Recycling

Recycling

 

Is it our duty?  Honestly, it’s our choice.  It does make a difference. So, why not?

Here are some recycling facts:

• The EPA estimates 66 percent of the materials we trash every day could be recycled. Only approximately 25 percent actually is being recycled.
• Every year, we waste one billion trees by throwing away our newspapers and other paper products.
• Recycling 35 percent of our trash would reduce global warming emissions equal to taking 36 million cars off the road.
• In 2013, Americans generated about 254 million tons of trash.
• US recycled and composted about 87 million tons of this material, equivalent to a 34.3 percent recycling rate.*
• On average, the US recycled and composted 1.51 pounds of our individual waste generation of 4.40 pounds per person per day.*

*Source: https://archive.epa.gov/epawaste/nonhaz/municipal/web/html/Mar 29, 2016

Highlights:

Polystyrene foam (Styrofoam):

Creatively Organizing does not promote, or discourage the use of Styrofoam. Arguments have been made that there is styrene residue that is released when putting hot foods or liquids into food service containers that may be unhealthy.  We have not investigated the temperatures needed to release this chemical and have no opinion. We recommend that you google further to make your choices.

• Facts:
  • Foam can be recycled.
  • Recycled foam food service products can be reprocessed into plastic lumber, crown molding and insulation.
  • A typical polystyrene lunch tray costs around 3 cents compared to a biodegradable tray that can cost between 15 to 25 cents.”
  • Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or any other ozone-depleting chemicals have not been used since 1980.
  • Foam food service products make up less than 1% by both weight and volume of our landfill waste. Most consumers who purchase paper cups don’t realize that more paper cups end up in landfills than foam cups.
  • Paper cups are often coated with plastic ie cup no longer biodegradable. Most paper cups need a plastic coat in order to retain liquid.
  • **The U.S. National Toxicology Program has stated unequivocally that “styrene should not be confused with polystyrene (Styrofoam ™). Although styrene, a liquid, is used to make polystyrene, which is a solid plastic, we do not believe that people are at risk from using polystyrene products.” Styrene occurs naturally in foods such as beef, coffee, and cheese.

**Source: https://www.foamfacts.com/myth-vs-fact/ These facts are from manufacturers, again do your own scientific research.

• US Map of Facilitites
• You can also drop off clean containers at your grocery store.

Paper Shredding & Recycling:

• Paper that is shredded can then be disposed of in your recycle bin.  However, if you have a huge amount of shredding to do, it can be really overwhelming.  Shredding services are expensive.  So, if you want to clear it all out and start fresh making a commitment to a shredding habit, you can drop of your paper at:
  • Pinellas County’s Secure dump off 275’s 118th street exit.  It costs $2 per car load.  The drop off is manned-and it goes into a dumpster and directly to the incinerator. At least it will go toward creating energy.
  • Hillsborough, I have never dropped off at a Hillsborough dump because they require ID and I don’t live there.  Call one of them to see if they have a site where they burn the trash and do not take it to another location.  Here is the link: Hillsborough drop off sites
  • The rest of the US, contact your local trash service for information.

Pinellas Recycling Program:

• Pinellas: A-Z guide, you search, and it tells you how to dispose of it.
• Pinellas: How to Get Rid of It Guide, These are programs throughout, the county, many sponsored by businesses.

Hillsborough Recycling:

Did you know Hillsborough County recycles nearly 562,000 tons of garbage into energy annually? That’s enough recycled energy to power almost all the homes.

• Hillsborough Guide: https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/property-owners-and-renters/trash-and-recycling/

We hope this information is helpful and always appreciate your sharing our pages and valuable resources with your friends, links below.  Comments welcome. Should we add something?