Eco-friendly waste management is an everyday habit for some people. They say no to takeaway cups, have great composting bins, and share reusable items with others in their local circular economy. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we generated 292.4 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) in 2018. How much of this waste was managed in an eco-friendly way?
69 million tons were recycled
25 million tons composted
31.2% recycling and composting rate
Are you planning to clear out the garage, and you know there are many items a regular garbage pickup or recycling service provider cannot take? You need a Bargain Bins Clutter Buster! The 3-yard roll off dumpster has a lid, driveway-friendly rubber wheels, is easy to move around, and you can reserve it online.
In this article, we learn more about eco-friendly waste management and what you can do to reduce, reuse, and recycle at home.
What Is Eco-Friendly Waste Management?
Remember when we threw all the trash in one bin for the collectors? Those days are long past. Today, we choose to be more conscious of the garbage we generate. There is even a tool to help communities manage and transform their waste streams! What is sustainable waste management in general?
Recycle. Materials such as paper, glass, aluminum, and certain plastics can be recycled and reused to create new products.
Reduce. Limit the amount of single-use items such as coffee cups and takeaway containers. Consume less and purchase more wisely.
Reuse. Try to find different uses for household items before throwing them away.
Let’s look at other eco-friendly waste management ideas.
Eco-Friendly Disposal Tips
One of the most eco-friendly disposal methods for food scraps is composting. It is quite easy to do, doesn’t smell bad, and your garden will thrive. It also saves you money! Do you have an old bath, dining table, or doors that are still in good condition but need a bit of attention? See if a local organization or Habitat for Humanity can use the items before throwing them in a Bargain Bins dumpster.
Eco-Friendly Recycling Strategies
Where will you find the best recycling tips? Participate in America Recycles Day®! It is held yearly in November and is the only nationally-recognized day dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the United States. You will definitely pick up a few recycling strategies from long-time participants.
Does your company want to prevent food waste? The EPA, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a new draft National Food Loss and Waste Strategy on December 2, 2023. It might be just what you need for your next sustainability strategy session.
Green Recycling Tips for Businesses
Businesses generate a lot of recyclable waste, from paper to computer accessories. One of our recycling tips for businesses is to make sustainability part of your corporate culture. Start by doing a waste audit to understand which waste materials your business generates and what can be recycled. Set out clearly marked recycling stations that allow staff to separate items. Use regular communication campaigns to encourage employees in their recycling efforts. They might start to recycle at home!
Recycling Tips at Home
There are so many recycling tips you can use at home. Did you know you can utilize fresh or frozen vegetable scraps to make chicken or vegetable stock? Learn which home items can and cannot be recycled. Ensure the whole family understands the meaning of the symbols on the bottom of plastic bottles and containers. Did you know shiny Christmas wrapping cannot be recycled? Choose to repurpose items instead of throwing them away, and use empty glass jars as pantry containers, tealight holders, or flower vases.
Bargain Bins is a residential and contractor-friendly dumpster and roll off service committed to providing excellent customer service in Colorado Springs and South Metro Denver. Protecting the environment should be important to everyone, and we must all do our part by practicing eco-friendly waste management. For those items cluttering up your home that you cannot reuse or recycle, contact Bargain Bins to rent a dumpster.