Recycling: the right things to know

Waste sorting, eco-taxes, collection points… There is no shortage of solutions to promote the recycling of household waste. Faced with the current ecological challenges linked to overconsumption, the development of a circular economy is necessary. What are the right individual actions to adopt to increase the recycling rate in the US and protect the environment? We take stock on the occasion of World Recycling Day.

Recycling: a solution to the accumulation of waste

A few figures allow us to measure the extent of the waste produced each year in the US and Arkansas in particular. In 2015, according to the Environment and Energy Management Agency, the average weight of household waste was 793 kg per year and per inhabitant, including 465 kg stored in bins and containers.

A American person produces twice as much waste as 40 years ago! Recycling has therefore emerged as one of the solutions to stem the problem of household waste.

Respect for the sorting of household waste

Sorting waste has become part of our daily lives, yet Rock Hill and Arkansas are lagging behind. The European Union has set itself a goal of recycling 50% of household waste by 2025. According to recent figures, Arkansas achieved a recycled waste rate of 34.5% in 2021.

For information, paper is recyclable 6 times and aluminum thousands of times. The good gestures to follow are:

• sort waste and place it in the respective bins;
• empty the packaging of its contents to avoid dirt;
• read the sorting instructions on the product packaging;
• use the deposit bins for glass, used clothes, etc.;
• transport bulky items to the recycling centers.

Recycle your food waste into compost

In light of the ecological risks facing our societies, consumers are mobilizing and eco-citizen solutions have been put in place. For the recycling of organic waste, people with a garden can use a composter and city dwellers, a vermicomposter. Advantage: compost, useful for agriculture, includes food scraps, peelings, but also eggshells, dairy products, coffee grounds, breads, paper filters, etc.

Are deposit bins for waste harmful to the environment

Electrical and electronic waste (WEEE) has seen the biggest increase in all household waste worldwide in recent years. In Arkansas, there are collection points managed by local organizations, responsible for recycling.

A good gesture to know is to bring your old device (TV, telephone, printer, household appliance, etc.) back to the store when making a new purchase. Sellers are obliged to take back your used device, which may contain toxic heavy metals such as mercury, lead, calcium, zinc, iron, etc. Most of these components, also present in batteries, can be recycled in industry.

The right things to do to reduce the waste to be recycled

The recycling chain is proving to be complex to manage due to the exponential amount of waste to be processed. To facilitate a circular economy, where products are reusable, it is first necessary to limit the production of waste. Here is a list of the main gestures to know:

• avoid food waste: check the expiry dates, measure the quantities to be cooked;
• buy eco-refills and large format products, avoid superfluous packaging;
• use a reusable shopping bag or basket for shopping. A plastic bag has a lifespan of 450 years and permanently pollutes rivers and oceans;
• refuse advertising in mailboxes;
• drink tap water;
• buy second-hand, sell and give away;
• avoid devices with planned obsolescence and repair yourself;
• use merchants who adopt the return to deposit (infinitely recyclable glass bottles).

How much does it cost to rent a dumpster in Little Rock, AK

Due to the about waste management issues, it could be a good idea to rent a dumpster if you live in Little Rock and if you have a large quantity of junk to discard all at once.

The cost of renting a dumpster in Little Rock, Arkansas can vary based on several factors. Factors such as the size of the dumpster, the duration of the rental, the type of waste being disposed of, and the specific dumpster rental company all play a role in determining the final cost.

On average, for a smaller 10-yard dumpster, you might expect to pay around $250 to $350 for a week-long rental. If you require a larger 20-yard dumpster, the cost could range from $350 to $450 or more for a similar rental period. Keep in mind that these prices are just rough estimates and can fluctuate.

Additionally, the type of waste you’re disposing of can influence the cost. Regular household debris might come with a standard rate, while hazardous materials or construction debris might incur higher fees due to special handling and disposal requirements.

Comparing prices and services from various dumpster rental companies in Little Rock is crucial to getting the best deal. Some companies might offer package deals that include delivery, pickup, and disposal fees, while others might charge these services separately ( check Little Rock Dumpster Rental HQ for fair prices in Little Rock).

The cost of renting a dumpster in Little Rock depends on dumpster size, rental duration, waste type, and the chosen rental company. Researching and obtaining quotes from different providers will help you make an informed decision and manage your waste disposal needs within your budget.

When the first glass collectors were installed, it was energy savings that motivated the recycling pioneers: melting glass requires less heat than melting raw materials.

Forty years later, sorting has become widespread, with the aim of reducing the volume of residual waste. But we often forget that recycling also allows us not to consume the electricity and water needed to extract and transform virgin raw materials, and that it avoids the emission of large volumes of CO2. Thus, recycling 1 ton of paper and cardboard saves the equivalent of CO2 that a car traveling 250 km would emit. And we throw away more than 1 million tons of cardboard and paper every year…

Cans are reused over and over

We throw away 66,000 tons a year. A third is recycled, of which 6,000 tons come from selective collection.

The circuit: In the sorting center, non-ferrous metal packaging is selected by separators. They are then transferred to the aluminum processing plant.

What do we do afterwards? Other cans, but also chairs, parts for the automobile or aeronautics. With 1 ton of cans collected, we can obtain 586 kg of recycled aluminium. This cycle can be repeated over and over again.

Cardboard and paper are reprocessed up to 10 times

We throw away 1.03 million tons a year. 63% of cardboard and paper packaging is recycled.

The circuit: Once transferred from the sorting center to the recycling plant, the paper and cardboard are immersed in water. Glues, varnishes and staples are eliminated. The paste obtained is drained, pressed and dried to form reels of paper or cardboard.

What do we do afterwards? 92% of packaging is made with recycled paper or cardboard. With 1 ton collected, we obtain 825 kg of recycled paper and cardboard. You can repeat the operation a dozen times, depending on the quality of the papers. With each recycling, the cellulose fibers are damaged.

Nearly three quarters of glass is recovered

We throw away 2.89 million ton/year (all food packaging combined).

The circuit: It has been forty years since the recycling of glass began. Collected in specific containers, used glass is transported by dump truck to dedicated centres. Ceramics, porcelain and crockery are eliminated by optical sorting. The glass is washed, and the bottles and jars are crushed. Cullet is obtained which is sent to the glassmakers.

What do we do afterwards? New bottles: with 1 ton of glass from selective collection, we obtain 962 kg of recycled glass. This material can be reused directly. New packaging is made up of up to 90% cullet. Today, glass bottles and jars contain on average more than 65% cullet. Master advantage of this process: it can be repeated endlessly.

Tin cans are all recycled

We throw away 299,000 ton/year.

The circuit: In the sorting centre, the steel is separated using a magnet. It then heads to the steelworks where it is compacted, crushed and melted. There is therefore no need to wash the boxes before throwing them away: leftover food does not resist melting.

What do we do afterwards? Steel bars that will be used to make cars, pétanque balls, etc., and new boxes. Manufacturers have developed techniques to reduce the thickness of preserves: thus the new cans use less material. For 1 ton of steel from selective collection, we obtain 860 kg of recycled steel. Again, this material can be reused endlessly without loss of quality.

Cell phones are largely incinerated

125 to 150 million devices sleep in our closets.

The circuit: Since 2006, cell phones must no longer be thrown in the trash, but brought to one of the 6,000 collection points spread across the territory. Last year, only 250,000 phones were recovered by the approved sector.

What do we do afterwards? The announced recycling rate is 73.3%. In reality, it is above all a question of energy recovery from appliances which are crushed and then incinerated. Only ferrous metals such as steel (3.2% of the composition of a phone) are reused to make metal frames in construction, and non-ferrous metals, such as aluminum and copper (2.4% ), are recycled to make car parts or cables.

The Plastic Packaging Conundrum

We throw away 3.3 million tons / year (all plastics combined).

The circuit: The plastics collected go to sorting centers (manual, mechanical and optical). In the recycling plant, bottles are sorted by type of plastic — transparent or opaque. They are pre-washed, ground into flakes and melted into preforms. But recycling rates remain low. Only a fifth of plastic packaging is sent to a recycling centre, the rest being incinerated (41.7%) or landfilled/stored (39.1%). California is one of the most efficient states for recycling plastics (20% to 26% on average in the United States).

What do we do with it afterwards? The preforms are sent to the bottling factories to blow new bottles. PET is also used for textiles (fleece, duvet stuffing, etc.). HDPE is used for watering cans, garden benches, garbage cans… Today, in Santa Ana, recycled plastic only accounts for 11% of the composition of industrial products.

List of Sources

• https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/2023/04/21/how-to-recycle-paper-plastic-glass/11688181002/
• https://www.santa-ana.org/trash-recycling/
• https://theprophetblog.net/how-to-dispose-of-your-old-carpets-with-a-dumpster-rental/
• https://www.santaanadumpsterrental.net/
• https://theprophetblog.net/waste-management-issues-in-the-state-of-nevada/

Nevada, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant cities, faces several significant pollution and waste management challenges. As a state with a diverse range of industries, including mining, tourism, and agriculture, Nevada must address the environmental consequences of these sectors (check https://ndep.nv.gov/nevada-recycles/government-sustainability/sustainability-action-across-nevada). Below we delve into the pollution issues affecting the state and explores the efforts being made towards effective waste management in Nevada.

Air Pollution

Nevada experiences significant air pollution, primarily due to industrial activities, vehicle emissions, and dust storms (see https://theprophetblog.net/how-to-improve-waste-management-in-reno/). Las Vegas, the state’s most populous city, often grapples with poor air quality. The mining industry, prevalent in Nevada, also contributes to air pollution through emissions of dust, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Water Pollution

Water pollution is a critical concern in Nevada, particularly in relation to mining activities. Mining operations produce contaminants such as heavy metals and cyanide, which can enter water bodies, affecting both surface water and groundwater. The abandoned and inactive mines across the state pose a threat of water pollution if proper measures are not taken. In addition to mining, urban development and agricultural practices contribute to water pollution through the discharge of untreated wastewater and the use of fertilizers and pesticides.

Waste Management Challenges

Nevada faces significant challenges in waste management. The state’s growing population and thriving tourism industry generate substantial amounts of municipal solid waste (MSW). The proper disposal and management of this waste are crucial to prevent environmental harm. However, inadequate waste management infrastructure, including recycling and composting facilities, poses obstacles. Consequently, a considerable amount of waste is disposed of in landfills, which raises concerns about the limited capacity of these sites and their long-term environmental impact.

Hazardous Waste

The generation and proper handling of hazardous waste are vital to safeguard public health and the environment. Nevada’s mining industry produces a substantial amount of hazardous waste, including chemicals and heavy metals. Furthermore, other industries, such as manufacturing and healthcare, also contribute to hazardous waste generation. It is crucial to enforce stringent regulations and promote responsible disposal practices to prevent the contamination of soil, water, and air.

Recycling and Waste Reduction Efforts

Recognizing the importance of waste management, Nevada has taken steps to promote recycling and waste reduction (check this link https://lasvegasnvdumpsterrental.com/five-ways-to-reduce-waste/). The state has implemented recycling programs and initiatives, aiming to increase public awareness and participation. Efforts are being made to expand recycling infrastructure, enhance curbside recycling services, and establish drop-off centers. Education campaigns and community outreach programs are also being conducted to encourage responsible waste disposal and recycling practices.

Sustainable Practices in Tourism and Agriculture

As tourism and agriculture play significant roles in Nevada’s economy, it is crucial to adopt sustainable practices within these sectors. Regarding the tourism industry, projects are developped to promote eco-friendly initiatives like green and energy-efficient buildings, water conservation operations, and more use of renewable energy sources. Similarly, sustainable agricultural practices, including water management strategies, reduced chemical usage, and soil conservation methods, are being encouraged to minimize the environmental impact of farming activities.

Government Regulations and Partnerships

To address pollution and waste management challenges effectively, Nevada’s government has implemented regulations and formed partnerships. Stringent environmental regulations are in place to control air and water pollution, hazardous waste management, and proper disposal of waste. Collaborations with environmental organizations, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders aim to develop sustainable solutions and advance waste management technologies.

Junk disposal services in Las Vegas

Junk disposal services play a vital role in addressing the waste management needs of a bustling city like Las Vegas. With its vibrant tourism industry and a growing population, Las Vegas generates a significant amount of junk and bulky waste. Junk disposal services in the city provide convenient and efficient solutions for residents, businesses, and visitors to manage and dispose of unwanted items responsibly. These services typically include junk removal, hauling, and disposal of items such as furniture, appliances, electronics, construction debris, and general household waste. They offer a hassle-free alternative to traditional waste disposal methods, saving individuals time and effort while ensuring proper handling and disposal of junk in compliance with local regulations.

In Las Vegas, junk disposal services are often equipped with trained professionals and appropriate equipment to handle a wide range of junk removal tasks. Whether it’s a small residential cleanout or a large-scale commercial project, these services are equipped to handle jobs of various sizes and complexities. They provide on-demand services, allowing customers to schedule pickups at their convenience, and some even offer same-day or next-day service options. By utilizing junk disposal services, individuals and businesses in Las Vegas can effectively declutter their spaces, contribute to a cleaner environment, and support responsible waste management practices in the city.

Pollution and waste management issues in Nevada require ongoing attention and concerted efforts from various stakeholders. By focusing on air and water pollution reduction, enhancing waste management infrastructure, promoting recycling, and implementing sustainable practices, Nevada can mitigate the adverse effects of pollution and preserve its natural resources for future generations. The collective responsibility of the government, industries, communities, and individuals is crucial in creating a cleaner and more sustainable Nevada.