On Sorting Waste: Pizza Boxes, Batteries, Plastic Bags?
January 9, 2012
By now, most of us live in areas where Single Stream Recycling has been implemented. But, it seems to me that most of us still don’t realize how to separate all of our waste. Last week, I attended a presentation at the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Environmental Committee from my local hauler, American Disposal Services. I learned a few things that I’d like to share.
In addition to all of the usual glass bottles and jars, plastic bottles, cans, and any kind of paper, magazines and newspapers, phone books...
Please recycle these items, even if you thought you couldn't. (Just be careful not to get any liquids into the mix as they will contaminate the paper):
- Any and all paper (wax coated paper is not recyclable but if you don't usually separate it, don't worry about it!)
- juice cartons
- books: hardback and paperback
- plastics of any kind from 1-7 except styrofoam
- pizza boxes! They will take them even if they have a bit of grease on them, but again, be careful not to contaminate other paper in your bin.
- Rinsed foil and aluminum foil trays
- empty toothpaste tubes
- plastic bottle caps
- plastic hangers
- empty aerosol cans - as long as they are empty and do not say not to recycle them on it.
They will take metal hangers but better to take wire hangers back to the dry cleaners. Some cleaners will take the plastic wrap as well.
All plastic bags, grocery bags, plastic shop bags, dry cleaning bags, ziploc bags, are recycled in bulk. They can be collected up and brought to the collection bins at Giant or Harris Teeter and other grocery stores.
Do not put used batteries in the trash. They will leach out and get into our water stream. Collect your used batteries and return to the store when you buy new ones. Best Buy will take them and many other stores as well.
Most of the single stream recycling centers operate similarly so these guidelines should apply. But different hauling companies have different guidelines on what to trash and what to recycle so make sure to check with your hauling service if you are not sure.
For a complete list, visit American Disposal and Think Before You Throw®, or check www.earth911.com for guidelines on specific items.
Click here for a good video on how a Materials Recovery Facility or MRF (said Murrf) works.
Calendar
Chantilly Day Community Festival
May 12, 9:30am-6pm
Come out and celebrate community!
Document Shredding
Free secure document shredding for Fairfax residents only.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
8am-12noon
Mason District Governmental Center
6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA
Electric Sundays -
Recycle your electronics - free!
Sunday, May 20, 2012
10am-3pm
I-66 Transfer Station
4618 West Ox Road,
Fairfax, VA 22030
Contributors
Dorothy
My name is Dorothy Banzon and I’m a graphic designer, mom, lover of the creator and all of creation. To me, taking care of God’s creation and living the way He intended us to live is what being green and the move towards living sustainably is all about. I also believe that a lot of problems can be solved by good, clear communication. As a graphic designer, I quest to find ways of telling the truth simply and effectively. No matter what your beliefs are, I hope you will find some truths in my pages.
Silvia
I am pleased to introduce Silvia Lucero as our guest contributor. She and I share a passion for learning about the things that are happening locally related to environment. She will be writing about many of the related events she attends and interesting people and organizations she meets along the way. Silvia is a salesperson for the Residence Inn in Herndon and is currently the chairperson for the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce Environmental Committee.
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