogurt container? What about the ketchup bottle? Can the egg carton go into the recycling bin? There are so many questions about recycling containers. One of the main questions is how you can use them. This guide provides the answer to this, along with how to sort your trash. Let’s dive in!
Why not put all your trash in a single trash receptacle and let the collection center do the sorting? When you dump all the waste in one bin, you contaminate the recyclable items. The facility will not be able to recycle the item. By separating at the source, you can make sure that it will end up at the recycling center.
Separating waste helps in many ways. It ensures the materials you recycle are used for making new products. Recycled plastic forms crates or packaging material. Organic waste creates biogas. The waste paper helps in generating new paper.
When you separate waste, you decrease the amount that is burnt. This lowers carbon dioxide emissions. It has a positive effect on the environment. By reusing and recycling, you reduce the use of new materials for producing items.
A recycle bin helps separate your trash. You can find garbage cans of different types and make. There are steel waste bin models and plastic containers also.
You can find a single stream bin and models with more than one stream. With many slots, it will be easy to separate the items you want to recycle. Since sorting is the confusing part, here is a detailed guide on how you can recycle your trash.
All materials made of plastic come under plastic waste. This includes bottles and packaging stuff, along with:
By proper recycling, you can make new products like packaging or building materials.
You should use separate recycling and trash bins for collecting. Most collection centers expect it. Collect the plastic items in a separate bin. Some of the plastics are more recyclable than the rest. Make sure to know what items your community recycling program accepts.
Plastic items have symbols present on them to identify the resin used for making them. The number is seen inside a triangle or the recycling arrow symbol. With the number, you can know whether your local recycling facility will accept it or not. The numbers start from 1 and go up to 7. But, each center differs in the type of resin it accepts. Here are a few tips:
Plastic containers carry the numbers #1 and #2. Number #4 is for plastic bags, and #7 denotes mixed plastics. While #7 is not recyclable, most centers accept #1 and #2 types of plastics.
#1 plastic resin is used for making plastic bottles recyclable. You can reprocess them into items like fleece fabric. Make sure to remove their caps before you recycle them. But, bottles made of #7 plastic are not reusable. Do not reuse the PET or #1 plastic bottles. This is because cleaning releases harmful chemicals.
Grocery bags belong to #2 recyclable plastic. You can see separate bins at grocery stores and recycling facilities for these bags.
Items like food trays and egg cartons are of #6 plastic. This plastic is not biodegradable. But, some recycling centers accept this type of resin. Ask your collection center whether it accepts the polystyrene material.
#5 plastics contain polypropylene. Cheese, yogurt, and margarine are some items that use #5 plastic for packaging. You can find it in bottle tops and food wraps.
This plastic type is the least expensive to make and also the least recyclable. Throw these items in your regular stainless steel trash can.
To reduce the waste due to this type of plastic, choose items that have #2 plastic packaging. Or, you can consider reusing the items.
Glass items like beverage and food containers are recyclable. It is cheaper to make new glass from the recycled material than from raw ingredients. Most recycling programs take glass items of all colors and types. The facility sorts these materials according to the color.
But, in some localities, the recycling program needs you to sort them according to the color. Sort the brown, green, and clear items. Such items are container glasses and are recyclable. You can leave the paper labels on them.
Sort the items with a high melting point like:
These are of a different composition than regular glass containers. Most recycling centers will not accept them.
Fluorescent light bulbs are recyclable in some centers. The IKEA store in your locality may recycle them.
Steel, copper, and aluminum cans are recyclable. Here are a few tips on their recycling.
All paper waste items come under cardboard and paper. But, make sure the material is clean. Items such as printing material, documents, etc. are recyclable.
You can reuse them up to 8 times for making the new product. Commercial spaces see more of such waste. Such places can use trendy containers like a black-colored or a white steel trash can.
Some common items under paper and cardboard include:
Organic waste includes biodegradable waste. You can ferment, incinerate, or gasify the waste to create biofuel. You can also compost the waste and use it as a fertilizer for plants.
The organic waste materials include:
Use a compost bin or a small container for the waste. Organic waste goes into the green recycle bin. When the bin is full, you can take it out for curbside collection.
Products like paints, batteries, etc. come under hazardous waste. They contain harmful ingredients. So, you need to take special care in disposing of them. When you dump them on the ground or down the drain, they harm your surroundings. Do not throw them in your regular waste container.
Here are a few tips to dispose of such items:
You need to collect electronic waste items in a separate container. A simple way to recycle items like computers and printers is to donate them. You can give them to the local school or non-profit groups.
Many electronic goods’ makers accept used devices. HP, for instance, accepts old printer cartridges. Some companies have prepaid packaging for return shipping while buying new cartridges.
Old tires left in your garage can harbor pests like rodents. There is also the danger of the tire piles catching fire. You can recycle the used tires at your local garage when you install new ones.
You can also return the used tires to the tire retailer. Or, your local recycling facility may also accept used tires. Look for collection events held in your locality for old tires.
Do not pour motor oil down your drain. The oil can contaminate freshwater sources nearby. Instead, try recycling the used oil. You can safeguard your water supply and help reduce the procurement of foreign oil.
Most garages accept used oil for recycling. Even automotive supply stores recycle used oil. Find out which stores accept used oil in your locality.
You must know the right way of recycling materials. When you use single-stream recycling, you should be extra careful. Even a single error can make the entire bin contents end in the landfill. This is because improper recycling causes contamination of the materials.
The materials damage and clog the recycling devices at the facilities. They charge more for recycling to offset the cost of incorrect recycling. To avoid this from occurring, here are a few key rules you should know:
The above guide covers most of the items in your trash that you can recycle. Not only are they easy to follow, but they also help you in doing it right. Use these tips and guidelines for proper recycling. You will have the satisfaction of contributing towards a greener earth. A key part of the process is having separate recycling containers at your home or office.
For more such cool options and regular trash can models, visit Trash Cans Depot.
]]>Few people know what can and can’t go into the recycling containers. It is common for people to confuse which item goes into these bins. Should I recycle the waffle box? Is the egg carton recyclable? All this confusion occurs despite the labels on the items. Did you know that improper recycling can have a negative impact on waste management? Although it is good that you want to recycle, you should know how to do it right. Here are a few tips to help you put the right items in the recycle bin.
There are plenty of recyclable items that end up in landfills every year. Having a recycle bin and not putting the right items in it is a big crime. Here are 10 important items that are recyclable:
Paper is easy to recycle. But, only a few people know the right way to recycle it. Below you can find a few recyclable paper items:
Paper boxes include thick and thin cardboard types. By recycling cardboard, you can save plenty of landfill space. To reduce the space that cardboard boxes take in your recycle bin, flatten them. Whenever you throw away used boxes containing any residue, make sure you remove them all.
Some of the boxes you can recycle include:
Water, juice, and soda bottles have polyethylene terephthalate (PET). A large quantity of such bottles gets thrown away in landfills. A few ways to recycle plastic bottles are:
Bottles that contain detergent, shampoo, or other such items have thicker plastic. The material is easy to recycle.
Recycling facilities accept plastic bottles with necks, such as detergent and shampoo bottles. Most of these items will have the #1 or #2 resin code, which makes them recyclable.
Before you dump them in the recycle bin, make sure they are clean and free of the product. Also, remove the plastic caps before you recycle them.
Besides recycling the bottles, you can reduce their use. For example, you can buy the products in large quantities. You can save money and also the number of bottles you throw away.
Plus, you can even find alternative uses for them. You can turn the bottles into flower vases or any other form in and around your home.
Aluminum cans are recyclable and you can help save the use of the fresh material by recycling. Here are a few tips:
You will find that many canned items such as soups, vegetables, and more use steel cans. The good thing about these cans is you can recycle them. Here are a few tips:
Glass containers found in the packaging of food products and beverages are recyclable. You can recycle them and save about 95% of the raw materials you need for making new glass packaging. Here are some tips for recycling glass:
Corks are biodegradable and renewable items. You can recycle the cork to make new corks. Learn more about cork recycling from your local collection center.
Corks are of two types, natural and synthetic. The synthetic type is made of plastic so you need to throw it in the general kitchen waste bin.
Natural cork is made from tree bark and is biodegradable. If your collection center does not accept the corks, you can use them in plenty of craft projects.
You can repurpose corks into any type of home décor item. Items like bath mats, lampshades, and plant labels can be created with corks.
You can recycle all household batteries. The batteries in your electronic items like phones and remote-control systems are recyclable. You can also recycle button batteries like those found in watches.
While buying, give preference to rechargeable batteries. Try powering battery-operated devices with electricity as much as possible.
Make sure you recycle the batteries within six months of discarding them. Bag or tape them before you dump them in the recycle bin.
Do not throw batteries in the bin with other recyclable items like plastic, glass, or paper. You can create a fire hazard risk by doing so.
Most of the plastic bags in use now are of #2 plastic. But, you can find thinner plastic materials made from #4 plastic also. Here are a few tips on recycling them:
By now, you would be aware of the items that go into your kitchen recycling bins. With this knowledge, you can recycle more items. Another way to ensure you recycle right is to use separate bins for recycling items. With separate recycling and trash bins, you will find it easy to recycle many of the items you dispose of.
There are recycle bins that have several slots for different items. The Busch Systems Spectrum recycling receptacle is one such product. It comes with two waste streams, for general trash and recyclable materials. For more such quality recycling and kitchen trash bins, visit Trash Cans Depot.
]]>You can motivate your employees to recycle using many ways. A busy work schedule makes it difficult for them to focus on recycling. They do not think about what goes into a recycling bin and what goes into the trash. So, the first step is to teach them the proper way to sort the waste with small recycling bins. Here are a few tips on sorting waste for recycling.
To make sure you are in a clean and green workspace, you need to know the items that you can recycle. Five important recyclable items in the workspace are:
One of the common items that you can recycle in a business is paper. Offices generate a huge amount of paper waste. Almost 50% of paper used in the workspace ends up in the trash. You can recycle most of it and save resources. A few tips you can use to reduce such waste are:
Plastic materials are difficult to recycle. While some items are recyclable, others are not. You need to look at the resin codes to know whether an item is recyclable or not.
For instance, the #1 and #2 inside the recycling logo show the items that go into the blue recycle bin. Some common items include cups, water bottles, and food containers.
You can place the plastic bags used for carrying your lunch and other items in separate bins. Then, arrange to take the collected items to the drop-off spot or the local grocery store.
Items like tape, labels, and others add more burden to the waste disposal in companies. But, these supplies are recyclable. Make sure you separate the items you can repurpose before you dispose them of.
Styrofoam pallets and packing paper are reusable. Shredded paper is good packing material. Using a common receiving and shipping area will help in easy recycling. Many recycling services offer proper recycling of such items so they do not end up in landfills.
Technology updates are constant, making it necessary to switch over to newer versions. This results in many outdated devices ending up in the trash.
Since e-waste is very harmful to the surroundings, recycling it is very important. Find out places that recycle electronic waste for proper e-waste disposal.
Toner and ink cartridge are recyclable. But, most workplaces do not recycle them. Ink cartridges undergo recycling and are resold. Each cartridge can save plastic and metal from ending up in landfills. Also, repurposing them saves oil used for making new cartridges.
Look into office supply shops that accept empty cartridges. You can even find stores that provide a discount for empty cartridges when you buy new ones.
Now that you know of the recyclable items found in offices, you can move on to the next step. Teaching employees how to sort trash helps to simplify the process. Don’t allow your employees to dump all recyclable items into a single trash receptacle. This will make it difficult to recycle.
For instance, food residue in the items can contaminate other items in the bin. This can make the process futile. Moreover, many collection centers do not accept contaminated trash. So, the right way to recycle is to sort the items at the source. Here are a few tips on how you can motivate and teach your employees to sort the recyclable items.
Waste management and recycling is not a difficult task. Nor is it an expensive one. Teaching your employees to sort with small recycling bins benefits you in many ways. You can reduce the amount of waste. Awareness about recycling and reusing will help save costs on buying new items. Plus, you will start buying recyclable items.
You can create a positive image of your company. Your customers and community will know you care about your environment. Make sure you invest in superior quality trash bins. A product like the Busch Systems Spectrum is ideal for the workplace. You can also use bins with more than one slot. For quality recycling and general waste bins, visit Trash Cans Depot.
]]>In general, the recycle bin is not emptied as many times as the regular trash bin. But, it is important that you clear your recycle trash can at steady intervals. One of the main reasons for regular disposal is to keep your home clean and free of any germs. Apart from this, you can find some of the other reasons below.
You will have a specific cleaning method for your garbage cans. Likewise, you should follow a proper emptying process for the recycling receptacles. The reasons for sticking to a good disposal system for recyclable items are manifold. Here are the main reasons why you should take care of regular recycle bin emptying.
You should not leave any food residue in items that you throw away. This is because food residue in the bin can cause the following:
Thus, you need to take proper care in keeping recycle bins tidy.
Here are some steps that can help you:
You can save natural resources by recycling. The process helps to reduce a big chunk of material waste. Here are some ways in which you can save resources.
With regular emptying of the recycle bin, you can provide the material for recycling. You get to reduce the clutter in your home. Most of the items for recycling take up more space. So, it is wise to invest in good stainless steel kitchen trash can models. Make use of the bins with more than one stream to sort the items with ease.
Landfill spaces are shrinking more and more. As a result, sending waste there is expensive. When you recycle properly, you can avoid the expense. Good sorting and regular emptying are two important ways you can save money.
To know how to sort, you have to first know about the collection of recycling materials. Cardboard and paper go into a separate container. Plastic, cartons, and metal go into a different one. This type of collection is called a multi-stream collection. The collection truck has separate compartments for the materials. This makes it easy to unload and process them.
Here are a few tips for proper sorting of trash and emptying the recycle bin:
When you take up a recycling program, it is beneficial to the surroundings. The various ways this is made possible include:
To prevent polluting the air you breathe and the water you drink, proper recycling is vital. It is wise to use durable stainless steel trash garbage cans. The trash containers help you make sure that the water and air around you are free of toxicity. Recycling also reduces the trash you dispose of and the waste amount ending up in landfills.
Have you noticed how recyclable items take up a big chunk of space in your kitchen or yard? Many people do not recycle as they find it easy to dump everything in a single can.
But, emptying a recycle bin helps you keep your home and office free of clutter. You have to choose the right type of plastic or metal garbage bin for this purpose.
A suitable stainless steel garbage can for recycling makes it easy to sort your trash. So, you need not worry about the cardboard, plastic, etc. cluttering up your yard or home.
In the first place, recycling can prevent one key issue. It will take care of the frequent overflowing bin problem for you. With a separate bin for recyclable items, the trash you dispose of reduces.
Proper sorting of the items will ensure the collection truck does not reject them. Regular emptying of the bin will help you get rid of unwanted items. Such items take up much-needed space.
Now, the reasons for emptying your garbage recycle bin would be clear to you. Like regular trash, disposing of the items in the recycle bin should become a routine for you. Recycle containers have a lot of benefits. They offer you a good chance to go green while saving energy and reducing pollution. Moreover, recycling saves money. With it, you do not have to worry about the waste clutter or overflowing bins.
So, consult with the waste collection people in your area. Make sure you empty your recycle bin on the collection day. With a durable and well-designed recycle bin, it is easy to sort your recyclables. Have a look at the garbage recycle bin range available at Trash Cans Depot. Here, you can find bins of all types, materials, and styles.
]]>You can find recycling symbols on the labels on packages. The symbols inform you of how to dispose of the package after use. But, you may not always know the symbols. Thus, you can end up putting the item in the wrong bin. So, if you want to avoid recyclable items from ending up in landfills, this guide will help you.
This is the main recycling symbol. Gary Anderson created this symbol as part of an event to encourage greener earth. It is accepted globally for the recycling process. This symbol on a product shows that the object is recyclable.
But, the presence of this symbol alone does not mean that the collection truck will accept the item. The symbol is to show its recycling capability. You need to know the local collection center rules on the acceptable items.
While using bins for recycling, make sure the container is sturdy. Labeling is a must for avoiding confusion. Galvanized metal trash can models are best suited for recycling. These are sturdy and do not need much maintenance.
This symbol shows that the glass container can be recycled. Be sure to verify if you need to separate the containers based on their color.
When you recycle glass items, the recycled glass provides several benefits. It can reduce air pollution and water pollution. Producing the glass from scratch causes more pollution. Although it is common to see plastic bins recycling containers as made of metal. When labeled, the bins are easy to use.
Packaging made of recyclable aluminum will show the above symbol. The benefit of recycling aluminum is it can save plenty of energy.
You can save about 95% of the energy you need to make the metal from its raw material. You can recycle aluminum items such as wine bottle top lids and drink cans. Some commercial spaces have special recycling bins for bottles and cans. The Ex-Cell Kaiser Black Tie Kaleidoscope model is one such product.
This symbol is not a recycling symbol as such. It shows that the manufacturer has taken care of the packaging’s end recovery. The green dot shows the producer’s efforts towards recycling.
This symbol is for wood-based items. Most household recycling bins do not allow timber and wood. But, many recycling centers for household items accept them.
The seedling symbol means industrial supported compostable items. Do not place plastic that is compostable with recyclable plastics. You can add it to your garden waste and recycle it.
Recyclable steel products come under this symbol. They are collected by household recycling centers. Plastic and metal recycling bins are used for such items. For indoor use, black stainless garbage can types are popular. You can use them to dispose of recyclable steel items.
You cannot recycle all the plastic items you use. Moreover, different plastic items are recycled in different ways, for which plastic resin codes are used. The resin codes tell you which recycling type the plastic item belongs to.
These codes are depicted through numbers. A number ranging from 1 to 7 is present in the center of the Mobius Loop. This loop symbol is also called a chasing arrows pattern. Find below what each number of the resin code means:
Number 1 denotes single-use plastic items. Beer bottles, soft drinks, ketchup bottles, etc. are some of the examples. Make sure to rinse the food residue before you recycle the plastic. Tote bags, paneling, carpet, etc. are made from recycling this type of plastic.
Code number 2 denotes high-density Polyethylene (HDPE). This is a widely used plastic that is robust and durable. You can find it in both soft and hard plastic forms. It is easy to recycle into different items. These include juice bottles, cleaning solution bottles, dog’s and kid’s toys, and more.
The number 3 denotes PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). It is used to make pipes and siding. Since it is cheap, it is found in packaging. PVC is not usually recycled. If recycled, it is used for flooring, mats, cables, decks, etc.
This denotes low-density plastic. You can find it in frozen food packages, squeezable bottles, and furniture. This plastic is not recyclable, so you need to throw it in the trash.
This number denotes the high melting point of plastic. It is recyclable and found in medicine bottles, straws, and caps. Brooms, rakes, bins, and trays are some of the recycled items you get from this plastic-type.
Number 6 denotes polystyrene, which you find in foam products like Styrofoam. It is difficult to recycle. So, you must put it in the trash.
Other plastic products that do not cover the above types fall under this number. Polycarbonate is part of this type. Polylactic acid also belongs to this number code. You can find it in sunglasses, computer cases, five-gallon water bottles, and more. It is not recycled.
Most items carry recycling labels to help you recycle better. But, there is still confusion over what you can and cannot recycle. Here are some tips:
Items You Can RecycleDo not pour car oil into your drain as it can contaminate freshwater sources. Recycle the car oil by taking it to your local garages or recycling centers.
Milk cartons have a plastic lining. So, do not add them with paper recyclables. Instead, throw them in recycling bins meant for plastic recyclables.
Batteries are recyclable and have separate collection centers.
Indoor recycling bins with labels make it easy for you to know which items go into which bin. The labels come with a strong adhesive.
You can find labels for paper, glass, aluminum, batteries, and other such items. By sticking the labels to your indoor recycling bin, you can customize it.
You can choose plastic or metal cans for recycling. Metal cans are popular for their trendy look and good finish. Invest in sturdy gray or black stainless steel trash can types. These cans are sleek to look at. The stainless-steel finish makes it easy to clean them. When used with a liner, you can keep them clean and hygienic.
Now that you know about the common recycling symbols, you will find it easy to separate your trash. Recycling offers plenty of benefits that you cannot ignore. You get to save energy and resources. Make sure you use the right type of recycling bin.
You can choose from customizable bins present now. Or, you can pick the labeled bins. With such bins, recycling will not be confusing for you. To look at the various models of recycling bins and regular garbage bins visit Trash Cans Depot.
]]>You need to manage the waste properly if you want to save money for your business. Moreover, you must ensure that the process you use is a viable one. The first step in good waste management is knowing what goes into different office garbage cans. Here is a quick analysis of the garbage in offices across the country. Also, find out how to manage the waste smartly.
The garbage found in offices is of three main types, general, recyclable, and food waste. You can find further subtypes also. Below you can take a look at the common garbage found in offices.
Paper is the commonest item found in office bins. Despite many offices moving to digital platforms, paper waste is still a big issue.
Regardless of the size of your office, the daily paper waste can be huge. The waste is a given thing as handling paperwork is part of any office setup.
Thus, it is normal for an office to dispose of plenty of paper every day. An average office worker disposes of around two pounds of paper and related products per day. Some of the trash include:
Along with paper sheets, disposable coffee cups add up to the paper waste. This constant disposing of paper results in overflowing office waste bins. Hence, it is sensible for office spaces to take up a proper recycling program. This will make sure you efficiently collect the huge paper trash.
You can prevent the recyclable paper from ending up in the trash by using the following tips:
Next to paper, printer cartridges make up most of the waste in offices. When these cartridges end up in landfills, they harm the surroundings. This is because cartridges take several centuries to decompose. But, you can recycle the cartridges and save them from becoming a problem.
How to manage printing product waste:
Plastic is another recyclable waste found in the office garbage bin. By recycling plastic trash, you can reduce the trash you need to dispose of. Some common plastic trash items include:
You cannot recycle all the items that end up in the office garbage can. Styrofoam cups, thin plastics, and coffee cups are not recyclable. These end up in landfills.
Food scraps are the next most found trash in the average office garbage bin. This is more so in offices that provide free meals. Offices over-order food to avoid running out of food. This results in wastage of food. Furthermore, even with home food, workers tend to throw out food.
E-waste indicates electronic items that you discard due to damage or repair. Computers, printers, phones, etc. come under this type of waste. You should take special care in disposing of such items. This is because the items contain toxic materials that can harm the environment. Furthermore, it is possible to reuse many of the materials.
Recycling is an essential part of managing waste. This applies to offices also. With the right recycle program, your business can benefit in many ways. These include:
A recycling bin is for all recyclable waste materials. You should not empty incorrect materials into a recycling bin. This is because the waste management company will not accept it on collection day. So, a typical recycling bin will have:
There are trash items that should not go into a recycle bin. These include items like plastic bags and films, glass, cigarette butts, and others. You should empty the food waste in a separate office trash bin for organic waste.
From the list of things mentioned above, you will have a good idea about the waste that offices generate. Most of the waste that goes into office bins is recyclable. Managing waste in the office setup is not about getting rid of the trash alone. Offices need to pay more attention to proper waste management. This is helpful for the environment and the business also.
The tips mentioned above are sure to help you reduce the quantity of waste you generate in your office. With the recycling tips, you can ensure the right items go into your office recycling bin. For quality office waste bins and recycling bins, visit Trash Cans Depot.
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