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/

How bad is ground pollution in Nevada

Soil pollution in Nevada is caused by a variety of sources, including mining activities, agricultural activities, industrial processes, and landfills. Mining operations are responsible for the release of heavy metals such as arsenic and mercury into Nevada’s soils.

Arsenic and mercury can leach through soil layers to contaminate shallow groundwater. Industrial processes like oil and gas extraction can also cause soil pollution in Nevada. For instance, fracking operations may release toxic chemical compounds such as volatile organic compounds into the ground, which might then be absorbed by humans or animals, endangering the local ecosystem. Additionally, agricultural activities like manure application, fertilizer use, and overgrazing can lead to soil contamination, as can landfills that are not properly managed.

Due to its small population and vast open spaces, Nevada has generally been able to reduce the potential for soil pollution through careful management and oversight of land use activities.

However, there is still much more work to be performed to ensure Nevada’s soils remain as safe and healthy as possible for the safety of the local population and ecosystem. The state legislature has passed several laws addressing soil pollution, including the Nevada Environmental Protection Act and the Nevada Pollution Prevention Act, which both aim to reduce emissions from industrial activities and set standards for waste management.

And the state’s Division of Environmental Protection has created a number of programs dedicated to preventing soil contamination, such as its Best Management Practices program and its Soil Protection Program.

It is essential that Nevada and Reno in particular continue to take steps to reduce soil pollution and protect its soils for future generations. To this end, programs like the Nevada Environmental Protection Act and the Division of Environmental Protection’s Best Management Practices should be made mandatory across all industries operating in the state of NV. Furthermore public education campaigns must be developed to raise awareness of the potential risks associated with soil contamination and encourage individuals and businesses of Reno to take proactive measures to protect it. By taking these steps, Nevada can ensure that its soils remain safe for years to come.

Why renting a dumpster in Reno

Renting a dumpster in Reno, NV is an ideal solution for managing large amounts of waste during home renovations and remodeling projects. By renting a dumpster, homeowners and local businesses are able to easily dispose of all debris generated during their project while avoiding the hassle of dealing with trash collection services or driving multiple trips to the landfill.

In addition to the convenience of using a dumpster rental, there are several benefits that come along with it. For one, renting a dumpster eliminates much of the effort associated with disposing of large amounts of construction waste and debris. Rather than having to make multiple trips to the landfill or dealing with wasteful disposal bags and containers, renters can simply load their dumpster and have it removed when the project is completed.

Furthermore, a dumpster rental provides an efficient way for homeowners to save money on their waste disposal costs. Since large amounts of debris can be disposed of at once with a dumpster, there is no need to pay multiple fees to different trash collection services or landfill trips. Furthermore, dumpster rentals are affordable, with most waste management companies offering budget-friendly rates that make them an ideal choice for any homeowner.

Overall, renting a dumpster in Reno is an excellent solution for managing the waste generated during home renovations and remodeling projects. With its convenience and cost savings, it offers homeowners a simple way to dispose of debris and reduce their waste disposal costs. For these reasons, renting a dumpster is the ideal choice for any Reno homeowner looking to take on a renovation or a landscaping project. ​ ​​
Reno dumpster rentals are also a great solution for businesses looking to manage larger amounts of waste. From construction sites to event venues, renting a dumpster can provide an efficient and cost-effective way to dispose of large amounts of waste without having to make multiple trips to the landfill. Furthermore, business owners can benefit from rental companies that offer flexible pick up and delivery times, as well as 24/7 customer service for any questions or concerns that may arise during the disposal process.

Finally, dumpster rentals are also a great way to protect the environment. By opting for a dumpster rental service, businesses and homeowners can avoid contributing to landfills and help reduce their environmental footprint. In addition, rental companies often offer recycling services that further contribute to these efforts by helping divert waste away from landfills and back into our communities.

How to rent a dumpster in Reno

By choosing a reputable dumpster rental service provider, Reno homeowners and businesses can easily manage their waste disposal needs without having to worry about the cost or effort associated with it. With its convenience, cost savings, and environmental benefits, renting a dumpster in Reno is the ideal solution for any waste disposal or renovation project if you live in Nevada.

Regardless of the scale of the project, renting a dumpster is the perfect way to manage waste disposal. From large-scale construction sites to small home renovations, these affordable and efficient solutions offer homeowners and businesses alike an easy way to reduce their waste disposal costs while also protecting the environment. With its many benefits, there is no doubt that renting a dumpster in Reno is the ideal choice for any home or business looking to take on a renovation project.

The benefits of renting a dumpster in Reno

1. Cost Savings: Renting a dumpster in Reno is a cost-effective way to get rid of large amounts of waste. This is especially true when compared to the cost of renting a truck and disposing of the waste yourself. By renting a dumpster, you can save money on labor and fuel costs associated with hauling the waste away.

2. Time Savings: Renting a dumpster in Reno will save you time. You don’t have to worry about finding a place to dispose of your waste and hauling it away. The dumpster rental company will take care of all of that for you.

3. Convenience: When you rent a dumpster in Reno, you don’t have to worry about transporting the dumpster to your location. The rental company will deliver the dumpster to your location and pick it up when you’re done. This eliminates the need to find a place to store the dumpster and makes the process much more convenient.

4. Environmental Benefits: Renting a dumpster in Reno is also beneficial for the environment. By utilizing a dumpster rental, you can reduce the amount of waste that is sent to landfills. This helps to reduce the amount of pollution and conserve resources.

5. Flexibility: Renting a dumpster in Reno gives you the flexibility to choose the size and type of dumpster that best meets your needs.

6. Safety: Finally, renting a dumpster in Reno is a safe option for disposing of large amounts of waste. The rental company will provide you with safety equipment and will make sure that the dumpster is emptied and disposed of properly. This ensures that your home and property are safe and free from dangerous waste.