Recycling

The Northwest has taken the initiative on recycling. It is illegal in Seattle to dispose of recyclable items in the trash. As of February 2008, residents are now able to dispose of food waste in their yard waste containers. This helps the city come closer to achieving its zero waste goal.

Plastic, paper, aluminum cans, steel, and glass bottles are among materials to be recycled. But you can go farther. Home appliances, batteries, scrap metal, car parts, and car fluids also need to be recycled. These other materials take up space in landfills and contain toxic chemicals that can leach into the soil and ground water if not disposed of correctly. There are specialized facilities that accept such items and they should not go into the curbside recycling containers.

Electronic waste is plaguing the country, especially from computers. Facilities are available that accept computers and dismantle them properly. Take your used computer to the appropriate facility or donate it, don’t throw it away. Recycling keeps items out of the landfill and cuts back on the raw materials harvested for new products.

Recycling is only one part of the solution. Reusing items eliminates the energy that is consumed in the recycling process. Pick items that are easily reused and maintain them to increase longevity. When you are finished with a product and it is still in usable condition consider donating it to a local goodwill The final step is to make attempts to reduce the overall amount of goods you consume. Do you really need this? Is it going to last? Is it made of recyclable material? These are good questions to ask when considering a new purchase.