Hard-to-Recycle Items

There are several items that we can’t take in our recycling program, but we don’t want to see them end up in the landfill either. Many of these items can be taken to special recycling locations, or reused by local businesses.

•  Ink Jet and Laser Printer Cartridges: Office Depot, Staples, and Office Max take back used cartridges and offer rewards points for recycling.
•  CDs and DVDs: Did you know CDs and DVDs are recyclable? Discs are shredded and recycled into a number of new products, often as automotive or construction materials. Even motorcycle helmets!
•  Plastic Bags: In a landfill, plastic bags take up to 1,000 years to degrade. As litter, they break down into tiny bits, contaminating our soil and water.  Luckily, several grocery stores in our area recycle plastic bags, including Safeway,  Food Maxx, and Winco.

Business Recycling Tips

Tips to Prevent Waste and Save Money

•  Inform employees and tenants. Provide information on an ongoing basis about your recycling and yard waste programs – e-mail, meetings, newsletters, and sorting guides.
•  Place signage near every container – kitchens, bathrooms, and common areas.
•  Place a blue recycling container beside every desk, workstation, copier, printer, and garbage can.
•  Designate a recycling coordinator or leader to be in charge of your recycling programs.
•  Make the most out of your paper. Purchase printers that allow double-sided printing, or use the other side of paper for your copy and note paper. Purchase recycled paper.
•  Use washable mugs instead of paper or Styrofoam cups, and use drinking glasses for tap water or water delivered in large bottles.
•  Invest in washable cloth dish towels and napkins, reusable plates, bowls, and utensils.
•  Packing Materials: Shred or bunch up old paper or catalogs to use as packing material. Ask your vendors to avoid using excessive packaging, and reuse packaging materials whenever possible.
•  Opt out of unwanted printed mailing lists: stopjunkmail.org, www.41pounds.org, www.CatalogChoice.org
•  Invest in rechargeable batteries and battery chargers for digital cameras, flashlights, and other small devices. Designate a space for proper battery disposal.