When people put out their plastic recycling bins for the weekly trash collection, they probably don’t realize how much stuff they throw away each day. According to information taken from the Environmental Protection Agency, a little over four pounds of trash per day and roughly 1.5 tons of solid waste per year are generated by the average person. New landfills are being created but they are filling up and running out of space. With China banning foreign waste, people need to think about what they can do personally to help reduce the growing trash problem.
What Are the Best Recycling Practices?
According to the EPA, over 32% of Americans practice some form of recycling. The benefits of recycling are that less waste is sent to landfills and incinerators. The different methods of recyclable collection include curbside collection, drop-off centers, and deposit or refund programs.
What’s Single Stream Recycling?
Currently, most people use single-stream recycling for their trash collection pickup. Recyclables such as newspapers, cardboard, plastic, aluminum, and paper are placed in a single bin and collected. Previously, dual-stream recycling was used. This consisted of separating recyclables into separate bags and containers for trash collection.
Are There Ways to Reduce Usage?
If people looked at ways to reduce their usage of products that create waste, then they could reduce the amount of trash they produce. Some easy ways to reduce usage are switching to cloth bags for shopping in place of plastic bags and drinking water out of reusable containers rather than plastic bottles.
What Are the Types of Trash Collection?
The types of trash collection containers used will vary by company, but the most common are recycling or residential trash bins. It’s important to keep recyclable items separate from non-recyclables like food, liquids, and dirty diapers. If you’re using two bins, be sure they’re labeled. Most companies will provide labels on their websites.
When Do You Need a Roll-Off Dumpster?
If you plan on doing any big cleanup projects or construction projects, a roll-off dumpster is a great solution to handle the additional trash generated. They come in a variety of sizes and can be rented for short periods of time.
By adopting good recycling habits and cutting down on usage, you can do your part towards reducing the growing trash problem. By using the tips and information above, you’ll be well on your way. Get in touch with us at Opdenaker for the trash collection you need.