Talking Trash

Making a life with less

Making a life with less

Downsizing presents many opportunities. Reducing expenses, responsibilities, and environmental impact are just some potential benefits. With planning and effort, anyone can shape a life that gives enjoyment and mitigates the challenges brought about by current living...

Let’s celebrate our waste and recycling workers!

Let’s celebrate our waste and recycling workers!

Each year during June, there is a national celebration of our Waste and Recycling Workers, those who keep our local neighborhoods safe and clean. These essential workers are hardworking people who often fly below the radar, quietly and efficiently doing their jobs so...

Responsible electronics management

Responsible electronics management

Electronics are an essential part of modern life, but their growing presence also brings challenges when it comes to proper disposal and sustainability. From extending the lifespan of your devices to responsibly recycling items that are no longer usable, making...

Be safe with your hazardous waste!

Be safe with your hazardous waste!

Household hazardous waste (or HHW, for short) is not only a problem when it is in your home. It can also pose a problem when it is thrown out. For example, throwing away an item like used motor oil can be dangerous and wasteful. It can be dangerous if it is spilled or...

Proper Cart Placement for Successful Pickup

Proper Cart Placement for Successful Pickup

Having your waste and recycling carts in position for collection is key to a successful program. The following are general guidelines. Be sure to check with your local solid waste authority for specific instructions on all these points for your community. Place your...

Could we stop shopping?

Could we stop shopping?

Our staff writer, Leeann Sausser, recently read J.B. MacKinnon's book "The Day the World Stops Shopping: How Ending Consumerism Saves the Environment and Ourselves." She shares her review in this week's blog post. What if we all lived with fewer possessions, used...

Recycle better for program sustainability

Recycle better for program sustainability

Have you noticed that what is accepted for recycling may change from year to year or from place to place? That’s because recyclables are part of a commodities market. For example, sometimes certain types of your recyclable plastics or glass can be sold at a reasonable...

The grass is greener when you grasscycle!

The grass is greener when you grasscycle!

Spring is here, and so is the green grass! No doubt you’ve pulled out the lawnmower by now, probably multiple times. As you begin another mowing season, it’s time to consider “grasscycling” if you haven't already. Grasscycling allows your grass clippings to drop back...

Everyday Earth Day Actions

Everyday Earth Day Actions

Last week, we celebrated the 55th anniversary of the first Earth Day. But we can celebrate Earth Day every day! Here are some actions to incorporate into daily life that will help protect our precious planet and its resources. Which ones do you already do? Reduce...