“Precycle.” Make smart choices before you purchase an item. Try to buy items in bulk or that are packaged in material that can be recycled at your transfer station. Start composting. It isn’t difficult, doesn’t have to cost money, drastically reduces the weight of your trash, and provides a valuable soil amendment for the houseplants…
Wow! Check out some statistics about recycling, courtesy of the Maine Recycling Program. Aluminum It takes 95% less energy to recycle an aluminum can then it does to manufacture a new one. Over 80,000,000,000 aluminum soda cans are used every year. A used aluminum can is recycled and back on the grocery shelf as a…
Recycle rechargeable batteries and cell phones These products contain toxic metals. Find a drop-off site for free recycling near you at www.call2recycle.org. Recycle electronics, TVs and monitors When upgrading to new electronics, donate or recycle your old ones. Many towns in Maine offer collection sites for recycling TVs, monitors and other electronics. Other towns offer…
Mercury is a naturally occurring heavy metal that has been used in common household products including thermostats, thermometers and fluorescent lamps. Mercury is released into the air when these products are broken or disposed of in landfills and incinerators. Exposure to mercury slows fetal and child development, impacts the central nervous system, impairs brain function…
Electronic waste (“e-waste”) is the fastest growing waste stream in the United States. Brought on by the production of cheaper electronics, rapidly advancing technology, and the emergence of popular electronic gadgets, the consumption of electronics is dramatically increasing, while the lifespan of electronics is becoming relatively short. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the…