Jul
11
Recycled material can be either reclaimed material that can be reused without processing, or it can mean reprocessing one product into another. Today people can find both with greater ease. Through reclamation businesses, web list sites, and manufacturers making more recycled products, people can participate in the reduction of waste material.
Many waste management companies in larger cities have been mandated to include aggressive recycling projects. From curbside recycling pickup to community hazardous waste events, cities are finding that taking these products out of the system is beneficial. The time to landfills reaching capacity is being lengthened. Fewer chemicals are being dumped down drains, disposed of on soil, or mingled with weekly trash.
When trash is brought to the landfill by individuals, many will find different stations in which to separate their waste. Computers and electronics, home appliances, steel and aluminum, and clean green landscaping debris all are being separated for recycling. Some cities are even giving away free mulch to the public or using it on government properties to reduce water use.
Construction companies who do reclamation or demolition work often have companies that will reclaim as much useable building materials from each site as is possible. With the increase in LEED (Leadership in Energy and environmental Design) construction practices, construction sites are required to recycle nearly 100% of their refuse.
Plastics are being recycled into myriad of products useful in the home and in business. Homes will find recycled plastic glasses and dinnerware. Toys, laundry baskets, even carpeting is reclaiming discarded plastic. Storage bins, office equipment and furniture all can be found in the recycled market.
Cardboard is a readily recycled product, often with little environmental impact. Strips of cardboard become a scratch pad for cats, furniture, or a new toy for the kids. Some businesses collect overruns, mistakes, or gently used boxes for resale.
The internet makes one person’s trash into someone’s treasure in a matter of moments. By having localized advertising people can sell or give away just about anything. Bulk-trash pickup days in the city will bring people out with their trucks and trailers to claim the free stuff put out on the curb.
Reducing overall consumption and re-purposing unwanted material and products does have a positive effect on the environment. As more people participate the effects will grow exponentially. When demand for recycled or reclaimed products grows so will the industry to provide the goods.
Visit earthsavers.org for more information about recycling in Nashville.
