Tag Cloud
Friday, February 10, 2012
Waste not want not
by Colleen Belcher, published on December 29, 2008 at 6:13 PM
Storyline: Small Changes
Community Tags
batteries
city
dumping
garbage
People
recycle
recycling
sacramento
waste
waste management
Have you ever wondered what the proper way to recycle something was but then instead of looking it up, you just put it in your garbage can, closed the lid and forgot about it?
How would one recycle carpet? Pesticides? Wheelchairs? Cooking oil?
On the Sacramento Regional Solid Waste Authority's Waste Management & Recycling Web site, there's a whole section titled "How Do I Recycle?" with over 30 different types of common waste products that can be recycled.
For example, metal crutches and canes, walkers and non-motorized wheelchairs can be donated to the North Area Recovery Station in North Highlands. Inmates in correctional facilities restore these items to like-new condition and they are then given to people with disabilities, who may not have the funds or access to such devices.
Motorized wheelchairs can be reused and should be donated to organizations such as Resources for Independent Living (RIL) which is located at 1211 H Street, Suite B.
Carpet can be recycled locally at the Sacramento Habitat for Humanity, which is located at 8351 Umbria Ave, Bldg 5, Bay 1.
Compact fluorescent light bulbs can be recycled at various Sacramento Home Depot stores or at the Sacramento County North Area Recovery Station or Sacramento Transfer & Recycling Station.
There are three local hazardous waste drop off locations for recycling batteries. You can also go to Earth911.com, click on the "Hazardous" tab, choose "Single Use Batteries," and type your zip code on the right side bar. It will list the various locations in your area where you can recycle batteries.
The site also provides info on where and how to recycle cell phones, computers, CDs, DVDs, video and audio tapes, VCRs, televisions, and printer or copier cartridges.
You can learn how to earn a $250 reward for reporting illegal dumping if it leads to an arrest or citation.
The Web site offers a wealth of information on recycling, waste and proper disposal of harmful chemicals, toxins, etc.
There's even a Kid's Connection with activities and tips for kids to help reduce their ecological footprint.
For more savvy tips on waste management and recycling, visit www.sacgreenteam.com.
Conversation Express your views,
debate, and be heard with those in your area closest
to the issue.
Leave a Comment
Did you know that the City offers a door-to-door pick-up program from batteries, CFLs, and fluorescent light tubes? Call 311 to schedule an appointment! We also offer a door-to-door program to pick up used motor oil and filters.
The City also offers the Neighborhood Clean-Up Program which allows residents to place out large items, such as appliances or electronic waste for collection for free once a year. Call 311 to find out if your area is eligible for an appointment or if you need to wait for your day to be schedule (usually, this scheduled days are for those areas like Midtown and Downtown which have parking restrictions. Appointments are available in other areas of the City).
All materials that are picked up are disposed of properly and more than 50% of what we collect is recycled!
I didn't realize that there is so much stuff lying around my house that I consider "junk" (like an old pair of crutches) that can be recycled and reused.
A very informative article