Category Archives: Waste or Recycle Material

Waste Recycling Materials

Washington University Awarded Honors For Food Recovery Porgram

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The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently recognized Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri for successfully reducing its overall volume of municipal solid waste and to for implementing  innovative food recovery and waste recycling programs.

The University’s Dining Services’ composting efforts have resulted in the diversion of over three hundred tons of uneaten or unusable food waste since 2011. Dining Services oversees campus cafeterias for students, faculty, and staff as well as smaller, dining cafes in select buildings and residence halls. The food scraps and waste collected by Dining Services is transported to St. Louis Composting where it is used for creating compost. WUSTL Facilities Department then reuses the compost for landscaping the campus grounds. In addition, the University is also utilizing cage-free eggs, locally produced fruits and vegetables, napkins made of 100% recycled materials,and compostable containers. Whenever possible, the university also donates edible food to Campus Kitchens, which provides meals for the homeless and needy in the community.

In addition, the WUSTL program is responsible for recycling more than twenty three thousand gallons of waste kitchen oil for use in campus-owned biodiesel delivery vehicles. The University was also the very first in North America to remove the sale of plastic bottled water on campus grounds – and decision which is estimated to have taken almost four hundred thousand bottles out of the waste and recycling stream.

WasteCare Wants You to Remember: Regardless of your business sector, food waste is generated on your premises every day employees are at work. What policies or opportunities do you have in place to help reduce the amount of food waste going to landfills? Making a few changes can help you to save money and the environment!

Reduce C&D Waste With Deconstruction

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Cutting back on the total amount of construction and demolition materials your business disposes of in combustion facilities or landfills can provide several benefits.

The first step to take is to generate less waste. Carefully pre-planning and materials costing can result in less waste materials to dispose of once the construction or remodeling / renovation project is completed. Taking these preventative steps not only help to reduce the environmental damages associated with landfill disposal, but can also save money on disposal fees, labor costs, and the need to contract with outside services or vendors.

The best way to generate and use less resources, which also helps to cut back on greenhouse gas emissions, is to reduce, re-use, and recycle all C&D materials that are needed for the project. In addition, deconstruction and selective demolition can help to cut costs for large-scale renovation or building rehabilitation projects as they have the possibility to divert significant amounts of unwanted or unusable materials from landfills that can be re-sold or recycled. Materials recovered from deconstruction can often be donated to non-profit groups or charities for tax benefit.

Deconstruction can be utilized for a variety of projects. Whether it’s for an entire building or a simple room remodel, items such as cabinets, molding, shingles, historic architectural details and high quality wood have appeal on the re-sale market.

WasteCare Wants You to Remember: The next time you’re working on a construction or renovation project, consider the different ways that you can reduce the amount of waste you need to dispose of in the landfill. By looking at opportunities for recycling, donation, and re-selling, you’ll be able to save green and go green on every project!

Recycling Textile Waste Helps Uniform Manufacturer

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More than five million workers in the United States wear a uniform produced by Cintas, and now the world-wide garment manufacturer is collaborating with international not-for-profit group Know Hope to donate unused textiles to be recycled into bags and accessories sold to raise money for families living in impoverished and developing nations.

Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, Cintas Corporation will provide materials not used in the production of its uniforms to be used as lining in Know Hope’s reusable cloth bags. Funds from the sale of the bags go to help needy families in Haiti, Mexico, and Guatemala. Know Hope sold over four thousand three hundred bags and two thousand five hundred textile-based accessories in 2013.

The typical United States resident throws away close to seventy pounds of unwanted or outdated textiles each year, but for garment manufacturers the number of textiles disposed of in landfills is even higher. By partnering with Know Hope, Cintas can embrace its strategic plan of corporate sustainability, help developing communities, and reduce their disposal fees all at the same time.

Currently in the US, seventy five percent of textile waste generated by manufacturers is recycled, donated, or disposed of in an environmentally aware manner. The textile recycling industry in the US is responsible for close to seventeen thousand jobs.

WasteCare Wants You to Remember: Unwanted and unusable textiles are one of the easiest waste materials to recycle. Whether it’s donating clothing, towels, or linens that can be re-used by another or re-selling large quantities of scrap material for use in the production of new items such as carpets, furniture stuffing or insulation, disposing of textiles in a landfill is bad for the environment and your bottom line!

Hewlett-Packard Sees Boost In Cartridge Recycling

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International electronic products maker Hewlett-Packard Development has recently reported that in the last calendar year, it has increased the total quantity of HP Printer ink cartridges manufactured with recycled content by fifty percent.

Based in Palo Alto, California, Hewlett-Packard sustainability representatives stated in a recent press release that greater than seventy five percent of the company’s popular HP Printer, Copier, and Multi-function ink cartridges and close to twenty five percent of its HP Laserjet toner and ink cartridges are currently produced using a method of closed-loop recycled plastic. Closed loop recycling efforts rely of individual and business consumers to return unwanted on used waste materials – often for an cash or merchandise credit incentive – and those returned materials are then re-used to create new ones.

The closed loop recycling program at Hewlett-Packard utilizes recycled plastic from consumer recycled HP ink and toner cartridges as well as recycled waste plastic from other non-HP good, such as recycled plastic bottles and plastic clothing hangers. This recycled plastic is then used to create new HP ink and toner cartridges for their printers and copiers.

In the news release, HP has stated that since its printer cartridge recycling program was launched din 1991, over five hundred and sixty six million ink cartridges have been re-used and kept out of landfills worldwide.

WasteCare Wants You to Remember: How can your business better utilize the waste materials generated by employees or customers? As a result of HP collecting used ink cartridges, they not only save money on new production but they also save their customers money. Creative buy-back recycling programs can help both you and your customers!

Panasonic Begins Recycling Program For Rechargeable Batteries

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The Power Tools Division of Panasonic and the not for profit group Call2Recycle are collaborating to launch a new recycling and waste management program for rechargeable batteries.

The Secaucus, New Jersey -based Panasonic Corporation of North America will be working with Athlanta, Georgia – based Call2Recycle and customers of Panasonic’s power tools to ensure that collection boxes are well positioned for assembly line workers to place used rechargeable batteries removed from recycled cordless tools. All rechargeable battery packs and battery cells weighing less than eleven pounds will be collected and recycled by Call2Recycle. As part of the new initiative, Call2Recycle will also provide educational programs and materials for customers and retailers to explain how the program will to improve recycling and keep batteries out of landfills.

The new, national recycling strategic plan for all Panasonic power tools replaces the company’s prior recycling model which relied on a patchwork of various battery recycling vendors and services which varied by region and customer location. The new plan allows for great stability and make for a uniform service provided to all stores and customers regardless of location. It is also expected that the new program will help to increase recycling levels.

The collected and recycled used batteries will be shipped to an approved battery processing facility, which will dismantle the batteries and manufacture the components into new materials for use in new batteries or steel alloy products.

WasteCare Wants You to Remember: If your business or tool storage room has old batteries collecting dust, make sure you connect with your local waste transfer station or battery manufacturer to see if recycling opportunities are available. Many municipalities charge extra fees to dispose of batteries, due to their toxic and hazardous qualities, so recycling may be a way to save money and save the environment!

 

Paint Take-back Programs Gain Ground

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Governor Peter Shumlin of Vermont has recently signed into effect a new law establishing a paint recycling and take-back bill.

Much like legal requirements enacted in other states, Vermont House Bill 262 mandates that manufacturers of paint operate and fund a post-consumer take-back and recycling program in the state. The new law helps to facilitate a waste management plan for Vermont residents and businesses when it comes to architectural paint. The goal of the new law is to help shift the financial burden of managing the responsibility of properly disposing of paint away from local and state governments and to the producers.

Funding for the new regulation will be established by enacting a small recycling fee per each container that paint producers will pay to PaintCare. PaintCare is a national non-for-profit group created by the American Coatings Association to administer state paint recycling and disposal programs. All manufacturers of architectural paint are required to register with PaintCare.

Vermont is now the sixth state in the US to enact a producer responsibility paint recycling law. Minnesota recently adopted a similar regulation earlier in 2014 and many other states are considering enacting similar legislation.

WasteCare Wants You to Remember: If your business is in construction, remodeling, or facilities management, chances are you work with paint almost every day. If you live or work in a state with paint recycling programs, make sure you’re utilizing them to avoid any fees or fines that could result from improper disposal. Paint can be hazardous, so always be sure to properly store and dispose of unwanted or unusable cans. Never dump paint down a drain as it can contaminate your community’s water supply and land you in hot water with the Environmental Protection Agency!

Food Waste Recycling Opportunities Increase In Michigan

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Residents and some businesses in Ann Arbor, Michigan are now experiencing increased opportunities to recycle and compost food waste and scraps along with other organic waste materials such as grass, leaves, and yard trimmings.

In 2012 when city officials reviewed the municipality’s waste management strategic plan, they realized close to fifty percent of all the city’s garbage was food waste. As a result of this analysis, officials suggested that the city broaden its waste and recycling collection program to include year-round composting for food scraps and table waste. The decision to make this change, along with contracting composting services to a private company, resulted in an immediate savings of four hundred thousand dollars to the city.

Ann Arbor has offered organic yard waste recycling since 2006, as well as seasonal composting services to some neighborhoods, but the step to allow all residents to include unwanted, uneaten, and expired food products into the recycling bin is a substantial one. The new food waste composting program is currently only available to residences, but includes the entire city. While the city is offering free counter-sized containers for composting, individuals can purchase larger carts for $25.

The city is expecting to process over fifteen thousand tons of food waste within the first full year of service. To date, of Ann Arbor’s twenty four thousand eligible residents, thirteen thousand have claimed their free city-provided composting bin.

WasteCare Wants You to Remember: If your city or town is trying to become “greener” and improve recycling while decreasing landfill expenses, try adding food waste or a yard waste collection program. Whether it’s for making compost, landscaping materials, animal feed, or organic-to-energy, there’s value to be found in what many consider to be garbage!

New Recycling Record Reached For Electronics

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A new waste recycling rate for consumer electronics and e-waste reached a record high in 2013 almost doubling the electronics recycling amount that was set three years ago in 2010.

In the past calendar year, more than six hundred and twenty million pounds of unwanted, outdated, and unusable home and business electronics were recycled in the United States. Popular items for e-waste recycling includes computers, phones, laptops, and computer gaming systems. This is an increase in thirty five millions pounds being collected from the prior year. Recycling data in this sector is compiled by the Arlington, Virginia-based CEA: Consumer Electronics Association which has been monitoring the field for many years.

The substantial boost in recycling is in part attributed to the CEA’s eCycling Leadership Initiative, which is designed to improve collaboration between electronics manufacturers, retailers, recycling groups and businesses, non profit organizations and state and local government agencies. Companies who have increased their commitment to providing recycling opportunities and services include DIRECTV, Apple, Dell, and Best Buy.

The eCycling Leadership Initiative has established a 2016 annual goal of total amount of electronics waste recycled to reach and exceed one billion pounds.

WasteCare Wants You to Remember: What does your business or organization do with outdated and unwanted computers, printers, cell phones, laptops, or specialty electrons equipment? If you’re finding that a supply closet is stuff full with these items, it’s time to do some research and discover e-waste recycling opportunities in your area! In some cases, a participating merchant will offer credit on recycled goods to be applied to new merchandise, and in other cases, functional equipment can be donated to a charitable organization. If you’re looking to save some green – and free up some space – look into electronics recycling!

Increased Carton Recycling Yields Benefits

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In the first quarter of 2014, the ability to recycle beverage and food cartons was provided to more than one million households across the nation. This latest enhancement in municipal recycling services brings the total amount of residences with carton recycling opportunities to almost fifty seven million.

Nearly all states offer carton recycling: South Dakota joined the list last year at number forty six and other states, such as New York and Ohio, which have had carton recycling in place for years, enhanced recycling services to increase the overall number of eligible households. Additional services have also been provided in Tampa, Florida and Memphis, Tennessee specifically for carton recycling. The Carton Council of North America hopes that with these gains in recycling accessibility, carton recycling will reach the fifty five percent mark nationwide.

In 2013, carton recycling was adopted by two states and increased just slightly over sixteen percent. Carton manufacturers, who frequently can utilize recycled material in the production of new cartons, contribute the increase in recycling to educating consumers, providing accessible recycling opportunities to residents and businesses, and the support of local governments and businesses to make recycling and waste reduction a priority. Consumer access to carton recycling has increased one hundred and sixty percent in four years and that increase is reflected in the total weight of cartons being sent for recycling instead of landfills.

WasteCare Wants You to Remember: Is carton recycling readily available in your city or town? Take a moment to review your state and local government’s list of recyclable materials and make sure you’re correctly distinguishing your waste materials from your waste recycling. Staying informed will help you save money in disposal costs and keep valuable materials out of landfills!

Waste Reduction Plans For Construction And Remodeling

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Warm weather has arrived in much of the United States and that means it’s time for construction projects to begin. Whether you’re a business owner in the building trades or a home owner looking to start a new remodeling project, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has some suggestions to help lessen your environmental impact and reduce the amount of waste needing to be disposed of in landfills and the costs associated with it.

1) Get information from your municipal solid waste agency about what items can be recycled and approved waste haulers in your region.

2) Determine if your project is ideal for deconstruction. Deconstruction can result in items (such as kitchen cabinets, moldings, slate roofing tiles…) being sold on the re-use market instead of ending up in a dumpster.

3) Before buying new products, investigate local salvage options where deconstructed items in good condition or of historical value can be found for reduced prices.

4) Does your community have a local Habitat for Humanity chapter? Consider donating usable but not salable  materials to non-profit groups that can put them to good use for economically disadvantaged members of the community.

5) If you’re working on an older home or industrial building, be sure to become familiar with the strategies for reducing environmental and human health hazards resulting from lead paint.

6) For larger construction firms, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has resources and training materials available to help business owners determine ways to reduce C&D debris in landfills. For handy home-owners who like to undertake remodeling projects the National Association of Home Builders has information for making sure do-it-yourself projects are cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

WasteCare Wants You to Remember: If a new construction or remodeling project is on your horizon, be sure you do some advance work to manage the disposal of waste materials being generated. By recycling, re-use, and donating, you can reduce disposal fees and feel good about lessening your project’s environmental impact.