Consumer fireworks are classified as 1.4G explosives and should be disposed of properly to ensure the safety of all those that may come into contact of them.
\n\nThis is true for spent and dud fireworks.
\n\nHere’s how to safely get rid of old, spent and dud fireworks.
\n\n\nIt’s important to allow a cooling period for spent fireworks, as well as leaving dud fireworks alone for at least 30 minutes after lighting.
\n\nThe following morning is a great time to begin the cleanup.
\n\nThis guide is for consumer fireworks classified as 1.4G explosives.
\n\nDisposing of commercial 1.3G explosives (display fireworks) may vary.
\n\nThe disposal rules and regulations may vary in your area.
\n\nCheck your city government website for local laws.
\n\nAvoid tossing spent fireworks into local bodies of water or burning them.
\n\nBoth options are harmful to the environment and potentially dangerous to humans and wildlife.
\n\nDisposing of a large of amount of fireworks may require different steps.
\n\nCheck with your waste hauler if you have more than a few garbage bags full of spent fireworks to dispose of.
\n\nKeep reading:
\n\n\n","teaser":"The proper way to dispose of consumer-grade fireworks includes saturating them in water followed by the proper bagging method. This quick guide will walk you through the five-step process.
\r\n","changed":"2021-06-05T01:51:44+00:00"},{"id":"1381110b-e522-5361-96f1-4b0471d0317a","title":"Consequences of Illegal Dumping in America","url":"/blog/consequences-of-illegal-dumping-in-america","image":{"path":"/static/097300d517b6aa9f7af4b6d74c36c294/illegal-dump-site.jpg","alt":"Illegal dumping sites in the U.S."},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"8a088d18-16c4-5f32-8898-b75d5543d9fa","name":"Environment","slug":"Environment"},{"id":"39c3533a-c46f-509b-8fcc-19e935627151","name":"Recycling","slug":"Recycling"}],"content":"According to Let’s Do It!, a global organization helping to clean up illegal dump sites, there is approximately 100 million tons of illegal garbage lying around the world. It’s a problem that affects all parts of the United States, particularly big cities and rural areas.
\n\nIllegal dumping affects the environment, public health, and increases your taxes. Although the problem may be caused by relatively few people, it affects everyone. Luckily, cities across the country have stepped up enforcement and have raised awareness about the problem in recent years.
\n\nToday, technology makes it easier than ever to report illegal dumping sites to local authorities, and stiffer penalties have people thinking twice before tossing an old mattress or scrap tires on the side of the road. The information below describes a quick overview of the problem, the many consequences involved and solutions to the issue.
\n\nDepending on your local and state regulations, illegal dumping is a misdemeanor or felony punishable by jail time in some cases. Fines start at $50 for minor offenses and can reach up to thousands of dollars in some situations.
\n\nSome states are really cracking down on the problem and doling out tougher penalties to offenders. New Jersey, for instance, implemented a new plan in 2014 that will punish illegal dumpers with up to $50,000 fines, forfeiture of vehicles involved in the dumping, and possible jail time.
\n\nNew Jersey’s “Don’t Waste Our Open Space” campaign consists of a statewide crackdown of illegal dumping, involving the use of hidden cameras strategically positioned at common dump sites and public involvement to ID offenders when necessary. Learn more about this initiative here.
\n\nIs there a difference between littering and illegal dumping?
\n\nIn most states, yes. Litter is generally defined as a small quantity of waste disposed of illegally (e.g., throwing a candy wrapper out a car window). Illegal dumping is generally recognized as disposing of a larger volume or weight of waste/debris (e.g., dumping furniture, tires, mattresses, or construction debris).
\n\nLittering is considered a minor offense in most cases, but illegal dumping can lead to felony charges, hefty fines, and jail time.
\n\nIn Georgia, for instance, litter is defined as being less than 10 lbs or under 15 cubic feet in volume. It defines waste as being more than 10 lbs or greater than 15 cubic feet in volume. Littering carries fines of at least $100, while illegally dumping large quantities of waste can carry fines of up to $25,000 and/or two years of prison for a second offense.
\n\nImmediate health risks posed by illegal dump sites include physical and chemical injury to people, especially children, coming into contact with dangerous debris, such as rusty nails, chemicals, or sharp metals.
\n\nOther adverse health risks come into play when dangerous chemicals, like automobile fluids, household cleaners, industrial wastes, appliances containing chemicals (e.g. refrigerators), and tires, are illegally disposed of. The chemicals leach into the soil and area waterways. This is the same soil we use to grow crops and the same water we drink.
\n\nA third negative consequence common to illegal dumping sites is the ideal conditions these places make for rodents, vermin, and mosquitoes. Disease-carrying rodents love to call these places home, and this poses a major health hazard to anyone living nearby.
\n\nLikewise, mosquitoes thrive inside the moist, warm conditions offered by disposed of tires. In fact, an EPA report states mosquitoes “multiply 100 times faster than normal in the warm, stagnant water standing in scrap tire casings.”
\n\n“Out of sight, out of mind” is often the mindset of people who dump wastes illegally, but that’s far from reality. Cleaning up, monitoring, and enforcing instances of illegal dumping cost taxpayers a significant amount of money each year. The EPA mentions that some urban areas in the U.S. spend “several million dollars per year on cleanup, hauling, and disposal” of illegally dumped wastes.
\n\nIt’s a problem in every state. For example, in Pennsylvania, it costs taxpayers about $10.1 million per year to clean up roadside litter and $835 per ton to clean up an illegal dump site, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
\n\nIllegal dumping also drives down property values due to safety concerns and aesthetic reasons. Additionally, it negatively affects residential and commercial development, so local economies suffer as well.
\n\nWhether you realize it or not, “midnight dumping” as it’s sometimes called affects you financially, even when you’re not the offender.
\n\nAside from being an eyesore, illegal dumping wreaks havoc on the environment. As previously mentioned, chemicals from wastes and certain appliances can leach into soil and local waterways causing damage to plants, wildlife, and water quality.
\n\nOther issues include increased risk of flooding and forest fires. Wastes dumped in waterways can block the natural flow of water and lead to flooding issues over time. Illegal dumps are also notoriously susceptible to fire caused spontaneously or by arson. Fire destroys area forests and homes, causing both an environmental and financial disaster.
\n\nAccording to Project Green Sweep of the Ohio EPA, old appliances can release chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) into the air, which is damaging to the earth’s ozone layer.
\n\nIf you have a smartphone, it’s easy to help. An app like TrashOut (which we first introduced here) makes it easy to report illegal dump sites. You simply fire up the app, take a picture of the illegally dumped waste, let your phone’s GPS grab the location, and submit it. TrashOut reports it to the local authorities and will even keep you in the loop as to what actions are taken to clean up the area.
\n\nSome cities have dedicated departments to handle unauthorized dumping of wastes. Check by going to your local government website, or by calling the environmental division of your local government. If your city uses the 3-1-1 hotline program, it can often be used to report dump sites. See a list of cities that utilize the 3-1-1 non-emergency municipal service line.
\n\nSome cities offer rewards for information leading to the conviction of illegal dumpers. According to CalRecycle, the city of Sacramento and Shasta County offer $250 rewards, and San Bernardino County offers rewards of up to $1,000 for tips leading to a conviction.
\n\nThe correct ways to dispose of bulky wastes and large volumes of waste/debris can be found below.
\n\nDo your part and help clean up your neighborhood. There are over 300 million people in the U.S. and each person generates an average of more than 4 lbs. of garbage per day. That’s a whole lot of waste to deal with!
\n\nIt’s becoming increasingly important to make sure waste is put in the proper place. It starts with awareness. If you found this article helpful, please share it with others to help spread the word about the damaging effects of illegal dumping and what we can do to stop it.
\n\n\n\nKeep reading:
\n\nIllegal dumping is a global problem that is prominent in most rural areas and big cities in the United States. The problem causes environmental issues, increases taxes, and poses a public health risk. The solution lies in informing the public about the problem and putting waste in its proper place.
\r\n","changed":"2021-06-05T01:51:44+00:00"},{"id":"1318753a-50a5-54d4-b9d4-172eddf88fe5","title":"The future of worldwide waste output is horrifying","url":"/blog/the-future-of-worldwide-waste-output-is-horrifying","image":{"path":"/static/32723833fbce8e6d6a76f345a9f6a7c9/landfill.jpg","alt":"Landfill"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"8a088d18-16c4-5f32-8898-b75d5543d9fa","name":"Environment","slug":"Environment"},{"id":"4e362d4a-d23f-5dbe-afe4-1713351dd80c","name":"Waste Removal","slug":"Waste-Removal"}],"content":"Did you know humans generate 3.5 million tons of trash each day around the world? That’s an unfathomable amount. Worse yet, experts say it could double by 2025 and reach 11 million tons per day by 2100.
\n\nA recent article published in Nature, an international journal of science, by a team of environmental experts examined many different factors to piece together pretty accurate estimates of future global waste output.
\n\nThe experts involved in the research include Daniel Hoornweg, associate professor of energy systems at University of Ontario Institute of Technology; Perinaz Bhada-Tata, a solid waste consultant based in Dubai; and Chris Kennedy, a professor of civil engineering at the University of Toronto.
\n\nThe team compared various factors, including population growth and urbanization, to come to its conclusions. Three scenarios (referred to as “shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP)”) were derived from the data collected:
\n\nThe studies found sub-Saharan Africa an area of particular concern. This region is on a path toward producing 3.2 million tons of trash per day by 2100, or about one-third of the world’s total waste output. A focus on this region of the world, in terms of environmental education and support, is essential now an in the future.
\n\n\n\nThe researchers concluded that “waste production must peak this century.” If waste output continues to climb steadily beyond the year 2100, the results could be catastrophic. The global population will continue to grow – there’s no way around that. So we must find a way to somehow decrease per capita trash output or else we’ll be literally living in garbage.
\n\nCities in the U.S. are taking action to help deter waste from ultimately calling a landfill its final resting place. San Francisco has taken great strides to increase waste diversion rates, and announced in 2012 its efforts helped the city achieve an 80% waste diversion rate. That bests any other city in North America.
\n\nSan Francisco isn’t the only area in the U.S. where waste diversion is a priority. Places like Austin, TX; the State of Massachusetts; Maryland; Boulder, CO; and Seattle, WA have all drafted some sort of “zero waste plan.” These are just a few of the many cities and states that have at least started drafting zero waste plans. Most plans are set to be in full swing between 2020 and 2040, so it’s no immediate fix.
\n\nOther countries, such as Scotland, have adopted zero waste plans. “Concept” cities like Masdar City in UAE claim be the future of “green” city design.
\n\nThese efforts certainly help, but it’s really going to take a massive effort that starts with you and me. We must find a way to reduce the estimated 4.4 lbs. of waste generated per person per day in the U.S.
\n\nA little goes a long way. Let’s look at an example of how this works:
\n\nThe U.S. population is around 318 million people. If each person were to reduce the amount of waste generated by just 1 lb. per day, we’d be reducing landfill waste by 871,232 lbs. per day. That’s a lot of trash!
\n\nIt can be done. There’s a family of four living in Ontario, Canada that managed to reduce the amount of household garbage generated for one year down to a single trash bag! The VanderMeer family ramped up their recycling and composting efforts and totally revamped their purchasing habits at the grocery store to avoid packaging waste. This may be an extreme example, but it shows that it is possible to reduce waste output to near-zero in some cases.
\n\nYou don’t have to take such drastic measures as the VanderMeer clan did, but becoming more environmentally conscious is something we can all do.
\n\nTime to go green…
\n\nSources: Nature, also Ars Technica and Treehugger
\n","teaser":"Researchers estimate the worldwide waste output in 2100 to be three times that of today. If things don't change this century, we could all be literally living in a pool of trash decades from now.
\r\n","changed":"2021-06-05T01:51:44+00:00"},{"id":"c6bc9191-4731-5cff-9823-1efe4cec2d70","title":"42 Ways to Go Green This Year","url":"/blog/ways-to-go-green-this-year","image":{"path":"/static/2e4ed80b1ade13dda5f3cf422af47f96/go-green.png","alt":"going green"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"8a556635-2a85-5e01-a170-d18bb873bb0e","name":"Sustainability","slug":"Sustainability"},{"id":"39c3533a-c46f-509b-8fcc-19e935627151","name":"Recycling","slug":"Recycling"},{"id":"8a088d18-16c4-5f32-8898-b75d5543d9fa","name":"Environment","slug":"Environment"}],"content":"As time keeps moving forward, it's becoming increasingly evident how crucial it is for all of us to make strides towards a more sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle.
\n\nOur planet and future generations literally depend on it.
\n\n\n\n\nMaking small changes in your day-to-day lifestyle can end up making a huge impact on your carbon footprint, not to mention the added money-saving benefits of consuming less energy.
\n
Many green upgrades are eligible for state and federal rebates, which helps you recoup the often costlier upfront expenses associated with buying eco-friendly products.
\n\nWe want to help you make that change, so we strung together a list of 42 ways to implement more earth-friendly practices into your everyday life.
\n\nCompact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs last nearly 10x longer than traditional incandescent bulbs and save on energy costs over time (see below).
\n\nBetter yet, switching to LED bulbs in your house is more durable and energy-efficient, and typically lasts more than 5x longer than a CFL bulb.
\n\n| \n\t\t\t | LED | \n\t\t\tCFL | \n\t\t\tIncandescent | \n\t\t
| Light Bulb Projected Lifespan | \n\t\t\t50,000 Hours | \n\t\t\t10,000 hours | \n\t\t\t1,200 Hours | \n\t\t
| Watts Per Bulb (Equivalent 60 Watts) | \n\t\t\t10 | \n\t\t\t14 | \n\t\t\t60 | \n\t\t
| Cost Per Bulb | \n\t\t\t$35.95 | \n\t\t\t$3.95 | \n\t\t\t$1.25 | \n\t\t
| KWh of Electricity Used Over 50,000 Hours | \n\t\t\t500 | \n\t\t\t700 | \n\t\t\t3,000 | \n\t\t
| Cost of Electricity (@ 0.10 per KWh) | \n\t\t\t$50 | \n\t\t\t$70 | \n\t\t\t$300 | \n\t\t
| Bulbs Needed for 50k Hours of Use | \n\t\t\t1 | \n\t\t\t5 | \n\t\t\t42 | \n\t\t
| Equivalent 50k Hours Bulb Expense | \n\t\t\t$35.95 | \n\t\t\t$19.75 | \n\t\t\t$52.50 | \n\t\t
| Total Cost for 50k Hours | \n\t\t\t$85.75 | \n\t\t\t$89.75 | \n\t\t\t$352.50 | \n\t\t
| Energy savings over 50,000 hours, assuming 25 bulbs per household: | \n\t\t
| Total Cost for 25 Bulbs | \n\t\t\t$2,143.75 | \n\t\t\t$2,243.75 | \n\t\t\t$8,812.50 | \n\t\t
| Savings to Household by Switching From Incandescents | \n\t\t\t$6,668.75 | \n\t\t\t$6,568.75 | \n\t\t\t0 | \n\t\t
The EPA estimates that 20-30% of municipal waste consists of food scraps and yard debris.
\n\nInstead of throwing it away, compost it.
\n\nAlthough the science behind how composting works is pretty complicated, the basics of composting are easy.
\n\nMix “brown” materials (sticks, leaves, dirt) with “green” materials (fruit/veggie scraps, tea bags, coffee), keep it moist, mix it at least once weekly, and in several weeks you’ll have a fresh batch of organic compost ready for fertilizing plants, flowers, and vegetables.
\n\nLearn more:
\n\n\n\nWater heaters are notorious energy hogs.
\n\nIn fact, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) says only heating and cooling systems trump water heaters for most energy consumption in the average home.
\n\nWhen it’s time to replace the water heater, keep these 3 tips in mind:
\n\nThe following chart compares the energy usage and costs of different types of water heaters.
\n\n| Water Heater Type | \n\t\t\tEfficiency | \n\t\t\tInstalled Cost | \n\t\t\tYearly Energy Cost | \n\t\t\tLife (Years) | \n\t\t\tTotal Cost (Over 13 Years) | \n\t\t
| Conventional Gas Storage | \n\t\t\t0.60 | \n\t\t\t$850 | \n\t\t\t$350 | \n\t\t\t13 | \n\t\t\t$5,394 | \n\t\t
| High-Efficiency Gas Storage | \n\t\t\t0.65 | \n\t\t\t$1,025 | \n\t\t\t$323 | \n\t\t\t13 | \n\t\t\t$5,220 | \n\t\t
| Condensing Gas Storage | \n\t\t\t0.86 | \n\t\t\t$2,000 | \n\t\t\t$244 | \n\t\t\t13 | \n\t\t\t$5,170 | \n\t\t
| Conventional Oil-Fired Storage | \n\t\t\t0.55 | \n\t\t\t$1,400 | \n\t\t\t$654 | \n\t\t\t8 | \n\t\t\t$11,299 | \n\t\t
| Minimum Efficiency Electric Storage | \n\t\t\t0.90 | \n\t\t\t$750 | \n\t\t\t$463 | \n\t\t\t13 | \n\t\t\t$6,769 | \n\t\t
| High-Efficiency Electric Storage | \n\t\t\t0.95 | \n\t\t\t$820 | \n\t\t\t$439 | \n\t\t\t13 | \n\t\t\t$6,528 | \n\t\t
| Demand Gas (No Pilot) 5 | \n\t\t\t0.82 | \n\t\t\t$1,600 | \n\t\t\t$256 | \n\t\t\t13 | \n\t\t\t$4,925 | \n\t\t
| Electric Heat Pump Water Heater | \n\t\t\t2.20 | \n\t\t\t$1,660 | \n\t\t\t$190 | \n\t\t\t13 | \n\t\t\t$4,125 | \n\t\t
| Solar With Electric Back-Up | \n\t\t\t1.20 | \n\t\t\t$4,800 | \n\t\t\t$175 | \n\t\t\t13 | \n\t\t\t$7,072 | \n\t\t
\n\n
If your water heater still has life left in it, you can update your current water heater by making it more efficient in the following ways:
\n\nThe availability of curbside recycling services continues to grow nationwide, and the same is true for recycling drop-off locations.
\n\nNot only is recycling one of the greenest things you can do, but it offers many other benefits:
\n\nBuses, trains, cable cars, etc. – it’s available in every municipality, yet many people neglect public transportation (PT).
\n\n\n\n\nAbout 60% of vehicle emissions in the U.S. come from cars and light trucks.
\n
That’s 3x more than buses, freight trucks, and trains combined.
\n\nA person who drives 20 miles roundtrip to work each day could reduce his or her carbon emission footprint by 4,800 pounds per year by switching to public transportation.
\n\nOther benefits of PT include reduced gasoline consumption, less traffic congestion, and it’s cheaper than owning a car when you factor in insurance, fuel, maintenance, etc.
\n\nDon’t like taking the bus or train?
\n\nStrap on your walking shoes or hop on your bike for a greener way to commute.
\n\nAbout 50% of Americans live within 5 miles of their workplace.
\n\nIf you fall into this category, walking or cycling to work is definitely a viable option.
\n\n\n\n\nA 10-mile roundtrip to and from work burns about 124 gallons of gasoline per year in the average midsize car.
\n
That’s equivalent to 1.3 tons of CO2 emissions.
\n\nThe cost of that fuel would total about $500 per year (at $4/gallon) and would put extra wear and tear on your vehicle.
\n\nCycling or walking eliminates these harmful CO2 emissions and saves you money on gas, not to mention the benefit to your mental and physical health.
\n\nBoost energy efficiency in your home by installing a programmable thermostat.
\n\nThis little gadget is easy to install and helps reduce energy usage during times of the day when you don’t need it.
\n\nA basic programmable thermostat will set you back $20 to $50, while a more advanced Wi-Fi-enabled “smart” thermostat will make your wallet about $200 lighter.
\n\nHowever, these thermostats end up paying for themselves.
\n\nThe initial cost of purchasing a programmable thermostat is offset a few different ways:
\n\nIf you have a heat pump, you should go with a programmable thermostat specifically designed for use in buildings with heat pumps to ensure proper efficiency.
\nIf you don't have $50 for a new programmable thermostat, you can still reduce the energy usage in your home or business by turning the temperature down in the winter and turning it up in the summer.
\n\nHere’s the general rule to maximize efficiency:
\n\nWinter
\n\nSummer
\n\nContrary to what some may think, your heating and cooling systems do not work harder or consume more energy by adjusting the thermostat temperature throughout the day.
\n\nIn fact, the opposite is true.
\n\nThe lower the interior temperature in the winter, the slower the heat loss.
\n\nThe same is true for the summer–the hotter the inside of the house, the slower the flow of heat comes into your house.
\n\nRain catchers are an eco-friendly way to irrigate your lawn and garden by catching rainwater and storing it until you're ready to use it.
\n\nYou can purchase a rain catch and barrel system online or from a home improvement store, or you can make one yourself.
\n\nAll you need is at least one large barrel (e.g., 55-gallon drum), piping (e.g., PVC pipes and elbows), drain (e.g., sillcock), and something to catch the rain (e.g., gutter system or large tarp).
\n\nCut back on water usage by letting the rain handle the lawn sprinkling.
\n\nHere are some tips to maintaining a beautiful, green lawn while using less water:
\n\nThis isn’t the most inexpensive way to go green, but it is one of the most impactful.
\n\nWind and solar power systems have come a long way in terms of improving efficiency and dropping in price.
\n\nThe cost of solar has dropped 99% between 1997 and 2013, so renewable energy is becoming a more viable and popular option for homeowners and small businesses.
\n\nA wind turbine should always be positioned at least 30 ft above obstructions, such as trees or buildings.
\nSolar panels are the most energy-efficient option out there.
\n\nThere are also solar shingles on the market which are the same size and shape of a traditional asphalt shingle but have the added solar technology built-in.
\n\nThis may be a good option the next time you replace your roof.
\n\nWhat’s nice about solar shingles is that you don’t have to do your entire roof; you can just add them to the parts of the roof that receive the most sun.
\n\nTIP: Use the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Potential Map to see if solar is right for your location.
\nRead more:
\n\nA hybrid system is the best option if you’re looking for a whole-home renewable energy solution by using both wind and solar technology to power your home or building.
\n\nThe cost of a hybrid system will typically range between $20,000 and $50,000, but much of that cost is offset by state and federal renewable energy rebates and incentives.
\n\nThe installation company will determine the best combination of wind and solar to meet your energy needs.
\n\nThere are two installation options:
\n\nOld appliances are about as efficient as Indy cars are on fuel (about 1.92 mpg in case you wondered).
\n\nReplace your old appliances with new ENERGY STAR certified models and enjoy immediate energy savings.
\n\nOf course, be sure to dispose of your old appliances the “green” way to make this a truly eco-friendly transaction.
\n\nHere are eco-friendly appliance disposal options:
\n\nIf everyone carpooled with just one other person, it would save the nation 33 million gallons of gas each year.
\n\nAdditionally, cutting just 25 miles of driving from your weekly itinerary would reduce your carbon footprint by 1,500 lbs of CO2.
\n\nIf your company doesn’t already offer a carpool option, arrange one yourself by asking friends and coworkers.
\n\nYou could also look into a company like Rideshare, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps integrate carpool services nationwide.
\nElectronics in standby mode and phone/laptop chargers left plugged into the wall when not in use continue to use electricity – a phenomenon referred to as “vampire energy.”
\n\n\n\n\nAbout 10% of your annual energy bill can be blamed on vampire energy, an estimated $3 billion per year total in America.
\n
Some of the worst offenders include plasma TVs, computers, and video game consoles in standby mode, which collectively add up to about $220 per year in electricity costs for the average household.
\n\nStop vampire energy by…
\n\nHave a look at the infographic below to see how much energy and money you waste each year to vampires sucking your blood electricity.
Considering up to 70% of your home’s energy usage comes from heating and cooling, it’s a substantial waste to let valuable heat or A/C trickle out of your house due to poor insulation.
\n\nAdding insulation can reduce heating and cooling costs by around 20%.
\n\nTo give you an idea of how much energy insulation saves each year in the U.S., it’s more than CFLs, Energy Star appliances, and Energy Star windows combined.
\n\n1. Choose the right type of insulation:
\n\n2. Install it:
\n\nInstall the insulation according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
\n\nIt’s probably worth having a professional take a look at the condition of your home’s insulation.
\n\nIn the end, having a professional do the job will pay off with lower heating and cooling bills.
\n\n3. Seal up other nooks and crannies:
\n\nAreas like windows, doorways, electrical outlets, and outdoor faucets are notorious for letting in cool air in the winter and warm air during the summer.
\n\nMost of the time you can seal these areas using caulk or expanding foam for larger gaps.
\n\nLearn more:
\n\nIf it’s time to replace or repair your roof, consider a greener alternative to standard asphalt shingles.
\n\nSeveral green roofing options include:
\n\nYou just need to use your imagination and think outside the box when it comes to reusing and upcycling waste.
\n\nThere are tons of other examples out there, but here are a few ways you can reuse items you normally throw away:
\n\nFind more ways to recycle:
\n\n\n\nInstalling low-flow toilets, faucets, and showers will help reduce your annual water usage.
\n\nPlus, the cost of replacing your current water hog is typically offset within a year when you factor in your water savings.
\n\nREBATES: Most cities offer some sort of rebate for purchasing low-flow products. Some municipalities even pay you back the entire purchase price of the product, making this one of the most cost-effective ways to go green.
\nContinue reading:
\n\nGo green by avoiding virgin-material-made products whenever possible.
\n\nThere are so many avenues nowadays for buying used instead of new.
\n\nHere are a few:
\n\nYou can buy environmentally friendly cleaning products or make your own for pennies on the dollar.
\n\nHere are some easy DIY homemade cleaning product recipes that will help eliminate chemicals and save you some money at the grocery store:
\n\nHousehold hazardous waste (HHW) has no place in our landfills.
\n\nIt can leach into area waterways, pollute our air, and negatively affects area wildlife.
\n\n\n\n\nMost cities offer an annual or biannual HHW collection event where you can bring things like paint, chemicals, solvents, cleaners, scrap tires, batteries, used motor oil, and light bulbs.
\n
Check with your city or county to find out when these events are held.
\n\nYour trash hauler may also accept HHW upon request.
\n\nNot all do, but it’s worth looking into.
\n\nRead more:
\n\n8 states have passed bans on using plastic bags in grocery stores, with other states in talks of following suit.
\n\n\n\n\nHowever, Americans still use about 100 billion plastic bags each year, which require 12 million barrels of oil to manufacture.
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To say that plastic grocery bags take a long time to decompose is a massive understatement, seeing as it takes roughly 500 years for a single bag to decompose in a landfill.
\n\nThe inks used to print on these bags also contain toxic chemicals that wreak havoc on our environment.
\n\nSure, you could choose paper bags instead of plastic, but an even more responsible way to shop is to BYOB.
\n\nFor some, using their gas-powered lawn equipment isn't just a chore, but a coveted hobby.
\n\nBut, the fact is that gas-powered lawn equipment pollutes the air and ground.
\n\n\n\n\nA single lawn mower emits 106 lbs of greenhouse gases per season.
\n
Fuel spillage when refilling your lawn and garden equipment is also not something to be taken lightly.
\n\nIn California alone, 17 million gallons of gas are spilled each year.
\n\nNot only is this unhealthy for the environment, but it isn’t at all helpful for breaking our dependence on foreign oil.
\n\nYou can help be a part of the solution by switching to electric, solar, or manually powered alternatives.
\n\nMONEY-SAVING TIP: Some cities offer mower-exchange programs for anyone willing to swap out their gas guzzler for a new electric model. Just do a search online for “lawnmower exchange in [your city or county]” to see if you have one in your area.
\nCommon sustainable flooring varieties include reclaimed hardwood, bamboo, cork, natural fiber carpets, amongst others.
\n\nQuality, hardwood flooring is great for homes with allergy or asthma sufferers, it’s easy to clean, and the lifespan is 25-100 years.
\n\nTIP: Don’t use cork flooring in a bathroom as it absorbs water easily.
\nContinue reading:
\n\nTake advantage of what the great outdoors offers in terms of natural shading, radiant heat from the sun, and the cooling power of wind.
\n\nTry these three tips:
\n\nNature can help reduce the need for heating and cooling, and that’s a great thing for the environment and your wallet.
\n\nIn today’s digital age, there's no valid excuse for wasting excess paper.
\n\n\n\n\nIn 2019 alone, 78 million tons of paper were produced in the United States.
\n
Sure, paper production has been on the decline since 2000, and paper recycling is relatively high at 68%, but we still have plenty of room for improvement.
\n\nUse less paper by stepping into the 21st century and going digital.
\n\nThis includes, but certainly is not limited to:
\n\nFresh foods typically aren't bound by plastic packaging, which means less waste.
\n\n\n\n\nContainers and packaging make up 23% of waste in landfills, much of which is food-related.
\n
Stick to fresh fruits, veggies, meats from the butcher/deli, and products contained in recyclable packaging.
\n\nYou’ll be surprised how much less waste you’ll be putting curbside each week.
\n\nNot only will this help the environment, but it's much healthier for your nutrition as well.
\n\nPlanting trees offers several benefits:
\n\nThis is one of the quickest and easiest ways to do your part at home, work, or school.
\n\nVolunteer with an organization like TreePeople to plant and care for trees in a community near you.
\nA leaky faucet wastes more water than you may think.
\n\nOne gallon of water equals 15,140 drips.
\n\n\n\n\nA fast-drip leak – say one drip per second – wastes 5.71 gallons of water per day, while a slow drip likely wastes a gallon or more.
\n
It’s easy to replace faucets, leaky water heater drains, and bathroom fixtures.
\n\nIf you’ve never done it before, just do a quick search on YouTube and you’ll find plenty of tutorials to walk you through it.
\n\nThere are plenty of eco-friendly versions of pesticides and lawn fertilizers on the market to choose from, so swapping out the chemicals for all-natural alternatives is a simple way to go green.
\n\nEco-Friendly Fertilizers: Homemade compost is the best option here. If you don’t make your own compost, you can purchase compost at a local landscaping facility or go with any number of organic, all-natural fertilizers found at any landscaping or home improvement store.
\n
\nGreen Pesticides: If at all possible, avoid pesticides altogether by setting sticky traps, killing insects by hand, and by prevention. A good way to prevent insects is to avoid watering lawns and gardens at night, keeping your grass short and making sure not to over-water.
\n
\nHomemade Potions: There are quite a few homemade concoctions out there aimed at repelling insects, killing weeds, and helping your lawn and garden thrive without using chemicals. Examples include soap spray for killing insects, garlic spray for aphids and other insects, or boiling hot water for killing sidewalk/driveway weeds.
Repairing drafty windows and doors are simple fixes that will greatly improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems.
\n\n\n\n\nAbout 10-25% of heat escapes from a home’s doors and windows.
\n
One way to seal up cracks around windows and drafty doors is by using caulk.
\n\nReplacing the weather stripping around doors will improve the seal between the door and the frame.
\n\nThese fixes cost less than $20 and will easily pay for themselves in terms of energy savings.
\n\nFor larger cracks, use expanding foam to seal it up.
\n\nBe sure to use caution when using expanding foam, as it can damage windows if you use too much.
\n\nGo green when hitting the road, especially if you do a lot of driving.
\n\nInstead of replacing your air filter once or twice a year, switch to a reusable air filter.
\n\nYou can clean these filters and put them right back into your airbox.
\n\nIt reduces waste and improves your horsepower and fuel efficiency.
\n\nInflating your tires with nitrogen instead of regular air helps improve fuel efficiency and it holds pressure better than air.
\n\nThere is one caveat to consider, however.
\n\nAccess to nitrogen is limited in some areas, and it usually costs more to fill your tires with it.
\n\nJust checking your tire pressure every couple of weeks and filling up with air as needed is nearly as effective at maximizing fuel efficiency compared to going with nitrogen.
\n\nThat said, if you can find a local auto shop (e.g., Costco) that offers free nitrogen inflation, it’s worth making the switch.
\n\nBosch introduced a new line of copper-free ceramic brake pads that are safer for the environment.
\n\nThe copper that’s in traditional brake pads washes off into lakes and rivers, harming the local wildlife in the process.
\n\nLow-rolling resistance tires improve fuel efficiency by reducing the amount of resistance between your tires and the road.
\n\nThis accounts for about 5-15% of your vehicle’s fuel economy, so you can get quite a big boost in fuel efficiency by going with a low-rolling-resistance tire.
\n\nAll major tire manufacturers offer these greener tire alternatives.
\n\nThis upgrade is far from inexpensive – typically costing $3,500 to $10,000 – but is perfect for anyone out there looking to dominate the road with the ultimate green machine.
\n\nThese electric car conversion kits hit the market in 2008, and they work by replacing the dirty gas-powered engine with a clean, 100% electric-driven motor.
\n\nThe average American stares at a screen – TV, tablet, and smartphone – for more than seven hours per day.
\n\nThat number is, in some cases, much higher for people strapped to a computer all day.
\n\nNot including actual work you do on your computer or phone, turn off your electronic screens for an extra hour or two each day.
\n\nYour energy savings will slowly add up over time, and who knows, you might actually discover that you prefer the new ways you find yourself spending your free time.
\n\nSpeaking of TV watching, Plasmas are the energy hogs of the flat screen world.
\n\nNext time you replace your TV, consider an LED model.
\n\nLED TVs are a type of LCD TV that utilizes energy-efficient LEDs to light the screen.
\n\nA quality 50-inch LED TV typically costs less than $10 per year to power (assuming 5 hours of use per day), while a plasma TV of the same size may cost 3-4x that amount.
\n\nIt’s amazing how much energy you can save by using an inexpensive solar cover on your pool.
\n\nAccording to Energy.gov, a pool cover can reduce energy costs associated with heating a pool by as much as 70%.
\n\nYou can go a step further and ditch the heating unit altogether and just use the pool cover for all your heating needs.
\n\nIf your swimming pool gets a lot of direct sun, the pool cover alone can boost the water temp by 15 degrees or more.
\n\nEXAMPLE: Heating an average-sized pool to 80 degrees in Chicago during the summer months using a heat pump costs about $810 in energy costs. However, this figure is reduced to $105 when a cover is placed on the pool when not in use.
\nLearn more:
\n\nThe only way to truly find out where energy is being wasted in your home or business is to install an energy monitoring system.
\n\nThese devices track energy usage throughout your home or building so you can see exactly which appliances and electronic devices are guzzling the most power.
\n\nIt’s realistically possible to reduce your monthly energy expenses by 15% to as much as 40% by using an energy monitoring device.
\n\nPrices vary significantly from as little as $25 for a single outlet model to $200 or more for a whole-home energy monitoring device.
\n\nRecyclable batteries cost more than single-use batteries, but the gap is closing.
\n\nToday, the availability of rechargeable batteries is far beyond what it was just a decade ago, and the pricing is more affordable now, too
\n\nHere are some of the benefits of using rechargeable batteries:
\n\nEven rechargeable batteries die eventually, so it's important that you do not throw them in the trashcan when they do.
\n\nRechargeable batteries – including lithium-ion (Li-Ion), nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd), and nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) – should never end up in landfills.
\n\nBut recycling rechargeable batteries is easy.
\n\nCall2Recycle is a nonprofit company dedicated to ensuring these batteries are recycled rather than landfilled.
\n\nWhen it comes to cleaning out an estate or rental, it's always best practice to recycle or donate as much as possible.
\n\nHiring a junk removal company that recycles and donates on your behalf is easily the most efficient way to clean out rooms and garages, to whole homes and offices.
\n\nThey'll do all the heavy lifting for you, so you don't have to lift a finger.
\n\nIf you'd rather do the clearing out yourself, renting a dumpster is a great way to get rid of unwanted items, especially if the dumpster rental company sorts and recycles as much trash as possible.
\n\nHometown makes it easy to find locally-owned service providers and request as many free quotes as you'd like.
\n\nWe recommend getting at least 3 different quotes to ensure you're not only getting the best price, but the best customer service.
\nThere are so many other ways to go green, but hopefully, these tips will help give you a good start.
\n\nA more sustainable future is something we can all benefit from, and it all starts with educating each other about the benefits of preserving the environment in our day-to-day lives.
\n\nKeep reading:
\n\nIf you're looking for a way to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a large list of 42 ways to go green so that you can start living a more sustainable lifestyle today.
\r\n","changed":"2021-06-05T01:51:44+00:00"},{"id":"9272ea7e-8c79-5d9a-b4fd-086482ea32d2","title":"60+ Ingenious Ways to Reuse Scrap Tires","url":"/blog/60-ingenious-ways-to-reuse-scrap-tires","image":{"path":"/static/7890922c65d1d92612ba8c3571c5706e/reuse-scrap-tires.jpg","alt":"reuse scrap tires"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"39c3533a-c46f-509b-8fcc-19e935627151","name":"Recycling","slug":"Recycling"},{"id":"8a088d18-16c4-5f32-8898-b75d5543d9fa","name":"Environment","slug":"Environment"}],"content":"Automobiles have been mass produced for more than a century, which equates to a lot of scrap tires.
\n\nUntil about two decades ago the vast majority of these tires were simply tossed in a landfill or stockpiled somewhere.
\n\n\nIn fact, the Rubber Manufacturer’s Association (RMA) states there were 1 billion tires stockpiled in the U.S. as recently as 1990.
\n\n2011 figures show that number has dwindled down to about 111.5 million tires.
\n\nAbout 60 million of these tires are stockpiled at two locations in the “Rubber Mountain state”, Colorado.
\n\nToday, about 88% of scrap tires are reused or recycled into new products.
\n\nThat’s good news considering tires are terrible for the environment.
\n\nThey don’t decompose quickly, they contain toxic chemicals, and they’re breeding grounds for mosquitos and other pests.
\n\nMost states have laws prohibiting disposing of tires in landfills, and 48 states have some sort of procedure for safely disposing of tires.
\n\nPractical solutions for recycling scrap tires include:
\n\nThose uses are certainly excellent ways to reduce the number of scrap tires piled high across the nation, but that’s not what this article is all about.
\n\nWe want to take a look at the more unique, creative, artistic, mind-blowing, why-didn’t-I-think-of-that type of ways to reuse scrap tires.
\n\nWhile you may not consider roofing your home with scrap tires, it's a great option for covering outbuildings or playhouses.
\n\nVia: Silodrome, eCouterre, Lushome, inhabitat
\n\nCountless companies are increasing their efforts to use recycled materials, one of which being rubber tires.
\n\nThe possibilities are endless—buy or try your hand at making your own today.
\n\nVia: Kaboom, Ripe Green Ideas, Backpackerina
\n\n\n\nVia: I Heart Naptime, Flickr: Nick Sayers
\n\nRubber tires are durable yet soft and relatively pliable, making them great options for building playscapes of all types for both kids and pets.
\n\nVia: Crooked Brains, RelaxShacks.com, Snappy Pixels, House Logic, Green Diary
\n\nOne of the most possible uses for old tires is as a container for flowers or plants.
\n\nLikewise, they can be repurposed as outdoor furniture or other landscaping features.
\n\nVia: Eric Langert, Yong Ho Ji, inhabitat, Arts Observer, Tire Art, The Throttle, Inspiration Green
\n\nThe creative possibilities when repurposing tires as art are truly endless, as shown above.
\n\nVia: Home Crux, Nest, Green Launches, The Luxury Spot, Design Rulz
\n\nJust as tires can be used to create outdoor furniture, they can also be used to create indoor furniture and decor pieces.
\n\nKeep reading:
\n\nThere are more than 100 million scrap tires stockpiled across the U.S. and many more rotting away in landfills. One solution is to reuse or upcycle these tires into new creations. Here are more than 60 eco-friendly examples of what can be done with scrap tires.
\r\n","changed":"2021-06-05T01:51:44+00:00"},{"id":"171e9b65-a802-595c-a87c-7a7f09efae22","title":"Big List of Recycling Organizations Helping America Go Green","url":"/blog/big-list-of-recycling-organizations-helping-america-go-green","image":{"path":"/static/b314c20951b6125a635a11b83afebd1b/america-recycles-flag.jpg","alt":"america recycles flag for recycling organizations"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"39c3533a-c46f-509b-8fcc-19e935627151","name":"Recycling","slug":"Recycling"},{"id":"8a088d18-16c4-5f32-8898-b75d5543d9fa","name":"Environment","slug":"Environment"}],"content":"So much is being done across the country to help spruce up our environment. Recycling has picked up over the past several decades and continues to build traction in every state thanks to recycling initiatives, legislation, and the efforts of nonprofit organizations.
\n\nAccording to the EPA, the national recycling rate has increased from about 10% in 1985 to about 35% in 2012. It has steadily increased year after year due to advancements in recycling technology and the realization that recycling has a major economic impact. Oh…not to mention the huge environmental benefit!
\n\nA good way to quickly dispose of heavy or bulky waste in a way that is environmentally responsible is through the use of a dumpster.
\n\nDepending on the type of waste processing facilities near you, you may be able to save money (and the environment) by 'clean' loading your dumpster with only one type of debris, such as asphalt roofing shingles, concrete, or drywall.
\n\nLearn more about dumpster rentals:
\n\n
\nAccording to Keep America Beautiful (KAB), if all the recyclables in the U.S. waste stream were recycled, it would inject $7 billion of revenue into the U.S. economy. Additionally, the EPA states that for every 5 tons of waste sent to landfills, just one job is created. On the other hand, for every 5 tons of waste recycled or reused, up to 85 jobs are created. Numbers don’t lie—Recycling is great for the economy.
The comprehensive state-by-state directory of recycling organizations listed below includes companies largely responsible for why recycling is thriving in America. It’s because of these organizations that curbside recycling services are on the rise in communities across the country, recycling drop-off points are common around municipalities in every state, and landfills are being closed and replaced with waste-to-energy plants or recycling facilities.
\n\nFind your state and see what recycling initiatives are helping to shape your community’s future. You can also find out how to become a member or donate to these statewide recycling organizations.
\n\nThe American Environmental Council (AEC) operates the oldest recycling center in Alabama located at 2431 2nd Avenue North in Birmingham. Its Recycle Alabama campaign has helped boost recycling rates in Jefferson County and across the state through education and advertising. The AEC also works to promote the use of renewable energy and to clean up the air and water of Alabama.
\n\nThe ARC is a statewide, non-profit organization bringing together industry, governments, NPOs and individuals with an interest in sustainable solid waste management. The ARC has played an integral role in helping to bring 1,400 new recycling-related jobs to the State in 2013 alone. This figure will only increase as recycling initiatives expand throughout the State.
\n\nALPAR strives to keep Alaska free and clear of pollution and litter. It has partnered with several of the biggest recycling facilities across the state to help promote recycling. The goal is to keep Alaska’s beautiful wilderness as scenic today as it was centuries ago. ALPAR recognizes individuals and organizations who demonstrate outstanding achievements in recycling and/or litter prevention in their community at its annual awards banquet.
\n\nGreen Star is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating Alaskans about recycling and waste reduction. It recently opened the Electronics Recycling Depot in Fairbanks, which was the first of its kind in the area. E-waste is one of the fastest growing segments of waste in need of proper recycling. IAGS honors business and organizations that are helping to promote recycling and sustainability with its Green Star Award Program.
\n\nThe Arizona Recycling Coalition (AZRC) is the State’s premier recycling advocate. It provides valuable resources for businesses and individuals living in Arizona looking to increase recycling rates. The AZRC offers a recycling award program recognizing leaders in the recycling industry, as well as promotes recycling initiatives statewide and offers links to grant programs related to recycling.
\n\nSince 1989, the Arkansas Recycling Coalition (ARC) has educated Arkansas-based businesses, nonprofits, government organizations and individuals about how to recycle, where to recycle and how to boost recycling rates. Its annual recycling conference and trade show brings together leaders in the industry to help push recycling efforts forward across the state. The ARC awards program recognizes organizations and individuals making a positive impact on the environment in Arkansas.
\n\nThe Keep Arkansas Beautiful (KAB) campaign has helped vastly increase recycling rates statewide. In 2012, the state’s recycling rate topped 40%, which is above the national average. KAB has partnered with EcoPhones to allow Arkansas schools or community organizations to earn money by recycling cellphones properly. It also introduced a Cars to Donate program for responsibly disposing of junk cars. Its website also features a wide selection of educational materials to help promote recycling in Arkansas. Help keep Arkansas beautiful by volunteering with KAB.
\n\nThe Northern California Recycling Association (NCRA) promotes recycling initiatives throughout the State of California, but focuses primarily on Northern California. It educates the public and organizations about recycling, offering classes that can help you begin a career in the booming California recycling industry. The NCRA has achieved many accomplishments over the years, including helping to write and pass the Alameda County Measure D Landfill charge, and speak in front of Congress and the Supreme Court of California in regards to environmental issues.
\n\nThe CRRA is the oldest and one of the biggest nonprofit recycling organizations in the country. Its primary goal is to help California achieve zero waste status through recycling, reusing, composting and other green practices. It hosts an annual conference and trade show to help raise awareness about recycling and to further green technologies.
\n\nThe ACRI is a nonprofit organization focused on protecting the rights of California-based recycling facilities. Its goal is to maintain a free market amongst recyclers across the state. The ACRI tackles legislative issues relating to recycling laws, offers workshops to educate the public, and runs a scholarship program for students.
\n\nCAW is a nonprofit institution that strives to make recycling available to all Californians. Much of its values and goals were adopted by CalRecycle several years ago and put into the landmark California goal of achieving a 75% recycling rate by 2020. The CAW has also been involved in multiple other legislative actions designed to promote recycling in the state.
\n\nACWA’s members are responsible for about 90% of the water delivered in California. Its goal is to make water a more sustainable resource in the state through water recycling technology and water reduction. ACWA is involved in legislation and regulatory actions related to water conservation in the State of California.
\n\nThe CAFR actively seeks to support recycling and waste diversion initiatives throughout the State of Colorado. It hosts events, educates the communities, offers recycling grant programs and is backed by some of the biggest waste hauling companies in Colorado (e.g., Waste Management).
\n\nThe CRC has provided community lectures, legislative support for the recycling industry in CT, and educational materials to businesses and residences since 1989. It has helped shape the way Connecticut handles its waste, including recycling services and waste diversion. Today, recycling in the State is mandatory.
\n\nThe COWRA is dedicated to preserving Connecticut’s water resources, including proper handling of wastewater and water recycling. It has helped shape the rules and regulations in place today regarding wastewater recycling and sewer water treatment processes.
\n\nThe DWHS is in charge of Delaware’s waste and recycling programs statewide. It has passed legislation mandating that all commercial businesses recycle (as of 2014), and it has a goal of recycling 50% of all waste generated in the state by 2015. It offers a wide range of educational materials to help the citizens of Delaware increase recycling rates at home and in the workplace.
\n\nRecycle Florida Today (RFT) takes a proactive approach to boosting recycling rates and overall sustainability in the State of Florida. It keeps the public informed of recycling legislation and laws pertaining to recycling in the State. It also hosts an annual conference to help bring together leaders in the recycling industry in an effort to exchange ideas, improve recycling technology, and to further the State’s progress toward reaching its 75% recycling goal.
\n\nThe FRP is a coalition of Florida-based recycling and waste hauling companies that have come together to help boost recycling rates in the State. It offers information designed to help people make greener choices in their everyday lives, such as switching to reusable grocery bags, composting at home, and recycling whenever possible. It brings together some of the biggest recyclers in Florida, helping to further advance eco-friendly innovation and technology.
\n\nThe mission of The Georgia Recyclers is to provide a voice for Georgia-based recyclers, big and small, to members of Congress in an effort to increase recycling rates statewide. It’s a team of dedicated lobbyists who realize the benefits of recycling and how it can improve Georgia’s environment and its economy. Some of the topics this group tackles includes metal theft, container deposit legislation, storm water regulations, and recycling of all types.
\n\nThe GRC has partnered with some of the biggest companies in the state, including Coca-Cola and the Georgia Beverage Association, to promote sustainable living and recycling statewide. Its membership is open to any individual or business interested in cleaning up the State. It offers recycling training seminars, special events, an annual conference, and forms special interest groups to help push legislation related to recycling and sustainability. The GRC website offers a boatload of information to help you start living a more sustainable lifestyle.
\n\nThe Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation is the first and largest state-based Keep America Beautiful chapter in the country. Its efforts have helped reduce litter statewide by 75% over the past decade. KGB points out that for every dollar donated to its efforts, an average of $11.45 is invested back into the community. The organization works with Georgia residents, local recycling facilities and large corporations to help maintain Georgia’s environment.
\n\nThe goal of Recycle Hawai’i is to educate citizens about how and why to recycle on the beautiful islands of Hawaii. It is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides free educational services and recycling guides to the public. It was recently awarded the America’s Recycling Day Proclamation from the Governor for all the work the organization and its members have done to help preserve and protect Hawaii.
\n\nThe mission of Re-use Hawai’i is to reduce the amount of construction and demolition (C&D) debris trucked to landfills. How does it do this? Well, it’s a nonprofit company that also happens to be a team of skilled, licensed demolition specialists that are able to recover about 80% of materials prior to demolition – a process called deconstruction. It resells recovered materials to the public at huge savings in its warehouse located at 200 Keawe Street in Honolulu. Reusing salvageable materials from a typical 2,000 square foot home demolition can save more than 8,000 square feet of landfill space and save 33 trees.
\n\nThe EIEEA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the environment in Eastern Idaho, and recognizing organizations and individuals that go above and beyond in the areas of recycling, preserving the environment or sustainability. It educates the community on how to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. The EIEEA has a variety of projects in the works, including the Green Your Classroom Grant Program to promote eco-friendly living in the classroom, and the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event held annually. The first HHW collection event held in 2007 collected almost 1,200 gallons of used motor oil, 500 automobile batteries, and more.
\n\nThe IRA is the only statewide voice for the recycling industry, helping to promote and advance recycling technology at all levels, from the classroom up to large-scale recycling operations. It hosts an annual conference to help citizens and major recycling organizations exchange ideas to help improve recycling rates and efficiency of operations. It also sponsors various events throughout the year, such as river cleanups.
\n\nThe IRC supports the 3 R’s (reduce, reuse recycle) and composting in the Hoosier state. It gives citizens and businesses the means to communicate through forums and networking, plus it supplies materials to help develop recycling solutions at all levels, from local to state. The IRC offers numerous programs and hosts many events throughout the year to help educate communities across the state. A few of its happenings include the Lend a Bin program, Home Energy Assessments to help reduce energy costs (small donation required), and an annual conference.
\n\nThe IRA is Iowa’s voice for recycling, helping to advocate on behalf of green-minded individuals and businesses statewide. It offers classroom presentations, award recognition, events, networking opportunities and much more. The IRA was a major supporter for the Iowa Container Deposit Law passed 30 years ago. The law has helped increase recycling rates of beverage containers to 86%, equal to more than 82,000 tons of material per year.
\n\nThe KOR’s mission is to support environmental stewardship. It’s a nonprofit organization run by its members, and it strives to educate the community about waste reduction, recycling, composting and sustainability in Kansas. KOR recognizes outstanding achievements by businesses or individuals at its annual conference. It’s been involved in many of the recycling-related legislation passed in Kansas over the years. Call 785-233-3771 for more information.
\n\nThe Southeast Kansas Recycling Center is a nonprofit organization that gives local recyclers a place to drop off materials. It also aims to educate the community about recycling and its benefits. The facility is located at 615 S. Joplin in Pittsburg, Kansas. Call for hours: 620-231-8930. The SEK Recycling Re-Use Shop sells donated items at significant discounts in an effort to limit landfill waste. The whole operation is run by dedicated volunteers.
\n\nThe mission of the KAEE is to educate the people of Kentucky about the environment and how to preserve it. It offers a variety of workshops to help educate students and organizations about the importance of environmental preservation. It also offers awards to individuals and organizations who demonstrate excellence in environmentalism.
\n\nThe KRA is the voice for recycling facilities throughout the State of Kentucky. It supports and lobbies for legislation designed to boost recycling rates statewide and reduce waste sent to landfills. It’s currently working on new legislation that will help discourage metal theft in Kentucky, a common problem in the state. The KRA has been a major reason why the amount of waste sent to landfills has decreased from 89% in 1980 to 54% in 2010.
\n\nThe CACRC is a nonprofit organization based in Baton Rouge that is dedicated to reducing and reusing e-waste, such as computers, DVD players, video game consoles, digital cameras and much more. All of the reusable items are donated or offered at greatly reduced prices to local schools, low-income families and other nonprofits. A recent collection event held at Furniture Mart in January, 2014 netted 75 pallets of e-waste to be reused or recycled. This helps keep thousands of pounds of e-scrap from landfills and saves the statewide economy hundreds of thousands of dollars.
\n\nThe LRA aims to give the recycling industry in Louisiana a voice at the State Capitol. Its team of lobbyists are dedicated to pushing legislation that will help increase recycling across the state. The LRA is involved in a number of bills pending before the Louisiana legislature, including the Scrap Metal Recycler Law and the metal theft bills.
\n\nThe MRRA aims to promote recycling statewide through education and marketing strategies. Its annual conference and trade show helps bring together recycling industry professionals and individuals to help share ideas and spread the word about the benefits of recycling and reusing materials.
\n\nThe MRN advocates on behalf of the Maryland public and recycling industry to help make Maryland a more sustainable, eco-friendly place to live. It provides educational resources to the public and industry professionals, hosts various events meant to promote the 3 “R’s”, and gives citizens a voice when it comes to recycling-related legislation in government.
\n\nThe Loading Dock salvages and recycles building materials. It offers inexpensive building materials to the public, such as lumber, bathroom fixtures, flooring, cabinetry, appliances and more. In 2013, The Loading Dock kept the following out of landfills: 26,000 gallons of paint, 83,000 carpet tiles, and nearly 5,000 doors. It also saved the community approximately $2 million. It accepts tax-deductible donations of all types of construction and renovation materials. It also offers free workshops and has volunteering opportunities. The Loading Dock is located at 2 North Kresson Street, Baltimore, MD 21224.
\n\nStarted in the 1970s, Earthworm was one of the pioneering forces behind Massachusetts’ recycling initiatives. It helps businesses overcome the pitfalls of recycling by offering discounted, or even free, recycling services. It also collects e-waste for proper disposal or to be reused.
\n\nHGRM is a not-for-profit organization that accepts donations of household goods, which it then distributes free of charge to people in need. In 2013, HGRM helped 2,500 families in need of household goods following job loss, fire/flood loss, abusive homes, veterans in need, and more. In all, HGRM helped people in 134 communities across Eastern Massachusetts that year.
\n\nThe MRC is the voice of recycling and composting interests statewide. It offers educational materials on the topics and holds an annual conference to help spread the word through networking and sharing of ideas. It takes a strong stance against issues/legislation that could negatively affect the environment, including open burning, yard waste disposal and e-waste ending up in landfills.
\n\nThe MRP is a coalition of Michigan-based businesses that recognizes the value of recyclables and seeks to maximize recycling efforts in the state. Its goal is to increase Michigan’s approximately 20% recycling rate, as it’s the lowest of all other Great Lakes States. Boosting recycling rates to about 31% would bring about 10,000 new jobs to the state.
\n\nARM is a nonprofit organization focused on advancing the practice of reclaiming parts and metal from scrap vehicles rather than disposing of it in landfills. It hosts various events throughout the year to help educate the public and businesses in the salvaging industry, and it also monitors current and pending legislation related to its interests.
\n\nThe RAM is the premier resource for recycling information and advocacy in the State of Minnesota. It hosts conferences, provides public education, offers educational materials and supports recycling legislation across the state. It has been the driving force behind major recycling initiatives in Minnesota, including the Message in a Bottle Program, REseat car seat recycling, America Recycles Day in MN, Borrow the Bin recycle bin rental program, Recycle More initiative, and many others.
\n\nThe mission of the MRC is to inform and educate the public, government and its members of recycling and sustainability benefits and goals for the state of Mississippi. The Coalition is currently working on a variety of projects, including funding a scholarship program for students majoring in environmental-related degrees, offering an award program for recycling excellence, educating school-age students about how and why to recycle, and much more.
\n\nKMB was launched in 1988 in an effort to promote litter prevention statewide. It hosts an annual conference and various events to help get the public involved in recycling efforts as well as educate industry professionals about advances in recycling technology and innovation. KMB received Diamond Level distinction from Keep America Beautiful for the recycling-related work it has done in the State of Mississippi.
\n\nMORA is dedicated to achieving environmental sustainability in Missouri by way of waste diversion and recycling initiatives. It offers a vast amount of educational materials designed to promote sustainability in the house, at work, in government and schools.
\n\nRecycle Montana is the state’s premier resource for learning about waste diversion and recycling information in the State of Montana. It advocates in Congress on behalf of citizens and businesses concerned about maintaining Montana’s beautiful landscape. It hosts many events throughout the year to help support recycling/reusing and spread the word of its many benefits.
\n\nThe Cinnabar Foundation is dedicated to preserving the environment of Montana. It does so through generous grants and sharing conservation stories from people like you. In 2013, 86 grants were handed out to environmental groups and individuals working on projects to help improve or maintain Montana’s scenic beauty.
\n\nThe NSRA is a nonprofit organization with a mission to further recycling initiatives throughout Nebraska. It provides technical assistance and grants to the public and recycling facilities across the state. It realizes the importance of recycling and how it creates jobs, boosts the economy and preserves the environment.
\n\nGrowing Resources for Environmental Education in Nevada, or GREENevada, is a collaborative group of organizations focused on educating students and citizens about the beneficial aspects of recycling and sustainability. It offers a grant program, various educational events and many student/teacher resources at its website. GREENevada has offered thousands of dollars in grants to local schools since its founding in 2010.
\n\nThe NRRA was founded in New Hampshire in 1981 and since then membership has grown to include more than 400 municipalities across the Northeast United States. Its primary focus is on technical and marketing aspects of recycling and waste reduction. The NRRA hosts an annual conference, educates local schools about the importance of recycling and organizes litter cleanup events throughout the state.
\n\nThe USGBC New Hampshire Chapter advocates for green building practices throughout New Hampshire. The USGBC offers LEED Certification for homes and businesses that meet certain criteria set by the USGBC. The New Hampshire Chapter hosts various events and educational meetings designed to boost the community’s awareness of green building practices and why it’s important. There are currently more than 200 LEED certified buildings in New Hampshire, and counting.
\n\nThe ANJR is New Jersey’s voice when it comes to recycling and waste diversion. Its members monitor and introduce legislation designed to increase recycling rates and improve the New Jersey environment. The ANJR offers a huge amount of information at its website related to eco-friendly living, and it also hosts numerous events throughout the year to bring together the leaders in the New Jersey recycling industry.
\n\nThe NMRC’s goal is to boost New Mexico’s relatively low 16. 2 % recycling rate (2010). It provides educational resources to citizens and businesses across the state, holds an annual conference to help share ideas and new technology, advocates recycling legislation at the government level, and offers a recognition program to award those who demonstrate excellence in the field of recycling and sustainability. Its efforts have helped boost recycling rates over the past few years, and it estimates that once the state achieves a 34% recycling rate, it would subsequently produce 5,000 new jobs in the recycling industry.
\n\nThe NYSAR3 is the statewide advisory organization for any type of legislation related to waste reduction, recycling or reuse. It also educates and promotes recycling across the state via annual conferences, award programs, grants and special events.
\n\nBuilt it Green! NYC is a nonprofit organization that collects salvaged and donated building materials and household goods/appliances for resale at hugely discounted prices. The organization helps deconstruct buildings in a way which allows things like cabinets, appliances and lumber to be reused. It helps save money and reduces the amount of waste trucked off to landfills. About 19,000 lbs. of building material waste is trucked to landfills in New York each day. It also collects food scraps for compost.
\n\nRAB is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that accepts bicycle donations for resale in an effort to promote living a healthier, greener lifestyle. But, it also does a lot more across the state. It offers a green jobs training program, youth programs and workshops, riding clubs and more. RAB diverts about 45,000 lbs. of bicycle waste away from landfills each year.
\n\nThe RANC is a group of North Carolina recyclers dedicated to the metal recycling industry. Its mission is to eliminate metal theft and to maintain the public’s best interest regarding legislation, rules and laws pertaining to metal recycling. The efforts of RANC have led to three major metal recycling laws passed since 2007 – more to come.
\n\nThe CRA is all about conserving natural resources and promoting recycling and waste reduction efforts statewide. It does so by education the public, hosting events and an annual conference, partnering with state recycling advocates, and engaging board members and councils on the topic of recycling and waste diversion. Its efforts have helped divert more than half-a-million tons of waste from landfills (2009).
\n\nThe NDSWRA is a nonprofit organization focused on educating and informing the public about recycling issues in North Dakota. It offers educational seminars and training to keep members up to date with the latest recycling technology and waste diversion techniques. It also offers scholarships and grant opportunities at its website.
\n\nThe AOR dedicates its efforts to improving Ohio’s economy through recycling and waste diversion. It does so by hosting many educational events throughout the year, lobbying for recycling-related legislation, and bringing together leaders in the recycling industry to network and share ideas.
\n\nThe OALPRP is a membership-based organization in which members are able to share ideas and knowledge about new recycling technology and innovation. Its purpose is to further recycling efforts in the State of Ohio. It hosts various events and conferences in different parts of the state throughout the year. The OALPRP also offers scholarships to students entering the environmental sciences field.
\n\nAs its name implies, the ORAO is focused on studying and promoting organic composting in Ohio – aka “food recycling”. It provides educational courses to teach people how to compost and about its benefits. It also hosts an annual conference and webinars periodically. Thanks to its efforts, there are now 25 composting facilities located across the state (EPA), and this number is growing year after year. Residential composting is also on the rise.
\n\nThe OKRA connects recycling industry professionals, government entities and the public together in an effort to boost recycling efforts statewide. It hosts events, board meetings, an annual conference and workshops to educate the public. It has become the premier platform for Oklahoma’s recycling industry to share ideas and further recycling technology in the state. There are now over 5,000 recycling-related jobs in Oklahoma with an estimated payroll of $300 million, and the OKRA is a big reason for this growth.
\n\nKOB is Oklahoma’s branch of the national Keep America Beautiful foundation. It targets grassroots recycling, reusing and composting movements in Oklahoma. It hosts many contests, events and award opportunities throughout the year in an effort to promote and reward excellence in recycling across the state. It also participates in the Great American Cleanup Oklahoma each year, the largest national cleanup day of the year.
\n\nThe Oklahoma Recyclers Association is a group of scrap metal recyclers, big and small, located throughout the State of Oklahoma. Its goal is to promote scrap metal recycling and discourage scrap metal theft. It stays active in the community by participating in various programs, such as the Shop with a Cop program, and it’s always available to help local churches, nonprofits and community events.
\n\nThe ORRA is the state’s leader when it comes to recycling and sustainability advocacy. It’s constantly trying to improve recycling efficiency, promote community service, improve the environment, and promote new community-based programs to further its goal of sustainability statewide. The ORRA accomplishes its goals through numerous partnerships and networking events hosted throughout the year. It’s both a resource for information and a “green” advocate for the citizens of Oregon.
\n\nThe AOR is dedicated to improving recycling efforts and sustainability in Oregon. It holds various conferences and forums to help spread the word and generate ideas to help achieve its goals. The AOR also recognizes organizations and individuals who demonstrate excellence in recycling, composting and sustainability with its Recycler of the Year Award.
\n\nRecycling Advocates is a grassroots nonprofit organization launched specifically for the citizens of Oregon concerned with reducing waste and recycling. It provides the public with all the information they need to know about recycling, reusing and waste diversion news going on in Oregon. It also hosts numerous events throughout the state and advocates for sustainability on the city, county and state levels. RA has accomplished many of its initiatives over the years, including helping to eliminate PVC (#3) plastic packaging, increase battery recycling statewide, testified in Congress for the Bottle Bill legislation and E-waste Bill, sponsored an electronics stewardship bill in 2003 and boosted curbside recycling efforts in the Metro area.
\n\nFree Geek is a Portland-based nonprofit organization that accepts e-waste donations, fixes it, and donates or resells it at huge discounts to Oregon residents, schools and other organizations. It has given away nearly 16,000 laptops and desktop computers since it was founded in 2000. It also offers free computer classes.
\n\nThe PROP is a nonprofit organization consisting of professional recyclers from across the state. Its mission is to promote recycling and further the technology necessary to improve its efficiency. The goal is to bring together professional recyclers and the public to inform and educate both groups of the benefits of recycling, composting and waste diversion. PROP does it all: Advocates for recycling legislation, hosts workshops and community meetings, holds an annual conference, publishes a recycling newsletter, trains individuals and organizations, and much more.
\n\nThe mission of the PRC is to maintain Pennsylvania’s natural resources today and for the future. For over 70 years the PRC has played a major role in helping to make recycling mandatory in the state, teach citizens about the importance of the 3 “R’s”, further the advancement of recycling technology and much more. Its members and leadership work hard to sponsor new recycling legislation, host events, and be active in the community to help clean-up the environment.
\n\nThe RRIE has the resources and knowledge to educate students, parents and businesses about the benefits of recycling. This nonprofit organization works with businesses to remove unwanted – but still usable – items that would otherwise be trucked to landfills, and these items are then donated to local schools, charities and other nonprofits. The RRIE currently diverts about 15 tons of waste from landfills every month, and growing.
\n\nThe CRA is focused on conserving the environment and advancing recycling and waste reduction efforts statewide. It offers educational resources, networking conference and events, partners with recycling advocates statewide, and much more. Its efforts have helped South Carolina surpass a 40% recycling rate (2012)
\n\nThe SCRA represents the state’s recycler in terms of advancing recycling initiatives through legislation, technology and education. Scrap metal theft is one big issue being tackled by the SCRA at the current time. It supports current and pending legislation regarding metal theft and all rules and regulations regarding the advancement of recycling in South Carolina.
\n\nThe SDSWMA is a membership-based organization that is focused on solid waste and recycling training and education. It hosts workshops and two conferences each year to promote its goals and missions. It also offers annual awards recognition to individuals or organizations that show excellence in the field of solid waste diversion, recycling or innovation. To promote environmental education, the SDSWMA offers a scholarship to students pursuing environmental related careers.
\n\nThe goal of the TRC is to make recycling the standard method of waste disposal in the State of Tennessee. It’s a nonprofit group composed of individuals, businesses, government institutions, trade associations, schools and other nonprofits. The TRC has played an important role in developing the 2025 Solid Waste Management Plan in Tennessee. The TRC hosts networking events, meetings and conferences throughout the year to promote recycling and spark interest in making Tennessee a more sustainable place to live.
\n\nThe TEEA is a nonprofit organization focused on educating the people of Tennessee about the benefits of recycling and living an eco-friendly lifestyle. It hosts meetings and events throughout the year to promote its goals, and its website provides links to grant opportunities and a seemingly endless amount of useful information.
\n\nSTAR is a group of regional recycling organizations and individuals dedicated to increasing Texas recycling rates as high as economically possible. It hosts a variety of educational and informational events throughout the year, including an annual summit. STAR is the state’s largest nonprofit recycling advocate.
\n\nThe TCE is a grassroots nonprofit organization with a goal to protect the environment in Texas. It organizes and promotes environmental campaigns designed to boost recycling rates, cleanup litter and lower pollution in the state. TCE stays busy throughout the year trying to accomplish its goals through legislative lobbying and education. In 2013, it was able to reduce coal plant emissions in Central Texas, push a zero waste plan for the City of Dallas, succeeded in halting plans for gas drilling in Dallas, give citizens more control over proposed waste-to-energy facility in Austin rather than giving the public no say, and much more.
\n\nCTRA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides technical assistance to cities and organizations in Texas interested in starting a recycling program. It’s the liaison between the private recycling provider and the public. It ensures competitive pricing and fair service to all customers. It also promotes and educates the public, and hosts networking events for the private sector, in an effort to advance recycling efforts throughout the State of Texas.
\n\nThe RCU is committed to improving recycling rates in the State of Utah. It’s a group of organizations, private businesses, schools and individuals dedicated to this goal. The RCU promotes recycling awareness, implements Recycling Market Development Zones in municipalities across the state, supports recycling legislation, educates and provides a platform for networking and sharing of ideas.
\n\nThe URA participates in community recycling and sustainability events across the State of Utah. It also hosts summits, workshops, events, and board meetings regularly. Its mission is to educate the public about the benefits of recycling and how to do it properly.
\n\nThe NERC promotes recycling initiatives across all of the Northeastern United States, including Vermont. This 10-state nonprofit organization aims to educate the public and private sectors about sustainability, composting, recycling and reusing. It hosts annual events and conferences to boost awareness and to share ideas to help increase recycling rates. The NERC’s work has helped lead to the development of the Electronics Recycling Coordination Clearinghouse, the nation’s first national guidelines for pharmacies, amongst many other accomplishments throughout its 27+ year existence.
\n\nThe CAV promotes recycling of organic matter, such as food scraps and yard waste. It’s a nonprofit organization that realizes the benefits of composting, including improved soil composition for growing produce and less waste trucked to landfills. The CAV is involved in promoting legislation related to composting in Vermont, as well as increasing waste hauler participation in composting programs.
\n\nThe VRA was formed in 1990 in an effort to expand recycling efforts in the State of Virginia. It’s the only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing awareness and participation in recycling programs. Since its inception it has developed recycling training programs, a school recycling initiative, and hosted an annual conference for networking and sharing ideas. It also recognizes recycling excellence with its award program.
\n\nThe mission of the CRVA is to offer electronic equipment, such as computers or TVs, free of charge to Virginia schools and nonprofit organizations. The CRVA is a nonprofit organization which accepts most electronic items for donation with the exception of refrigerators or appliances. Over the years it has help divert more than 14,000 tons of e-waste from local landfills, and in the process has donated 20,000 pieces of electronics equipment to area schools and nonprofits.
\n\nThe WSRA is a 501c(6) nonprofit organization that educates and promotes recycling across the state of Washington. Unlike other nonprofits, the WSRA has a direct influence on recycling legislation in the State, often being the go-to source of information for lawmakers when writing up legislation related to recycling or sustainability. It hosts many events throughout the year, along with an annual conference to share recycling ideas and new advancements in recycling technology.
\n\nThe WRRA represents the interests of the private solid waste and recycling industries. It’s the largest such trade organization in the State and the longest running solid waste and recycling association in the Western United States. It provides educational resources, legal support, a voice in the state legislature and seminars/meetings throughout the year. WRRA members and their children are eligible for a $2,000 college scholarship to further their education.
\n\nThe WORC is dedicated to promoting the benefits of composting. It offers various types of training courses designed for composting professionals to help ensure efficient and effective operations. WORC facilitates communication between the public and private sector by informing the public of the benefits of composting and teaching composting facilities how to run their operations efficiently. Its work helped launch 40 composting facilities that produced over 1 million cubic yards of nutrient-dense compost in 2007.
\n\nThe Recycling Coalition of West Virginia is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization with an interest in expanding recycling initiatives across West Virginia. Its members range from citizens to large corporations in the solid waste and recycling industry.
\n\nThe WVRA represents the interests of recyclers in West Virginia. It helps ensure recyclers follow all recycling laws, improves communication between recyclers and other entities, aids law enforcement in deterring metal theft, offers educational resources and provides a voice in Congress.
\n\nAROW provides proactive leadership related to recycling and waste reduction across the State of Wisconsin. It’s a nonprofit organization that brings together industry professionals and concerned citizens looking to make a difference in their community. It holds an annual conference for its members to network and share ideas, plus it offers awards for recycling excellence. Its Recycle More campaign makes it easy for citizens to get involved and make a difference through recycling, composting and waste reduction.
\n\nThe mission of Clean Wisconsin is to ensure every resident in the state has access to clean air and water, litter-free landscapes, and clean energy. It works with local governments to clean up waterways, fight against expansion of nuclear/coal power plants, pushes lawmakers to protect the natural resources of Wisconsin, and much more. Its members are passionate about the environment and are dedicated to preserving its future.
\n\nIt’s the goal of the WSWRA to protect the health and well-being of the citizens of Wyoming by educating the community about recycling and helping to advance recycling technology with recyclers statewide. It holds a conference each year open to all members to help open the lines of communication between the public and private sector, including discussing proposed recycling legislation and ways to help maintain and improve the environment.
\n\nThe WAEE aims to educate the public about the importance of recycling and maintaining the health of the environment. It does so through various events and workshops in communities across the state. It works closely with schools to teach kids about how to respect the environment and why it’s important to maintain it. The WAEE is a nonprofit organization run by volunteers. There is no membership fee to join.
\n\nFind out what nonprofit organizations are doing in your state regarding recycling and waste diversion. This is a state-by-state listing of recycling organizations helping to make your state a greener place to live. Be sure to do your part and join one of them today.
\r\n","changed":"2021-06-05T01:51:44+00:00"},{"id":"17f52e39-0a74-5641-9956-38564a92af9b","title":"“Recycling at Work” Aims to Boost Recycling at Your Workplace by 10%+","url":"/blog/recycling-at-work-initiative-aims-to-boost-workplace-recycling","image":{"path":"/static/241e6dfaa706bdd0362edcd5c24efdfb/keep-america-beautiful-recycling-at-work-initiative-intro.png","alt":"Keep America Beautiful (KAB) Launches Recycling at Work initiative"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"39c3533a-c46f-509b-8fcc-19e935627151","name":"Recycling","slug":"Recycling"},{"id":"8a088d18-16c4-5f32-8898-b75d5543d9fa","name":"Environment","slug":"Environment"}],"content":"The current recycling rate in the U.S. is hovering around 35% and Keep America Beautiful (KAB) – a nonprofit aimed at promoting sustainability nationwide – is looking to change that. Specifically, KAB is promoting its new Recycling at Work initiative where businesses pledge to increase workplace recycling rates by at least 10%. It’s a modest goal with a major upside.
\n\n\nAbout 45% of the estimated 250 million tons of total waste generated each year in the U.S. comes from commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, retail and governmental institutions (EPA, 2011). That’s 112.5 million tons of trash, and much of that waste is recyclable.
\n\nYou probably see recycling bins scattered throughout your workplace, but chances are if you did a little dumpster diving in the trashcans you’d find plenty of recyclable materials like paper, cardboard, and plastics. The KAB estimates that up to 90% of the junk tossed in trashcans at the workplace are easily recyclable. That 10% goal is looking veryattainable at this point.
\n\nBoosting recycling rates by 10% should be a breeze for most businesses. While about 73% of paper products are recycled in the U.S., according to the EPA, less than 30% of plastic bottles and about 55% of aluminum cans reach recycle bins.
\n\nBased on these statistics, plastic and aluminum waste is a good place for your workplace to get started. For some perspective, a 10% increase in recycling of plastics nationwide would eliminate 3.25 million tons of plastic waste entering landfills in the U.S. – little change, big impact.
\n\nBusinesses that decide to take “the pledge” to boost workplace recycling rates by 10% or more get a few perks courtesy of the KAB Recycling at Work initiative – in addition to the fact you’re helping to save the planet (can’t forget that little benefit).
\n\nThe key to reducing waste and increasing recycling rates is awareness. Nonprofits like Keep America Beautiful are doing a great job promoting sustainable living and offering incentives for doing so.
\n\nYou can sign-up to “take the pledge” here
\n","teaser":"The nonprofit foundation Keep America Beautiful (KAB) recently launched its newest initiative called 'Recycling at Work' to help boost recycling rates in the workplace.
\r\n","changed":"2021-06-05T01:51:44+00:00"},{"id":"d58ca190-5da8-5fe9-9286-5fb69934dad5","title":"Cities Going Green: Indianapolis, IN [Infographic]","url":"/blog/cities-going-green-indianapolis-infographic","image":{"path":"/static/ebb17fde943e827a9d09e880224e0ca0/Cities-going-green-Indianapolis-intro-image.png","alt":"Indianapolis is going green"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"8a088d18-16c4-5f32-8898-b75d5543d9fa","name":"Environment","slug":"Environment"},{"id":"8a556635-2a85-5e01-a170-d18bb873bb0e","name":"Sustainability","slug":"Sustainability"},{"id":"39c3533a-c46f-509b-8fcc-19e935627151","name":"Recycling","slug":"Recycling"},{"id":"250237fd-e2c9-541b-919e-397674150789","name":"Infographic","slug":"Infographic"}],"content":"The state of Indiana hasn't had the best of reputations when it comes to maintaining an eco-friendly profile.
\n\nIn fact, a 2007 report published by Forbes ranked Indiana second to last -- 49th out of 50 -- in terms of overall air/water quality, waste management, green policy, energy efficiency and other factors. As the state capital and second largest city in the Midwest, Indianapolis has taken the bull by the horns in trying to turn things around.
\n\n\nThe city has implemented a new policy designed to promote sustainable building, and it has also begun to introduce hybrid mass transportation throughout the city.
\n\nIndianapolis is also at the forefront in terms of developing the country's first fleet of 100% electric powered police vehicles. Add this to the fact Indianapolis has a well-established Greenways walking/biking trail system winding throughout the city and is a top-ranked bicycle-friendly city, and you can see how Indianapolis is starting to become one of America's greenest cities.
\n\n\n\nEmbed this infographic at your site:https://www.hometowndumpsterrental.com/files/uploads/2013/09/Indianapoli...' width='600px' alt='Cities going green - Indianapolis' />
Brought to you by https://www.hometowndumpsterrental.com/Indiana/Indianapolis-dumpster-ren...' target='_self' title='Hometown Dumpster Rental of Indianapolis'>Hometown Dumpster Rental of Indianapolis
The state of Indiana hasn't had the best of reputations when it comes to maintaining an eco-friendly profile. In fact, a 2007 report published by Forbes ranked Indiana second to last -- 49th out of 50 -- in terms of overall air/water quality, waste management, green policy, energy efficiency, and other factors. As the state capital and second largest city in the Midwest, Indianapolis has taken the bull by the horns in trying to turn things around.
\r\n","changed":"2021-06-05T01:51:44+00:00"},{"id":"b863a02a-2f84-5b3a-ae14-3c89c6e2ae9c","title":"Eco-Friendly Company Saves 2.5 Billion lbs. of Wood and Plastic Scrap from Landfills","url":"/blog/eco-friendly-company-saves-2-5-billion-lbs-of-wood-and-plastic-scrap-from-landfills","image":{"path":"/static/af223b5d1c4bf5e16f45bae47aadd7e2/eco-friendly-company-save-billions-of-pounds-of-waste.jpg","alt":"Trex turns plastic into composite decking"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"8a088d18-16c4-5f32-8898-b75d5543d9fa","name":"Environment","slug":"Environment"},{"id":"39c3533a-c46f-509b-8fcc-19e935627151","name":"Recycling","slug":"Recycling"}],"content":"The world’s biggest manufacturer of composite decking and railing has kept more than 2.5 billion pounds of wood and plastic from entering landfills during the past five years – that’s quite a few trees and plastic bags. Trex Company has been in the wood-alternative decking business for 20 years and its products are stocked at retailers nationwide.
\n\n\n'Trex was literally built on the use of sustainable materials, and we were eco-friendly before the term became widely popular,\" said Ronald W. Kaplan, chairman, president, and CEO of Trex.
\n\nAbout 95% of Trex’s products are made from recycled materials. The types of recycled materials used in the Trex decking and railing products include plastic grocery bags, sawdust, dry cleaning bags, packaging scrap, and other household plastic materials.
\n\nIn nature, it can take 20 or more years for a plastic bag to decompose, and as long as 450 years for plastic bottles to fully decompose! By reusing these materials, it reduces the amount of waste sitting in landfills for decades producing potentially harmful greenhouse gases and taking up space on our beautiful earth.
\n\nTrex is currently running a pilot program aimed at gathering an increased amount of recyclables from grocery stores, sports stadiums, schools, and businesses. It involves setting up “mini balers” on-site that basically crush recyclable items down into 50-lb. squares, which are then hauled off to Trex for manufacturing its decking products.
\n\nTrex isn’t the only company out there profiting off recyclables. Companies like UPS, eBay and Ford reuse recyclable goods in one way or another to turn a profit. It’s a smart, green way to make a profit while helping out the environment at the same time.
\n\nMaking money from recycling isn’t just for big businesses, you can also earn some quick cash by recycling.
\n\nMore than 10 states in the U.S. offer $0.05 to $0.10 bottle deposits. If you're in one of these states, you better take advantage!
\n\nYou can also offload your old electronics for cash – it’s better than letting them rot away in a junk drawer
\n\nMetal scrap yards accept scrap aluminum, copper, steel, cars, refrigerators, appliances, and other items (call 'em) that can net you a pretty penny.
\n\nLesser known methods for earning cash by recycling include signing up for Terracycle and/or Recyclebank to earn rewards for living an eco-friendly lifestyle.
\n","teaser":"One eco-friendly manufacturer of composite decking/railing materials saved over 2.5 billion lbs. of wood/plastic scrap from landfills. Turning a profit from recyclables, now that's a green idea!
\r\n","changed":"2021-06-05T01:51:44+00:00"},{"id":"2a20e1c3-2255-515e-8f38-e54d91dacfc5","title":"Top 10 Cities for Green Homes in America","url":"/blog/top-10-cities-for-green-homes-in-america","image":{"path":"/static/e8b5bd44b5264b5589b48035c1965da5/greenest-homes-in-america.png","alt":"Map of top 10 cities with green homes in the U.S."},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"8a088d18-16c4-5f32-8898-b75d5543d9fa","name":"Environment","slug":"Environment"},{"id":"8a556635-2a85-5e01-a170-d18bb873bb0e","name":"Sustainability","slug":"Sustainability"}],"content":"Does your city make the cut? A list of the top 10 cities with the greenest homes was released by online real estate broker Redfin, and these 10 cities are definitely heading in the right direction when it comes to green living.
\n\n\nThe criteria for making the list includes low carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, energy-efficient features in the home, LEED-certified building, Energy Star appliances/products and an overall focus on being green.
\n\nLEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and it’s the world’s most recognizable set of standards for eco-friendly design. All of the cities making the top 10 list have a relatively high percentage of LEED-certified builders and contractors.
\n\nA “green home” is one which uses renewable energy, recycles, reuses, is energy efficient, conserves water, and reduces the overall impact on the environment.
\n\nThere are varying levels of what a green home actually is – technically, if you install energy-efficient light bulbs throughout the house, your home could be considered a green home.
\n\nOther ways to jump on the eco-friendly bandwagon include installing low-flow faucets/showerheads/toilets, using Energy Star qualified appliances, installing a rooftop solar system, or re-insulating your home.
\n\nA list of the 10 cities in America for green homes has been released. A green home is one with eco-friendly features, such as Energy Star appliances, low-flow faucets and more.
\r\n","changed":"2021-06-05T01:51:44+00:00"},{"id":"d2b1e9ef-1308-561e-a75f-4f393e731a12","title":"Survey Says...Americans Love to Recycle! [Infographic]","url":"/blog/survey-says-americans-love-to-recycle-infographic","image":null,"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"8a088d18-16c4-5f32-8898-b75d5543d9fa","name":"Environment","slug":"Environment"},{"id":"250237fd-e2c9-541b-919e-397674150789","name":"Infographic","slug":"Infographic"},{"id":"8a556635-2a85-5e01-a170-d18bb873bb0e","name":"Sustainability","slug":"Sustainability"}],"content":"Americans are addicted to green -- no, we're not talking about the 'green' that's legal in a handful of states for medicinal use. We're talking about living a sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle.
\n\n\nThe Earth Day 2013 Consumer Recycling and Sustainability Survey took a look at the current state of recycling in America. The full survey describes how 86% of Americans recycle to some degree -- far higher than even a few years ago.
\n\nIt also points out that 92% of Americans weigh a product or manufacturer's sustainability and/or eco-friendliest before making a purchase.
\n\nHere's an infographic grading America's recycling and sustainability efforts. Via: Bridgestone
\n","teaser":"Is this the 'Green Generations'? It would seem so according to a new survey that finds a vast majority of Americans care about recycling and living an eco-friendly lifestyle.
\r\n","changed":"2021-06-05T01:51:44+00:00"},{"id":"c3e36dae-dfe1-5dd6-82af-34cee3b1e4db","title":"Burning Trash is no Stink","url":"/blog/burning-trash-is-no-stink","image":{"path":"/static/856eebf55190da0a1c51a407459b9ec2/trash-incineration-to-electricity.png","alt":"Trash incineration process graphic"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"8a088d18-16c4-5f32-8898-b75d5543d9fa","name":"Environment","slug":"Environment"},{"id":"7f888e0e-0c37-5f92-9bd2-b2f51a7b2477","name":"Waste to Energy","slug":"Waste-to-Energy"}],"content":"Trash incineration is a growing trend in the United States, and we’re not talking about trash barrel burning in your backyard. We’re talking about the large-scale waste-to-energy facilities located across the country.
\n\n\nThere are currently fewer than 100 of these waste-to-energy plants in the U.S., and while these facilities are able to generate a huge amount of electricity from burning trash, the U.S. still ranks well below other countries in terms of how much trash we burn for electricity.
\n\n1972 was the year, St. Louis was the city -- the first-ever trash incineration facility was launched in the United States. These waste-to-energy plants became popular, and by 1991 there were 171 garbage incinerators nationwide.
\n\n\n\nThis number has fallen to around 90 due to the substantially higher cost compared to landfilling and environmental concerns over burning trash and what it does to air quality.
\n\nEPA regulations are strict when it comes to trash incineration; hence the expensive price tag associated with building and running this type of facility. According to the Sustainable Cities Institute, a trash incineration plant can cost as much as $280 million to build, which is at least two or three times the cost of building and operating a landfill.
\n\nModern garbage incinerating plants take great care in removing harmful toxic chemicals using multiple layers of filtering technology to “catch” as much of the bad stuff as possible. However, the average incineration plant still produces more CO2 per megawatt of power generated compared to traditional power plants (i.e., coal, natural gas, oil-fired).
\n\nDespite the increased cost and environmental concerns, trash incineration plants do have their benefits. The biggest benefit being the fact it diverts millions of tons of trash from landfills and turns the garbage into electricity.
\n\nThe worldwide leader in trash incineration is Denmark which burns 54 percent of its garbage, according to the U.S. Census. The U.S. burns about 14 percent of its trash generated each year, which equates to about 19 billion kilowatt hours of electricity.
\n\nThe U.S. uses about 4 Trillion kilowatt hours of electricity per year. It also helps keep about 35 million tons of trash out of landfills. So while there are pros and cons of garbage incineration, the pros are beginning to outweigh the cons as the technology advances.
\n","teaser":"14% of the trash generated in the U.S. is burned at trash incineration facilities, generating 19 billion kWh of electricity and keeping millions of tons of garbage from entering landfills.
\r\n","changed":"2021-06-05T01:51:44+00:00"},{"id":"c94c2951-f264-5238-83b4-9b50b4c4e932","title":"Trashed Homes: 13 Houses Constructed from Junk","url":"/blog/trashed-homes-13-houses-constructed-from-junk","image":{"path":"/static/dc100c08b5768800af627a7eb67aa8d0/construction-materials-trash.jpg","alt":"Turning trash into construction materials for building"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"8a088d18-16c4-5f32-8898-b75d5543d9fa","name":"Environment","slug":"Environment"},{"id":"8a556635-2a85-5e01-a170-d18bb873bb0e","name":"Sustainability","slug":"Sustainability"},{"id":"39c3533a-c46f-509b-8fcc-19e935627151","name":"Recycling","slug":"Recycling"}],"content":"Typically, the goal is to get garbage out of the house and carted off to the landfill. That’s not the case here. Some creative, eco-minded individuals are taking trash and using it to construct full-fledged, livable housing.
\n\nThese homes are built from scrap metal, reclaimed lumber, soda cans and bottles, plastic waste, shipping containers, and plain old trash. Living in a “dump” has never been so sweet!
\n\n\nThis beauty was built from more than 1,200 plastic PET bottles and 1,300 Tetra Pak cartons. The furniture and bed are even made from plastic waste and discarded junk.
\n\n\n\n\n\nThis home was part of a competition to help address the challenge of housing the estimated 1 billion people worldwide living in sub-standard conditions. It’s an inexpensive and sustainable way to construct a perfectly good home.
\n\n\n\n\n\nThis design was originally built in 2005, and it took just a few days to erect. Plans were made near the end of 2012 to build it again, but more time would be spent on actually making the home a viable option for creating low-cost housing using reclaimed items, like scrap lumber, plastics, cassette tapes, and even old toothbrushes.
\n\n\n\nThis home is constructed from an incredible 6 million recycled beer bottles. It took Tito Ingenieri about 19 years to build the house, which is located in Quilmes, Buenos Aires.
\n\n\n\n\n\nThis house, located in Furano, Japan, was constructed from just about anything the builders could get their hands on: scrapped windows, reclaimed lumber, and even the front end of a bus.
\n\n\n\n\n\nDo you have unwanted junk cluttering your home or property? Rent a dumpster!
\n\nTomislav Radovanic designed this house almost entirely of plastic waste. He says, 'The house is comfortable and it practically cost me nothing.' The gutters, furniture, and windows are all made out of plastic. Radovanic, a retired math professor, actually lives in the home today.
\n\n\n\nVia: Nifty Homestead
\n\nDan Phillips of Huntsville, Texas founded a construction company called Phoenix Commotion. This isn’t your average construction company. He has erected 14 low-income homes built almost entirely out of discarded materials bound for the landfill. Here’s one of his unique houses:
\n\n\n\n\n\nFrench artist, Jean Paul Lespagnard, and American artist, Ethan Hayes-Chute, designed this incredible treehouse. Its façade is constructed out of anything they could yank from trash cans and dumpsters, including scrap wood and wooden pallets.
\n\n\n\n\n\nIt was Arthur Beal’s lifelong work – a mansion set on 2.5 acres in Cambria, California. This isn’t your average mansion though—it’s constructed almost completely from trash and recycled items, like old stoves, washers, tiles, wood, scrap metal, beer cans, rocks, and more.
\n\nThe monstrous mansion took roughly 50 years to complete and still stands today.
\n\n\n\n\n\nThe so-called 'Manifesto House' offers pretty comfortable accommodations considering it’s built out of old shipping containers and wood pallets.
\n\n\n\n\n\nJo Ann Ussery is probably the coolest grandma in the world! What grandkid wouldn’t want to hang out at Grandma’s house when the house itself is a Boeing 727 strategically positioned over a lake?
\n\nUssery purchased the salvaged 727 for $2,000 and transformed it into her humble abode. 18 inches of concrete keeps the tail end anchored down, and the frontend of the home offers spectacular, one-of-a-kind views of the lake. She calls it “Little Trump,” since Donald’s private jet at the time was also a Boeing 727.
\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Bio-based Kidshouse is a playhouse made entirely of agricultural waste, such as tree bark, potato peels, bioplastics, and food scraps. It’s located in the Netherlands.
\n\n\n\n\n\nTed and Kathy Carns have managed to build a totally sustainable home primarily from junk and recycled materials. The home is completely off the grid. It uses solar power to generate electricity and has an innovative methane-capturing system for collecting free gas.
\n\n\n\n\n\nDon't want to live in your junk? Dispose of it with the help of a dumpster.
\n\nNot all junk is bound for landfills. Check out these awesomely creative houses constructed out of trash and recyclables.
\r\n","changed":"2021-06-05T01:51:44+00:00"},{"id":"6a9718ee-0ef2-52af-b5b4-3f2c767431c4","title":"Mobile App Makes it Easier to Recycle Holiday Junk","url":"/blog/mobile-app-makes-it-easier-to-recycle-holiday-junk","image":{"path":"/static/27085a069edda1613caf1f1d581cd63e/irecycle-mobile-app.jpg","alt":"iRecycle app from Earth911"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"8a088d18-16c4-5f32-8898-b75d5543d9fa","name":"Environment","slug":"Environment"},{"id":"c6d09b3c-4685-5ba7-83fd-d69df65bae55","name":"Declutter","slug":"Declutter"},{"id":"39c3533a-c46f-509b-8fcc-19e935627151","name":"Recycling","slug":"Recycling"}],"content":"The holidays are over but now the real work begins: Cleaning up the excess of wrapping paper, cardboard, obsolete household items, and the list goes on. Fortunately, technology is here to help. An innovative new mobile makes it a breeze to find recycling centers near you willing to take your unwanted holiday junk.
\n\n\nFrom the eco-friendly experts at Earth911.com, the iRecycle mobile app can help you find the nearest recycling facilities for proper disposal of more than 350 different items, such as electronics, plastic waste, old clothing and even Christmas trees.
\n\nThe newest versions of iRecycle for iOS (v2.5.1) and Android (v1.5) are extremely simple and intuitive.
\n\nThe database of recycling/disposal sites in the iRecycle system currently tops 1.5 million, so it’s a pretty good resource for finding a place to dispose of your unwanted items quickly and on-the-go.
\n\nUsing the app is easy: Click a category and find the item(s) you want to get rid of, or simply use the search box to find a disposal location quickly. You’ll then get a list of locations accepting whatever you’re getting rid of; click on a location and gain access to a phone number, map, details, website, and other pertinent information.
\n\nThe iRecycle app also has some cool social features that make it easy to share your exhilaration for eco-friendliness with your Facebook friends and Twitter followers.
\n\nCollecting clutter around the holidays is a slippery slope; it adds up fast! By tackling the issue head-on, you can save yourself from a more extensive spring cleaning project several months down the line.
\n\nCleaning up this time of year isn’t fun, but it’s an inevitable part of the holidays. The iRecycle app may help make the process a little smoother, or at least a little bit greener.
\n","teaser":"Recycling made easier. The newest version of the iRecycle app from Earth911.com makes it simple to find recycling and disposal sites near you.
\r\n","changed":"2021-06-05T01:51:44+00:00"},{"id":"f4b506e5-b30d-5a8d-a1f3-e19a2a4bbdad","title":"Eco-Friendly Junk Removal Companies Sweeping the Nation","url":"/blog/eco-friendly-junk-removal-companies-sweeping-the-nation","image":{"path":"/static/f5aba55d5c9d32ea44579f6f55aedd24/junk-removal-service.jpg","alt":"Junk removal company working"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"8a088d18-16c4-5f32-8898-b75d5543d9fa","name":"Environment","slug":"Environment"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"}],"content":"Have a garage, basement or whole home filled with junk? If you answered “yes,” congratulations!...You’re normal!
\n\nWe all have an area of the house in desperate need of some decluttering but either don’t have the time, motivation or physical ability to clean up the mess. Calling a junk removal service is the answer to the problem. What’s cool about many junk removal service providers today is the growing trend of ‘green’ junk removal.
\n\n\nIn pretty much any major city across the country from Los Angeles to Long Island, you can hire an eco-friendly junk removal company to declutter the mess.
\n\nThese innovative companies – often small, locally-owned businesses – pledge to recycle or donate a majority of the junk they haul away. Many promise to recycle or donate 60 to 70 percent of the haul.
\n\nImagine how much landfill space this can save. Obviously, some junk is literally just trash, so some items are destined for the landfill. However, you’re bound to have some reusable or recyclable items hidden away in your clutter pile, like an old piece of exercise equipment no longer in use, an unused desk, toys, clothing or outdated electronics.
\n\nMany eco-friendly junk removal companies even provide you with a receipt for any items they donate, so you can write them off on your taxes.
\n\n\n\nDecluttering is more than just an issue of aesthetics; here are a few of the many benefits:
\n\nFinding an eco-friendly junk removal company to haul away your clutter is easy. Simply go to the main HometownDumpsterRental.com website and click on “Junk Removal” – easier yet, just click here. Then find your city and search for a provider that offers ‘green’ services.
\n\nThe cost of hiring a junk removal company varies depending upon the size of the load, but it’s an affordable option considering they do all the work for you. Most companies have a $75 to $125 minimum charge on any pickup, and the prices go up from there.
\nJunk removal companies have been around for decades, but today's clutter-haulers are going green. Eco-friendly junk removal services are popping up around the country, and they will donate and recycle much of the clutter you're getting rid of.
\r\n","changed":"2021-06-05T01:51:44+00:00"}],"code":"dumpster","tag":{"name":"Environment","slug":"Environment"},"populars":[{"id":"6e771073-df3f-570b-b1c9-b393c5c0b6d8","title":"How to Rent a Dumpster","url":"/blog/how-to-rent-a-dumpster","image":{"path":"/static/3e130f08ca0469937b979b893479ca54/roll-off-dumpster.png","alt":""},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"79f88323-9203-564c-a126-747925fc2bca","name":"Roll Off Dumpster","slug":"Roll-Off-Dumpster"}],"content":"If this is your first time renting a dumpster, Hometown can help with a short overview on how to rent a dumpster. Learning a few of the basics can greatly simplify your dumpster rental experience.
\r\n\r\n\r\nThe cost of renting a dumpster varies widely based on your location. The national average cost of renting a 10 yard dumpster is $300, while the national average cost of renting a 40 cubic yard container is nearly $500 for one-weekek rental. What you pay depends primarily on landfill fees in your area, the size of the container you need, and the dumpster company you select. To get the best price on a dumpster, get quotes from multiple rental companies.
\r\n\r\nMost companies quote one flat rate fee for delivery, pickup, and disposal (though some add delivery charges separately). The rental rate is usually for a standard period of time (for example... up to 7 days) and includes a certain amount of weight (for example... up to 3 tons). If you exceed this weight allowance, you will be subject to overage fees typically ranging from $50 to $100 per ton that you go over.
\r\n\r\nWhen comparing dumpster rental prices between two companies:
\r\n\r\nExtra charges may apply if you need the roll off dumpster for longer than a provider's standard rental period. This is typically a per day fee (ie $5 or $10 per day), but some dumpster services will negotiate with you up front if you need it for slightly longer than their standard period.
\r\n\r\nPay particular attention to the amount of weight included in your price if you are disposing of heavy construction debris like bricks, cement, roofing shingles, or demolition debris. If you're renting a trash dumpster for cleaning out your home of miscellaneous household debris, you will typically not have to worry about 'over weight' fees because the debris is lighter.
\r\n\r\nLearn how to rent a dumpster and be free of your debris. Get information about costs to rent a dumpster, choosing container sizes, and expert tips. Save on your dumpster rental wtih Hometown!
\r\n","changed":"2023-09-05T17:31:11+00:00"},{"id":"c50e03d9-0e67-5eb4-9f0b-35aec0b3a931","title":"Debris Removal: The Complete Guide to Getting Rid of Anything","url":"/blog/debris-removal-the-complete-guide-to-getting-rid-of-anything","image":{"path":"/static/bd2804301ae2c375ac6dbf68d306b1f9/debris-removal-guide.jpg","alt":"debris removal guide"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"}],"content":"What’s the best way to get rid of _______?
\r\n\r\nNot all wastes are destined for the trash can.
\r\n\r\nIf you have large amounts of debris, or you have items that are banned by your local waste hauler, you need to find the right disposal option.
\r\n\r\nBelow we’ll take a look at various types of wastes and the best ways to dispose of them.
\r\n\r\n\r\nLearn how to properly dispose of:
\r\n\r\nThere are several ways to dispose of unwanted junk or debris, and each has its place.
\r\n\r\nThis is the best possible option because it's great for the environment and your wallet.
\r\n\r\nAlways recycle, reuse, or donate materials when you can.
\r\n\r\nIf this is not an option, then it's time to start considering the next disposal options.
\r\n\r\nDumpsters come in a wide range of sizes, from 3 cubic yard dumpster bags to full-size 40 cubic yard construction dumpsters.
\r\n\r\nIt’s an ideal solution for construction, demolition, house cleanouts, roofing, yard waste disposal, and recycling in bulk.
\r\n\r\nThis is a great option for disposal of e-waste, tough-to-dispose-of wastes, and bulk amounts of debris.
\r\n\r\nIt’s a convenient option—they handle all the removal and disposal for you.
\r\n\r\nIt can become costly for larger cleanups, so it’s something to consider when deciding between renting a dumpster and hiring a junk hauling service.
\r\n\r\nIf you have a truck and/or trailer, hauling the debris yourself to a local landfill is always an option.
\r\n\r\nThe advantage of this method is the lower cost of disposal compared to renting a roll-off, although the tradeoff is less convenience and speed.
\r\n\r\nThe time it takes you to drive and drop off the debris at the nearest landfill can be substantial.
\r\n\r\nAlso, hazardous materials require a permit to haul, so do your due diligence as to the laws in your area regarding the types of waste you are allowed to haul and the types of debris accepted at local landfills (e.g., some accept only C&D debris and not household trash).
\r\n\r\nHousehold hazardous waste (HHW) facilities safely process and recycle potentially toxic wastes, such as e-waste, household cleaners, paint, chemicals, medicines, and liquids.
\r\n\r\nSome communities host HHW events on an annual or biannual basis.
\r\n\r\nFind the nearest HHW drop off location online by visiting Earth911.com.
\r\n\r\nAnd now, let’s discuss specific types of wastes and how to properly get rid of each type.
\r\n\r\nExamples: household garbage, furniture, broken toys, packaging materials
\r\n\r\nThis category of waste includes anything you’d typically put in your waste bin.
\r\n\r\nGenerally, this category of waste is taken care of via your waste hauler’s curbside collection service.
\r\n\r\nHowever, there are situations that require additional means, like hoarding situations, foreclosure cleanups, moving, and special events that generate a lot of trash.
\r\n\r\nWhen you have more than your curbside roll cart can handle, a roll-off container works great for bulk amounts of household trash.
\r\n\r\nAlternatively, hiring a junk removal company to pick up the trash for you is a convenient disposal method, too, and it may be a more cost-effective option for smaller jobs (less than a few cubic yards of waste).
\r\n\r\nYou could also haul these wastes to the landfill yourself if you live within close proximity of one.
\r\n\r\nDisposal of appliances containing Freon, paints, liquids, lead-acid batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, and other household hazardous wastes (HHWs) require special handling.
\r\n\r\nThese wastes shouldn’t be mixed in with your household garbage.
\r\n\r\nContact your city’s solid waste department to find the nearest HHW facility, or visit the city’s website for more information.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExamples: lumber, drywall (sheetrock), wood flooring, carpeting, renovation debris, roofing debris
\r\n\r\nResidential and commercial construction or demolition projects require the use of a dumpster, junk removal company, or driving the debris to the landfill yourself.
\r\n\r\nSome U.S. cities require C&D debris to be dropped off at dedicated construction and demolition landfill facilities where it is separated and recycled.
\r\n\r\nConcrete
\r\n\r\nLike asphalt, this is a very heavy, dense debris that is best disposed of in a roll-off dumpster.
\r\n\r\nMost dumpster rental companies require concrete to be separated from other wastes, and it must be loaded in a smaller container, such as a 10 yard bin, to ensure it does not become too heavy of a load for the roll-off truck to handle.
\r\n\r\nRoofing Shingles
\r\n\r\nThis is a heavy debris that is generally loaded in its own dumpster and not in mixed loads.
\r\n\r\nShingles are recycled in most municipalities.
\r\n\r\nWood/Lumber
\r\n\r\nWood has a potential to be reused if salvaged properly.
\r\n\r\nReclaiming wood and selling or donating it is one way to cut down on disposal costs for a project.
\r\n\r\nCarpeting
\r\n\r\nA junk removal company offers the most convenient disposal solution in this case.
\r\n\r\nRenting a dumpster or having your waste hauler pick it up are also valid options.
\r\n\r\nMany waste haulers require the carpeting to be cut down to a specified length (e.g., 4 ft. lengths), so that may add to the inconvenience of going this route.
\r\n\r\nWood/Laminate Flooring
\r\n\r\nThis material is salvageable in many cases.
\r\n\r\nThis would, again, help cut down on disposal costs.
\r\n\r\nIf reclaiming the wood isn’t an option, other cost-effective solutions include renting a roll-off or hiring a junk removal company to pick it up.
\r\n\r\nSiding
\r\n\r\nCertain types of siding, such as cedar, are highly desirable, and people will often take it off your hands.
\r\n\r\nThis is great for cutting down on disposal costs.
\r\n\r\nSimply posting a listing on Craigslist is an easy way to accomplish getting rid of cedar or wood siding.
\r\n\r\nVinyl siding is typically disposed of in a dumpster or picked up by a junk removal company.
\r\n\r\nA dumpster is generally the more cost-effective option for a whole-house siding replacement project.
\r\n\r\nKitchen/Bathroom Renovation
\r\n\r\nThis includes cabinets, tubs, sinks, toilets, countertops, and floors.
\r\n\r\nMuch of this material can be reclaimed. Other materials can be disposed of in a roll-off container or via junk removal service.
\r\n\r\nMost waste haulers do not accept renovation debris via curbside service.
\r\n\r\nHowever, some will by appointment for an additional fee.
\r\n\r\nMetals
\r\n\r\nBulk amounts of steel, aluminum, copper, and other metals should be recycled.
\r\n\r\nMetal is a valuable commodity.
\r\n\r\nYou can eliminate disposal costs and make a few bucks by dropping off metal scraps at a local scrap yard.
\r\n\r\nIf you cannot DIY, some metal recyclers may be able to pick it up, or you can post an ad on Craigslist.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExamples: tree limbs, bush trimmings, grass clippings
\r\n\r\nBeing that it’s an organic waste, yard debris is best disposed by composting, but dumpsters and junk removal companies are good options, too.
\r\n\r\nDumpster companies and junk removal service providers will drop off the yard wastes at the proper facility.
\r\n\r\n*Most waste haulers don’t allow yard debris mixed in with general waste.
\r\n\r\nHeavy yard wastes, such as large logs, are best handled by professionals who have the right equipment to safely load and haul away such debris.
\r\n\r\nMost junk removal companies have the right equipment to take on this type of project.
\r\n\r\nConsider starting a compost pile if you have the room to do so.
\r\n\r\nIt’s the easiest and least expensive way to get rid of yard debris, plus it produces nutrient-rich compost ideal for farming, landscaping, and flower gardens.
\r\n\r\nBe sure you know the laws regarding yard waste disposal in your area.
\r\n\r\nSome cities have made yard debris composting mandatory.
\r\n\r\nIn this case, you’d need to have the debris dropped off at the proper composting facility.
\r\n\r\nIt may not be accepted at the municipal landfill, so be sure to do your due diligence.
\r\n\r\nSearch your city’s solid waste authority website or give them a call to learn more.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExamples: kitchen stove (range), microwave, washer, dryer, dishwasher, refrigerator
\r\n\r\nHiring a junk removal company for removal of one or several appliances is a quick and cost-effective method of removal. Junk haulers charge a minimum fee of anywhere from $50 to $125, so expect to be charged at least that amount for the appliance removal.
\r\n\r\nA dumpster works well for disposal of a whole home's worth of appliances, such as during a major renovation project or demolition.
\r\n\r\nChoose a bigger dumpster than you think you need.
\r\n\r\nWhy? Most roll-off containers have rounded bottoms, while most appliances are bulky and square.
\r\n\r\nSo while you may have 10 cubic yards worth of appliances (think of 10 kitchen stoves, which approximately equals 10 cubic yards), the appliances will consume greater than 10 cubic yards worth of space inside a dumpster.
\r\n\r\nIn this example, a 20 yard bin may be the better choice.
\r\n\r\nSave on disposal costs by donating working appliances to local charitable organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity.
\r\n\r\nSome locations may even pick them up for free, so be sure to ask!
\r\n\r\nAlternatively, you can sell appliances that are still in good shape via Craigslist, Facebook, or by other means.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExamples: lead-acid batteries, fluorescent bulbs, household cleaners, motor oil, chemicals
\r\n\r\nThis class of wastes should never be mixed in with the general waste stream, so avoid putting household hazardous wastes in the waste bin, dumpsters, burning it, burying it, or using any other unsafe disposal method. Doing so can taint drinking water, harm local wildlife, produce unsafe crops at local farms, and pollute the air.
\r\n\r\nDispose of HHWs by dropping them off at a local HHW processing facility.
\r\n\r\nSome communities also host annual or biannual HHW pickup events where you can drop off a wide range of hazardous wastes found in your home.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies, and some dumpster rental providers, will accept HHWs if you discuss it beforehand.
\r\n\r\nThere may or may not be additional fees for handling/hauling of hazardous materials—it depends upon the company and local laws governing HHW handling.
\r\n\r\nFind a household hazardous waste recycler near you.
\r\n\r\nHere’s a quick breakdown of common types of HHWs:
\r\n\r\nBatteries
\r\n\r\nCommon A, AA, AAA, D, and similar dry-cell batteries can be thrown away with your trash.
\r\n\r\nHowever, car batteries and other larger batteries need to be properly recycled.
\r\n\r\nLiquids
\r\n\r\nThis includes motor oil, antifreeze, household cleaners, fuel, and other toxic/flammable liquids.
\r\n\r\nMotor oil can be safely dropped off for recycling at a local oil change facility or car dealership that provides service.
\r\n\r\nOther liquids can usually be dropped off at an HHW facility or cleanup event.
\r\n\r\nLight Bulbs
\r\n\r\nFluorescent bulbs (CFLs) shouldn’t be mixed in with household trash.
\r\n\r\nThey contain small amounts of mercury.
\r\n\r\nDrop these off at the nearest recycling facility that accepts CFLs.
\r\n\r\nSome retailers, such as Lowe's and IKEA, also accept CFLs for proper recycling.
\r\n\r\nLearn more about CFL recycling.
\r\n\r\nMedicines
\r\n\r\nDispose of medications at your local cleanup event or HHW processing facility.
\r\n\r\nIf you do not have access to this type of event or facility, you can dispose of medicines in the following manner:
\r\n\r\nExplosives
\r\n\r\nHighly-flammable, combustible, and explosive wastes can be dangerous when mixed in with the general waste stream.
\r\n\r\nLocal laws dictate the proper way to dispose of wastes, like fuel, oil, fireworks, lighter fluid, matches, and others.
\r\n\r\nPaint
\r\n\r\nWet paint must be dried before throwing it away.
\r\n\r\nYou can mix bulk amounts of paint with sand or similar material to dry it quickly.
\r\n\r\nYou can safely throw empty, dry paint cans into the trash or a rented dumpster.
\r\n\r\nThe one exception is if the paint is very old and may contain lead.
\r\n\r\nIt is unlikely this will be an issue considering lead paint was banned in 1978 (although lead-based paint was still sold for several years after that).
\r\n\r\nIf it’s a very old can of paint you need to dispose of, play it safe and bring it to a local recycling facility for proper disposal.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExamples: paper, cardboard, plastics, metal
\r\n\r\nDespite the slight downturn in recycling noted in recent years, access to recycling services is pretty extensive these days. For bulk amounts of recyclables, you have several options:
\r\n\r\nRenting a dumpster is a quick and easy option for DIYers.
\r\n\r\nClean load it with recyclable materials only and the rental company may offer a discount.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal is usually more expensive than renting a dumpster but much more convenient.
\r\n\r\nDropping recyclables off at a recycling center is the most cost-effective method for handling a low volume of recyclables.
\r\n\r\nPosting an ad on Craigslist or Freecycle is another cheap and convenient way to get rid of recyclables.
\r\n\r\nThe potential downsides include having to wait potentially days or weeks (if ever) before finding someone to pick it up, and this method is generally limited to working well for valuable recyclables, such as metals.
\r\n\r\nBring scrap metals, like copper pipes, steel, brass fittings, iron, junk cars, etc., to a local metal scrap yard to get paid for your scraps.
\r\n\r\nSome recycling facilities will even purchase bulk amounts of paper, cardboard, and plastics.
\r\n\r\nFor example, Padnos is a full-service recycler serving most of the State of Michigan and will purchase most types of recyclables (in bulk amounts).
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFood and organic scraps can be composted.
\r\n\r\nNot all food scraps are ideal for composting, however.
\r\n\r\nWastes that are excellent compost materials include:
\r\n\r\nSee a complete list of compostable items and learn how to get started.
\r\n\r\nDo not compost meats, cheeses/dairy, plastics, fats, dirty paper/paper towels, breads, dog/cat wastes (grass-eating animal wastes are ok), or processed foods.
\r\n\r\nIf you have a bulk amount of food or organic waste to dispose of, discuss solutions with your waste hauler or a dumpster rental provider near you.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTires are banned for disposal in landfills in the majority of states within the United States.
\r\n\r\nInstead, they can be recycled or reused.
\r\n\r\nBring old automobile tires to a tire retailer for recycling.
\r\n\r\nThere may be a small fee involved in some cases.
\r\n\r\nAlternatively, you can sell or give away tires that still have some tread left.
\r\n\r\nRecyclers, artists, and companies that work with rubber may also take them off your hands for free.
\r\n\r\nPost an ad on Craigslist, Facebook, or Freecycle.org to get started.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies also haul away tires, and this is a cost-effective and convenient option if you have a large number of tires to offload.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFound on drywall, paint, roofing materials, and other building materials.
\r\n\r\nThese toxic substances are more prevalent in older homes or commercial buildings.
\r\n\r\nBefore starting a renovation, demolition, or construction project in an older home, be sure to have it tested for asbestos, mold, and lead paint.
\r\n\r\nAsbestos
\r\n\r\nAsbestos fibers are released into the air when affected material, such as drywall, is disturbed.
\r\n\r\nLeft alone, asbestos isn’t harmful.
\r\n\r\nIt’s during renovation or demolition that the asbestos is released into the air.
\r\n\r\nExposure can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and lung problems.
\r\n\r\nMold
\r\n\r\nAvoid dangerous mold by controlling moisture inside your home, repairing leaks, and cleaning up after natural disasters.
\r\n\r\nMold can often hide behind walls.
\r\n\r\nIf you spot a large area of it, it’s best to leave the removal to the professionals.
\r\n\r\nIn terms of disposal, a mold removal specialist will properly discard of the materials for you.
\r\n\r\nOtherwise, you can dispose of small quantities of moldy materials in a dumpster if the debris is bagged or wrapped in plastic.
\r\n\r\nLead Paint
\r\n\r\nHow you dispose of lead paint debris depends upon how much of it is present and what your state’s laws are regarding disposal.
\r\n\r\nIf a sample of the debris contains less than 100 milligrams of lead per kilogram, you can typically dispose of it like regular municipal waste.
\r\n\r\nIf concentrations of lead are greater than that benchmark, special disposal procedures must be followed.
\r\n\r\nIt’s best to hire a lead paint abatement specialist to test for lead paint and to dispose of it if necessary.
\r\n\r\nTo summarize, asbestos materials always require special disposal procedures, while mold and lead paint tainted debris can be disposed of the same way you would any other C&D debris as long as the levels are low.
\r\n\r\nRent a dumpster for larger cleanups, or hire a junk hauler to come pick up smaller amounts of debris.
\r\n\r\nAlways inform the rental company or junk removal provider that the debris is tainted.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExamples: motor oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, cleaners, brake fluid
\r\n\r\nMost chemicals and liquids are required to be disposed of at a licensed household hazardous waste (HHW) facility.
\r\n\r\nCities that do not have such a facility will typically hold HHW collection events once or twice per year where you can drop off chemicals and other hazardous wastes.
\r\n\r\nUsed motor oil can be brought to an oil change facility or auto parts store for proper recycling.
\r\n\r\nCall ahead just to be sure.
\r\n\r\nNever dispose of auto fluids or chemicals in the trashcan or a dumpster.
\r\n\r\nRefer to Earth911 for more information and to find a local automotive fluids recycler near you.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExamples: computers, TVs, VCRs, DVD players, tablets, phones, other electronic devices
\r\n\r\nElectronic waste, or e-waste, is growing in the U.S., and proper disposal of this debris is often misunderstood.
\r\n\r\nMost e-waste is not allowed in the general waste stream; it should be properly recycled to avoid heavy metal contamination and other potential hazards.
\r\n\r\nSome states, including California and New York, have banned disposal of e-waste in landfills or waste-to-energy (WTE) facilities.
\r\n\r\nInstead of throwing e-waste in the trash, it should go to the proper recycling facility.
\r\n\r\nWhat to Do with E-Waste
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nThere are a number of ways to dispose of various wastes, debris, and junk, but how do you know the best way to get rid of your items? Learn the most cost-efficient and eco-friendly disposal options for nearly every type of debris.
\r\n","changed":"2023-09-05T17:32:19+00:00"},{"id":"e4330393-eacd-54f6-ba04-8ffcbda8728b","title":"Comparing the Cost of Junk Removal to Dumpster Rental","url":"/blog/comparing-the-cost-of-junk-removal-to-dumpster-rental","image":{"path":"/static/63661a10d8a316fe97c44935ca6333db/dumpster-rental-and-junk-removal-cost-comparison.png","alt":"dumpster rental and junk removal cost comparison"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"59e80e10-b42a-5876-8471-f7ca60fbc75e","name":"Dumpster Costs","slug":"Dumpster-Costs"},{"id":"58c950b5-f4ae-5829-8cae-bf1a2ddaac1c","name":"Junk Removal Costs","slug":"Junk-Removal-Costs"}],"content":"When it comes to any sort of bulk waste or debris removal, your two best options are hiring a junk removal company or renting a dumpster.
\r\n\r\nBut how do you know which is the most cost-effective option for you?
\r\n
\r\n\r\n\r\nCosts can vary greatly when renting a dumpster or hiring a junk hauler and are based on multiple factors.
\r\n
We'll go over:
\r\n\r\nA dumpster costs $250-$450 on average to rent, but as we've mentioned, prices can vary.
\r\n\r\nDumpsters are typically the most cost-effective option for medium to large projects or when you need to manage debris during an ongoing project.
\r\n\r\nA kitchen or bathroom renovation, house addition, demolition project, or large deck removal job are projects where a dumpster may be the more economical solution.
\r\n\r\nHaving a dumpster on-site for bigger projects allows you to fill it up at your convenience while keeping a clean, safe site.
\r\n\r\nBelow are a few real-world examples of dumpster rental costs around the country to help give you a general idea of what to expect.
\r\n\r\n| Dumpster Size | \r\n\t\t\tLocation | \r\n\t\t\tCost | \r\n\t\t
| 10 yard dumpster | \r\n\t\t\tMarietta, GA | \r\n\t\t\t$275 | \r\n\t\t
| 10 yard roll-off dumpster | \r\n\t\t\tYonkers, NY | \r\n\t\t\t$300 | \r\n\t\t
| 15 yard roll-off dumpster | \r\n\t\t\tWorcester, MA | \r\n\t\t\t$350 | \r\n\t\t
| 30 yard debris box | \r\n\t\t\tLos Angeles, CA | \r\n\t\t\t$400 | \r\n\t\t
| 40 yard dumpster | \r\n\t\t\tSpringfield, IL | \r\n\t\t\t$550 | \r\n\t\t
\r\n\r\n
Learn more about pricing:
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies charge a minimum amount for any junk removal, with the average around $75 to $100.
\r\n\r\nIf you have one or two items you’re getting rid of—like a TV, sofa, or mattress—you’ll probably be charged the minimum amount.
\r\n\r\nFor small cleanups, junk removal is typically the more cost-effective option.
\r\n\r\nA junk removal company may remove a small garage-worth of items for $200 when it may cost you $250 to rent a 10 yard bin to do the loading yourself.
\r\n\r\nIn this case, junk removal is the cheaper (and less back-breaking) option.
\r\n\r\nBelow are a few real-world examples of junk removal costs around the country to help give you a general idea of what to expect.
\r\n\r\n| Junk Removal Description | \r\n\t\t\tLocation | \r\n\t\t\tCost | \r\n\t\t
| Refrigerator removal | \r\n\t\t\tManhattan Beach, CA | \r\n\t\t\t$165 | \r\n\t\t
| Removal of 2 TVs | \r\n\t\t\tOmaha, NE | \r\n\t\t\t$45 | \r\n\t\t
| Living room set removal (sectional couch, two china cabinets) | \r\n\t\t\tToms River, NJ | \r\n\t\t\t$169 | \r\n\t\t
| Storage unit cleanout | \r\n\t\t\tSandy, UT | \r\n\t\t\t$375 | \r\n\t\t
| Hoarding home cleanout | \r\n\t\t\tFranklin, MA | \r\n\t\t\t$1,500 | \r\n\t\t
\r\n\r\n
Remember: Every project is different, so calling at least two dumpster rental and two junk removal companies to compare pricing is the best way to determine the most economical debris removal solution.
\r\nDumpster rental and junk removal costs vary based on a number of factors, including the type and amount of debris, where you're located, the accessibility of your property, and who you hire.
\r\n\r\nYour exact project cost will depend on these factors, and the best way to get an accurate estimate for your rental or project is to reach out to multiple service providers in your area for a quote.
\r\n\r\nThis not only ensures you get the best price but also allows you to choose the best company for the job, not just the cheapest.
\r\n\r\nDo you live out in the country or far off the beaten path?
\r\n\r\nIf so, you can expect your dumpster rental or junk removal service to cost more due to the cost of travel incurred by the company.
\r\n\r\nCost of living and local disposal fees also play a large role in cost.
\r\n\r\nFor example, you’ll pay significantly more in New York City to rent a dumpster than you would in Memphis, TN based on the difference in cost of living.
\r\n\r\nYou'll also likely pay more for an apartment cleanout that requires hauling items up and down flights of stairs compared to the same size cleanout in the same zip code that is conveniently located on the first floor.
\r\n\r\nSome service providers—dumpster and junk removal—charge differently for household wastes vs. construction and demolition (C&D) debris.
\r\n\r\nC&D debris is often heavier, so it may end up costing more to haul away than general household trash.
\r\n\r\nThe heavier the load, the more you’ll pay.
\r\n\r\nFor junk removal, costs rise as the volume of junk increases.
\r\n\r\nA full truckload of junk, for example, costs more than a load taking up just half of the truck’s total capacity.
\r\n\r\nLikewise, if you exceed the weight limit of your dumpster rental you'll likely be hit with overage fees.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\nThe two best ways to remove bulk waste are to either rent a dumpster or hire a junk removal company, but which option is the most cost-effective? Learn about the average costs associated with each service to determine which is the best option for your project.
\r\n","changed":"2023-09-05T17:33:18+00:00"},{"id":"cbdb3b53-9a28-5eae-8001-460da17f460c","title":"What Does the World's Most Sustainable City Look Like?","url":"/blog/the-worlds-most-sustainable-city","image":{"path":"/static/a0673f3f31324e7e8af0cf34ee0b47d3/masdar-city-master-plan-640x466.jpg","alt":"Masdar City sustainable design"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"8a088d18-16c4-5f32-8898-b75d5543d9fa","name":"Environment","slug":"Environment"},{"id":"8a556635-2a85-5e01-a170-d18bb873bb0e","name":"Sustainability","slug":"Sustainability"}],"content":"An artist's rendering of Masdar City
\r\n\r\n\r\n
Smack dab in the middle of the desert is the location of one of the world’s greenest cities. Masdar City is located in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The city is actually still in the early stages of being developed, but several buildings are fully operational, including the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology.
\r\n\r\nThe Masdar Institute of Science and Technology
\r\n\r\n\r\n
Masdar City addresses every sustainability issue you could ever think of:
\r\n\r\nSince the focus of Trash Talk is waste/trash/garbage, that’s the part of the city’s master plan we were most intrigued by. Phase 1 of Masdar City’s waste management plan will divert 50 percent of all waste away from landfills, or the equivalent of about 11,000 metric tons. The plan is to sort waste into three main streams: dry recyclables (i.e., cans and cardboard), wet recyclables (i.e., food scraps) and residuals (i.e., empty food containers). Dry recyclables will be shipped to the recycling center while wet recyclables will be composted and used for landscaping purposes. Other residual waste, including toxic waste, will be handled outside the city.
\r\n\r\nIs Masdar City the city of the future? It very well could be. However, it’s tough to say for sure until the city is fully developed and operational. This won’t happen until 2025 assuming everything stays on schedule. On paper, the city looks incredible and is amazingly eco-friendly. That said, there’s no way of knowing how accurate this will translate in real life. My best guess is that Masdar City succeeds in developing the most sustainable city in the world. However, it comes with a steep price – estimates put the price tag at around $18 to $19 billion.
\r\n\r\n
\r\nImages via: Masdar City Official Website
Smack dab in the middle of the desert is the location of one of the world’s greenest cities. Masdar City is located in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The city is actually still in the early stages of being developed, but several buildings are fully operational, including the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology.
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