Disposing and recycling takes a little more effort these days
Posted By RichC on September 8, 2021
Since I have a couple items to pack up to take to a recycling and solid waste facility and was searching for options in our area (replaced an old AC compressor with refrigerant), it occurred to me that one way to reduce the items we generate is to not buy environmentally hazardous products in the first place (as someone who was once focused on biodiesel and spent a lifetime in the printing business, this “should be” second nature – it is not. I should do better).
Here’s a short list of items that we can try when trying to replace store purchased pollutants – we’ve used vinegar as a substitute for quite a few cleaning products in the past but could make it a better habit.
While looking for the vinegar tips, stumble on the Dawn Dishwashing Liquid post and this salt-based Roundup solution post … hand cleaning too!
Probably the biggest change for most of us who can clearly remember life without portable gadgets like cellphones are lithium-ion batteries in everything. The are clearly a problem since SO MANY items have them in them. We regularly get a reminder form our waste collection company about NOT disposing them in our regular trash (see video). Not a bad reminder.
Placing batteries—specifically lithium-ion batteries—in your recycling and trash containers may cause a dangerous situation. When batteries break, they spark fires, putting people, employees, and the motoring public unnecessarily at risk.
These days, lithium-ion batteries can be found in a variety of everyday items, such as cell phones, laptops, tablets, lawn equipment, car batteries, and power tools. Smaller lithium-ion batteries are also used to power cameras, remotes, toys, and a variety of electronics. Lithium-ion batteries are perfectly safe when intact; however, cracked they are a ticking time bomb. It does not take much for a cracked battery to spark up and start a fire. Please don’t place batteries in your trash or recycling. We want to keep our employees, landfills, recycling plants, and your neighborhood safe.
How do you get rid of unwanted batteries?
You can get rid of unwanted batteries or electronics by contacting your local solid waste district. Solid waste districts are county-based government agencies. If you’re not sure what solid waste district you belong to, search your county name followed by solid waste district. This will lead you to proper disposal options for batteries as well as other household hazardous items. Many solid waste districts offer community cleanup events, recycling drop boxes, and other services. We appreciate your support in keeping our employees and neighborhoods safe.
Thank you,
Rumpke Waste & Recycling
Comments