ThinkBeforeYouThrow : Recycling 101. American Disposal Services, Inc.

Transcription

1 ThinkBeforeYouThrow : Recycling 101 American Disposal Services, Inc.

2 The United States of Waste Per Capita Waste Production China US Tons (T) Per Person Per Year *Based on 2013 EPA data

3 Disposal Methods 34% 12% 54% United States Disposal Methods Landfill Waste to Energy Reycling/Composting *Based on 2013 EPA data

4 The Waste Hierarchy PREVENTION: Reduction at the source Waste Reduction Hierarchy REUSE: Using a single product for multiple means RECYCLE: Using discarded materials to manufacture new products ENERGY RECOVERY: Recovering energy from waste LANDFILL: Disposing of waste in a landfill

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6 Collection Method: Single Stream Recycling Definition: Paper, plastic, metal & glass are all collected in a single bin, cart or dumpster. No sorting based on material type No need for multiple bins More convenient Collection of more items EXPERT TIP: Single Stream Recycling has only been around since Be on the lookout for the variety of bins/carts that are used for recycling collection that may have been better suited for prior collection methods. No matter what the shape, color, lid type, labeling or location, all recycling collected by American Disposal Services utilizing one truck and processed at a Single Stream Recycling plant

7 Collection Methods: Accepted Materials Mixed paper, newspaper, office paper, junk mail & bagged shredded paper Flattened cardboard, paperboard Juice, milk, wine & broth cartons Magazines, catalogs, phone books, hardback & paperback books

8 Collection Methods: Accepted Materials Plastics labeled #1-7 Wide-mouth plastics Rigid Plastics

9 Collection Methods: Accepted Materials Aluminum & steel cans Non-hazardous aerosols Pots & pans Small appliances All glass bottles and jars

10 Collection Methods: Unaccepted Materials Paper plates & napkins, bio-based plastics Polystyrene cups, plates & bowls Clothing Sharps & medical waste Wrappers Plastic bags & films Tires Heat-resistant glass & glassware Ceramics Wires, cables, plastic binding & lights

11 Collection Methods: Uncommon/Non-SS Materials Special Collection: Some specialty materials can be recycled, however, they have to be dealt with separately from single stream recyclables. American Disposal Services will help coordinate vendors to handle these special items for your location. E-Waste/E-Cycling Computer Monitors, keyboards Data Destruction Ink/toner cartridges Copiers, Fax CDs Mainframe Equipment Microwaves Phones/Cellphones TVs Light bulb Recycling Battery Recycling Bulk Items Furniture Construction & Demolition

12 Collection Methods: Contamination Issues Contamination: Unaccepted materials in recycling bins, carts or dumpsters Caused by: improper sorting of materials by the user OR by placing dirty recyclables in a recycling receptacle. Affects processing at the recycling plant Degrades the quality & value of the final baled product When a recycling bin, cart or dumpster becomes too filled with contaminants, everything in it is sent to the landfill or incinerator Can create odor, insect or rodent issues

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14 Processing Methods: Single Stream Recycling Recyclables are picked up by a single truck, dumped out, and separated by material type through technological & manual means. Screens Manual Sorting Magnets Eddy Currents Optical Sorting WATCH THE VIDEO: Notice how each material travels through the sorting line equipment in order to be baled and sold to a manufacturer. The manufacturer will further process the sorted recyclables to make new goods.

15 What Can YOU Do Today? Assess what materials are being discarded as trash Are there recyclable materials that largely end up in the trash? Identify where you have recycling collection points in your office/home. Can you relocate these bins to better capture discarded materials that could be recycled? Continue to educate yourself on what is and isn t recyclable Make sure you are recycling all accepted materials and avoiding contamination along the way. Check for the most updated list of accepted recyclables

16 Questions? Linzy Browne Marketing & Outreach Coordinator American Disposal Services (571)