AT THE TRAIL
November 15th is America Recycles Day, and more locally, Texas Recycles Day.
This nationwide event is dedicated to educating individuals about the recycling resources available to us, and promoting mindfulness of what and how we consume all year long.
In recent years, about 60-75% of paper and aluminum, 30% of glass, 15% of electronic waste, and 5% of plastic are recycled. Overall, Americans recycle about 30% of our waste annually.
It is largely reported by materials recovery facilities in Texas that contamination is the biggest obstacle for recycling programs. Contamination is when non-recyclables are placed in recycling.
This can be when food or liquid is not cleaned out of containers, when items are placed in the wrong bin, or items that cannot be processed by facilities are placed in recycling (common examples include Styrofoam and string lights).
During processing, contamination can damage machinery, cause factory shutdowns, and endanger workers. Facilities have limited resources when it comes to handling contamination and are often forced to send entire batches of otherwise recyclable materials to the landfill or incinerate them.
According to the EPA, about 25% of all recycling is contaminated and cannot be recycled.
This issue is bolstered by the confusion over what is considered non-recyclable and recyclable, which varies based on the materials recovery facility an individual uses. This can cause frustration between customers and recycling companies, an increase in contamination, and an increase in waste and pollution.
For best practice, please be sure to stay updated on guidelines provided by your recycle center.
Additionally, there are many items that do not fall under traditional recycling -- paper, plastic, aluminum, and glass bottles and jars -- that can be recycled by specialized facilities. Unfortunately, this requires a little more time, space, research, and care from you as the consumer. Those who are able to, can begin collecting, separating, and recycling other common waste items like electronics, light bulbs, batteries, and plastic shopping bags.
Electronics, from cords and DVD players to hair dryers and alarm clocks, can all be recycled for free at Best Buy at the Rim in San Antonio. Televisions and computers can be recycled for free through the Texas Commission for Environnmental Quality website.
Certain light bulbs and batteries can be recycled at the Home Depot, and plastic shopping bags can be recycled at H-E-B here in town.
Recycling is a small way for humans to cut back on the massive amounts of waste we produce every day. When we force ourselves to handle and care for our trash, we get a better understanding of what we are throwing away, why, and how we can be better consumers.
In the coming weeks, be on the lookout for recycling tips, news, and events from The Cibolo.
Visit the Herff Farm on Saturday, November 18 and drop off your plastic bottles and plastic bags at our H-E-B sponsored recycling station.
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