Recycling Do's and Don'ts

Over the years, recycling has ben integrated into everything from trash collection to designated containers for the different waste. However questions and misconceptions are still common. We break down the do’s and don’ts of recycling!

1. Single stream recycling. This includes the common things we know all about – glass, cardboard, metal, aluminum, cartons and cardboard. This is very straightforward. Just be sure to put them in the proper containers – and not trash bags!

2. Composting. This includes food waste, yard waste and compostable packaging. This is easy for consumers to do and for restaurants. A great article on how to compost is here: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/yard/compost/how-to-compost/

3. Electronics. Also known as “E-Waste” Something to consider – does it still work or can it be used for parts? If so consider donating electronics. If not, try your local recycling center. Also, some community recycling centers have special one day collection events.

4. Building materials can often be reused or recycled. However some must be simply disposed of. Consider if they can be donated or resued.

5. Clothing or textiles. Again, consider donating or repurposing clothing.

6. Foam plastic. Sadly, this has to go in the trash. Consider switching to a different type of product!

7. Fruit and Vegi scraps – Compost them!

8. Milk cartons – Yes, these can be recycled!

9. Plastic bags – This is tricky… They can be recycled but some communities have a special collection for this or don’t accept all types. An easy fix – reuse the plastic bags in your home. Great for small waste baskets. You can also use them for transporting items.

Check with your community for specifics about recycling. Every little bit helps! Want to start a recycling program for your business? If you generate a lot of waste via card board boxes for example – you can bale them and recycle them! Contact us to learn more about our Vertical Balers and our Rebuilt Balers.

Green Steels News Summary

From WardsAutoGreat article on why green steel is important and deeper dive on how it is made. https://www.wardsauto.com/industry-news/why-green-steel-importa

From Energy News Network:Green steel may assist the United States reach zero-carbon industry. https://energynews.us/2024/03/26/green-steel-could-help-the-u-s-reach-zero-carbon-industry/

From Canary MediaThe United States is backing two ground breaking green steel projects – to the tune of $1 billion. https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/clean-industry/us-pledges-up-to-1b-for-two-pioneering-green-steel-projects

From BloombergBill Gates has backed new company Electra, as they plan a green steel factory. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-03-27/gates-backed-startup-pilots-green-steel-process-plans-factory

From SiftedThere is a lot of confidence behind Vargas’ push to produce green steel. With a proven track record of building climate tech companies, they are poised to do well. https://sifted.eu/articles/vargas-harald-mix-h2-green-steel-northvolt

Stay tuned for more as we continue to keep a close eye on any developments with green steel.

Recycling By the Numbers

We gathered some fun and interesting facts about recycling

At PTR Baler & Compactor, we have helped many clients start recycling programs. Our vertical balers are suited for this. Its smart all the way around – saving the planet, which saving money or making money! We have many options for every budget – from rebuilt vertical balers to models like 7248HD.

ALUMINUM Approximately 350,000 aluminum cans are made per minute!Aluminum does not break down and is not biodegradable. It will still be the same after hundreds of years.Recycling one aluminum can equals enough power to run a television for three hours.

STEEL A 60 watt bulb can run all day on the energy saves recycling one pound of steel.More than 600 steel cans are recycled every second in America.Almost 70 percent of all steel is recycled in America each year – more than glass, aluminum, plastic and paper.100% of a steel roof is able to be recycled, versus asphalt roofs, which is zero percent!

PAPER One ton of recycled paper can save approximately 18 trees.In 2020, 60% of paper used in America was recycled.A ton of recycled paper saves over 3.2 cubic yards of landfill spacePaper is one of the easiest things to recycle

PLASTIC In America, approximately 2,000,000 plastic bottles are used every hour!Plastic bottles take about 700 years before they start to decompose and break down.Recycling plastic can be tricky, depending on recycling centers in your area.In general about 75% of our trash can be recycled. Its essential and a no-brainer these days.

Looking to start a recycling program? Contact us today!