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Beyond the Bin
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Aluminum Can
WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
A beverage can! Soda, beer, Ice Tea, energy drinks, and juices are types of beverages bottled in aluminum cans.WHAT DOES IT BECOME?
Aluminum can be recycled indefinitely, which makes it the most valuable container to recycle. Within 60 days, an aluminum can be recycled and back on shelves as a new can.HOW DO I RECYCLE IT?
If you have a carbonated beverage can, such as a soda or beer can, they can be redeemed at a local redemption center for the five cent deposit paid on the can. For all other aluminum beverage cans (Ice Tea, Energy drinks, etc.) put them in your recycling bin. To learn more about New York States Returnable Beverage Container law, click here (http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8500.html).RECYCLING FACT’S
Two-thirds (67%) of all aluminum EVER produced is still in use today! 25 years ago, 22 beverage cans (12 ounce) were made from one pound of aluminum. Today, 32 cans are made from one pound!MORE INFORMATION
Tin Can
WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
Tin Cans are an air tight container used to store and distribute foods, such as vegetables and soups.WHAT DOES IT BECOME?
Tin cans are made of steel that is coated with tin. When recovered for recycling, they are de-tinned and combined with other recycled steel products to make new steel for use in automobiles, construction materials or even another can.HOW DO I RECYCLE IT?
Once you open and use the contents of your tin can, rinse it out and place it in your recycling bin. It is that easy!RECYCLING FACT’S
For every ton of steel recycled, 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal and 120 pounds of limestone are conserved. In one year the steel industry conserves the equivalent energy to power about 18 million homes for 12 months.MORE INFORMATION
http://www.recycle-steel.org/cans.htmlPlastic (PET)
WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
#1 Plastic is Polyethylene Terephtalate or PET. It can be cast into molds and is great for liquids because it keeps its contents safe from getting out and anything from getting in. PET plastic is used to make a variety of daily use beverage containers, such as water and soda bottles.WHAT DOES IT BECOME?
PET is commonly recycled to make polyester or fleece products and even carpets. Some recyclers use recycled PET to remake bottles; however the process is very costly.HOW DO I RECYCLE IT?
If you have a curbside recycling collection program in your community, you can put all your #1 Plastic containers into your bin. Also, any carbonated PET bottle, such as a 2 liter soda bottle or a single serve 16oz. bottle, can be returned for a deposit at any area redemption center.RECYCLING FACT’S
The average household generates 42 pounds of PET plastic bottles each year. 2.5 Billion Water bottles are sold in New York each year.MORE INFORMATION
http://www.plasticsrecycling.org/Plastic (HDPE)
WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
#2 Plastic is High Density Polyethylene or HDPE. HDPE is highly recyclable just like #1 PET Plastic. HDPE is used for anything from milk jugs to hula hoops because of its strength and resistance to chemicals and moisture, which makes it a valuable product for food and beverage packaging.WHAT DOES IT BECOME?
All recycled (post consumer) uses of HDPE are non-food related. Recycled HDPE is used to manufacture products such as shampoo, conditioner and motor oil bottles; pipes, buckets, crates, flower pots, garden edging, film and sheets, recycling bins, benches, dog houses, plastic lumber, floor tiles, picnic benches, fencing and many others.HOW DO I RECYCLE IT?
Rinse out your HDPE container, remove the cap, and place in your recycling bin. To save space in your bin, you can crush the container.RECYCLING FACT’S
A # PET plastic bottle can take as long as 1,000 years to decompose in a landfill. Approximately 88% of the energy needed to make HDPE products is saved by using recycled HDPE instead of the raw materials of natural gas and oil.MORE INFORMATION
http://www.americanchemistry.com/plastics/sec.asp?CID=1106&DID=4260Plastic (PVC)
WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
# 3 Plastic is called Poly Vinylchloride or PVC. PVC is a plastic that is versatile, pliable, durable and easy to clean. Items such as plastic pipes, shower curtains, medical tubing, vinyl dashboards, and large billboard signs are examples of items made of PVC. PVC has also been used to make clothing, such as leather like materials.WHAT DOES IT BECOME?
The amount of additives used in the production of PVC inhibits most large-scale recycling. PVC also inadvertently interferes with the recycling of other plastics when commingled, due to its unique chemical makeup. Where large feedstocks of PVC exist, they are indeed recycled and used to create new PVC items.HOW DO I RECYCLE IT?
The best way to manage PVC is to reduce how much we use. Try to chose materials that are made from recycled materials or that can be recycled.RECYCLING FACT’S
More than seven billion pounds of PVC are thrown away each year in the United States, and only 18 million pounds (0.25%) is recycled.MORE INFORMATION
http://earth911.com/plastic/pvc/how-pvc-gets-recycled/Plastic (LDPE)
WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
#4 Plastic is called Low Density Polyethylene or LDPE, and is commonly used for items such as plastic bags from a grocery or retail stores, baggies, or plastic films such as cling or shrink wrap. #4 Plastic is also used for large scale recreational and agricultural functions.WHAT DOES IT BECOME?
New York State became only the second state to regulate plastic bag recycling by requiring grocers and retailers throughout the state to offer recycling bins for plastic bags. Check here (city/town/village) to see if your community collects plastic tubs for recycling. Plastic bags that are collected at local retailers are used to provide raw materials for making plastic lumber that can be used for a variety of construction projects, such as playgrounds.HOW DO I RECYCLE IT?
To recycle your plastic bags, collect them and take them to any retail store where you can put them in the recycling bin, which is typically located by the entrance or exit.RECYCLING FACT’S
About 89 billion plastic bags, sacks and wraps are used each year in the U.S. Over 830 million pounds of plastic bags and wraps were recycled in the United States – up 27 percent from 2005. According to EPA data, about 12 percent of plastic bags and wraps are recycled.MORE INFORMATION
http://www.plasticbagrecycling.org/plasticbag/index.htmlPlastic Tubs
WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
Plastic tubs can be either plastics #3, #4, #5 or #6 and are used in a wide range of food packaging applications. Besides food and liquid bottles, plastic is also used for products such as margarine, yogurt, sour cream, cool whip and other similar products that are collectively referred to as “plastic tubs”.WHAT DOES IT BECOME?
Because the processes used to make these plastics are very different from a milk jug or water bottle they are difficult to recycle. Also, due to their unique composition they lack sufficient post consumer markets. But, this doesn’t mean they are not recyclable. Technology continues to improve and markets continue to develop that will broaden plastic tub recycling. Where tubs are collected, they are processed and sold as a raw material to create second-generation products ranging from fleece jackets and detergent containers to carpeting and composite lumber for outdoor decking.HOW DO I RECYCLE IT?
Check here (City/Town/Village) to see if your community collects plastic tubs for recycling. If not, there are other options such as reducing how many of these containers you use, and reusing the ones that you have.RECYCLING FACT’S
Although plastics play a role in nearly every facet of our lives, plastics production accounts for only 5 percent of the nation’s annual consumption of natural gas and petroleum. Packaging, the largest market for plastics, accounts only for 1.4 percent.MORE INFORMATION
Glass
WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
Glass is made from all natural, sustainable raw materials and is very favorable for food packaging because it maintains the purity and flavor of food and beverages.WHAT DOES IT BECOME?
When glass containers are recycled they become new glass containers or other recycled glass products. Glass can be recycled over and over again without ever compromising quality. Bottle to bottle recycling is the most popular form of glass recycling. Another use for recovered glass is as an aggregate in asphalt.HOW DO I RECYCLE IT?
Any glass container that you use in your home can be rinsed and placed into your recycling bin. Be sure to avoid putting broken glass and plate (window/table) glass in your recycling bin. Also, carbonated beverage and beer bottles can be redeemed at your local redemption center for a deposit.RECYCLING FACT’S
Using recycled glass to make new glass decreases atmospheric air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, carbon dioxide, and a reduction in electricity, natural gas, and raw materials, compared to new glass production.MORE INFORMATION
http://www.gpi.org/learn-about-glass/Gable Top Containers
WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
Gable top cartons are the type of paper cartons that are used for liquid food storage and play an important role in protecting their nutritional value. Milk, fruit juices, soups, broths and soy milk are popular items that are packaged in gable top containers.WHAT DOES IT BECOME?
When these cartons are recycled, they are broken down into paper fiber and used as a raw material for a variety of other paper products, such as tissue paper and cereal boxes.HOW DO I RECYCLE IT?
To recycle gable top cartons, rinse out and remove the plastic cap and add to your recycling bin. To save on space you can first crush the container.RECYCLING FACT’S
If you ever wondered why we still use gable top cartons, especially more recently as plastics have dominated the packaging market, it is because they are inexpensive and light weight, maintain the integrity of the product, and have a great product to package ratio (94:6).MORE INFORMATION
Newspaper/Newsprint
WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
Newsprint is low cost paper that is favored by publishers, and is reasonably environmentally sound. Newsprint is mainly used to print newspapers, brochures, and other materials destined for mass distribution.WHAT DOES IT BECOME?
Recycled newspaper is reprocessed back into newsprint or used to make wrapping paper, or manufactured into molded packaging, or shredded for use as blown-in insulation.HOW DO I RECYCLE IT?
Collect all your newspapers from your house such as the daily newspaper, weekly (local) papers, magazines, flyers, and advertisements and place them in your recycling bin. To prevent them from blowing away, place them in a paper bag alongside your recycling bin or bundle them with twine.RECYCLING FACT’S
Today, nearly 75% of all newspapers are recycled! Nearly 40% of all waste produced in households and at work is from paper and paperboard.MORE INFORMATION
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NewsprintWhite Ledger Paper/ Office Paper
WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
High grade papers such as copier, computer print-out, envelopes, letter head, stationary or any papers that are printed on are called white ledger paper.WHAT DOES IT BECOME?
High grade papers that are recovered for recycling are first de-inked and then processed for use in creating lesser grade papers such as drawing paper, toilet paper, or tissue paper.HOW DO I RECYCLE IT?
You can recycle white ledger paper the same way you do newspaper, just collect it all and place it in your recycling bin or in a paper bag, and then put it in your recycling bin. At work and school, it is important that you have a program in place (if you don’t click here to learn how to implement a program) to collect and recycle paper. Even shredded paper can be recycled!RECYCLING FACT’S
The average person generates 1.5 pounds of waste paper at work each day. The average American uses 650 pounds of paper each year. 37% of the fiber used to make new paper products are derived from recycled paper products (learn how product procurement helps).MORE INFORMATION
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NewsprintBoxboard/Paperboard
WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
Boxboard and/or Paperboard are the names given to non-corrugated boxes that we often find in our pantry or bathroom. Boxboard cartons are thin, lightweight containers used to package items such as cereal, shoes, crackers and other household products. Boxboard is almost made entirely of recycled cardboard, newsprint and white ledger paper.WHAT DOES IT BECOME?
The fibers from boxboard/paperboard are used to make new boxboard, puzzles, and other items such as egg cartons.HOW DO I RECYCLE IT?
To recycle your boxboard containers, remove all the contents, such as the bag or other materials, flatten the box, and place it in your recycling bin! Recycle only the boxboard products that are NOT made for storage in refrigerators or freezers. (Those packages have a coating on them that make them difficult to recycle and sort from non-coated boxboard).RECYCLING FACT’S
MORE INFORMATION
Corrugated Cardboard
WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
Corrugated cardboard is easily identified by its mulit-layer construction and brown color. The wavy middle layer is what gives cardboard its strength, while at the same time making it light in weight.WHAT DOES IT BECOME?
Cardboard is one of the easiest and most environmentally effective materials to recycle. Recycling cardboard products for use in new cardboard saves not only trees, but large amounts of energy and water. Like all paper fibers, cardboard fibers can be recycled up to 8 times before they are too short and no longer useful in new products. Recycled cardboard fibers are made into new cardboard or into boxboard/paperboard.HOW DO I RECYCLE IT?
Recycling cardboard can be done at work and at home. At Home: To recycle a corrugated cardboard container you need to first remove all of its contents, such as packaging foam and wraps. Then, flatten the boxes and bundle together in 3 foot long by 3 foot wide sections, and place out with your recycling bin for collection. At Work: Remove all contents from inside the box, flatten, and find where the nearest cardboard collection bin is located. Often you may have to ask the maintenance staff for assistance. If you do not have a cardboard recycling bin at work, and generate a lot of cardboard waste, click here (office recycling) to learn how to implement a program.RECYCLING FACT’S
Cardboard is used to ship 90% of all products. Recycling one ton of cardboard saves over 9 cubic yards of landfill space and the equivalent of 46 gallons of gasoline in energy. The nationwide cardboard recycling rate in 2007 was 78.3%.MORE INFORMATION
http://earth911.com/paper/cardboard/facts-about-cardboard/Appliances (White Goods)
WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
Large household appliances earned the name “white goods” because they used to be finished in white enamel. Even though they come in many colors now, the name has stuck! Examples of White Goods are refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, dishwashers, stoves, air conditioners, cook tops, and water heaters.WHAT DOES IT BECOME?
When appliances reach the end of their useful lives they can be sent for recycling where the metals are recovered from them. Steel is the most abundant recyclable component in appliances, however there are other materials such as aluminum, copper, plastics and refrigerants can be recovered.HOW DO I RECYCLE IT?
There are several ways to recycle white goods in Niagara County. Often, when purchasing new appliances, upon delivery of the new appliance the old one is removed for recycling. Several municipalities in Niagara County allow you to call for a scheduled bulk item pick-up (visit this page [City/Town/Village] to find out whom to contact in your town). Lastly, if you can manage, take your appliance to a local scrap yard and redeem it for cash!RECYCLING FACT’S
Discarded appliances are second to only automobiles as a source of recycled metals, particularly steel. Using recycled steel has a positive impact on the environment since it takes four times more energy to extract and manufacture steel from virgin sources than from recycled scrap.MORE INFORMATION
http://www.aham.org/industry/ht/d/Items/cat_id/1378/cids/425,437,1378/pid/1228Yard Waste
WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
The part of solid waste composed of grass clippings, leaves, twigs, branches, and other yard related wastes is termed Yard Waste.WHAT DOES IT BECOME?
Yard waste is best managed by composting because it is organic and decomposes quickly. When yard waste is composted (click here for more on composting) it becomes an inexpensive and valuable source of fertilizer, as well as a low-cost and convenient way to dispose of grass, leaves, tree limbs and other yard waste.HOW DO I RECYCLE IT?
Visit this page (City/Town/Village) to learn about your town’s procedure for collecting yard waste. If curbside collection of yard waste is not provided in your city/town/village, click here (Composting) to learn how to backyard compost or vermi-compost.RECYCLING FACT’S
In the fall, yard waste can represent up to 75% of the total waste disposed per household. Yard waste is often perceived as a drain on collection and landfilling procedures as it quickly decays and creates methane gas in landfills.MORE INFORMATION
http://www.epa.gov/waste/conserve/rrr/composting/index.htmFood Waste
WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
Food waste is just that, any leftover food scraps after eating or preparation. They could be bones, vegetable peels, rotten fruit or old pizza.WHAT DOES IT BECOME?
Food waste is great for composting! Many of the nutrients needed for successful composting come from fruits and vegetable scraps.HOW DO I RECYCLE IT?
Visit the Composting Page to learn how to build and operate a successful backyard compost pile.RECYCLING FACT’S
It is estimated that each person disposes one pound of food waste per day. From Thanksgiving to New Years, household waste increases by 25%, mainly due to food waste, packaging and wrapping papers.MORE INFORMATION
http://www.epa.gov/waste/conserve/rrr/composting/index.htmDid You Know?
Cathode Ray Tubes found in televisions and monitors contain harmful contaminants such as mercury, lead and chromium and account for 85% of the contamination found in landfills.
Read More
Beyond the Bin
Niagara County Environmental
Coordinator: Dawn M. Timm
59 Park Avenue
Lockport NY, 14094
Ph: 716.439.7240 recycling@niagaracounty.com
59 Park Avenue
Lockport NY, 14094
Ph: 716.439.7240 recycling@niagaracounty.com