Government offices, businesses, and households generate significant amounts of solid waste. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated that Americans produced 254 million tons of municipal solid waste in 2007. Over 50 percent of this amount ended up in landfills or other disposal facilities. This figure raises concerns because, according to the EPA, over 1 million tons of this waste is hazardous waste, such as used engine oil, cleaning products and discarded electronics. There are other, more environmentally friendly options.
Recycling
Recycling reduces landfill waste and saves energy used to produce new products, making it an effective disposal strategy. The benefits extend to the environment. According to the EPA, recycling reduces emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide.
According to a 2009 Harris Interactive poll, over two-thirds of Americans recycle. Part of the reason is the convenience and ease of recycling. According to the Paper Industry Association Council, over 80 percent of Americans have access to recycling in some form.
Follow Local Regulations
Effective disposal strategies include taking the time to research local regulations regarding the types of waste which you can place in the trash. The EPA, for example, does not regulate the disposal of household hazardous wastes such as mercury-containing products, but your waste management service may not accept such items, regardless of whether a federal regulation is in place.
Some facilities may view such items as potentially hazardous to their own workers. You can contact your city hall or waste service for more information. If such items are not accepted, your city may offer special collection days for them.
Drop-Off Sites
If your waste management service will not accept hazardous waste, you can dispose of some items at drop-off sites. Your hardware or automotive store may accept waste products such as spent batteries or used engine oil.
Some automotive stores are bound by state or local laws to accept your used engine oil. You can ask at the time of your purchase if the store will take back your used products, which may also include tires and batteries. Your closest EPA office can provide further information about state regulations.
Specific Guidelines
Some waste products require special handling before you dispose of them. For example, you should never toss expired medications in your household trash. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggests that you remove the contents from the original container or black out the label in order to protect your private health information, place the medications in a seal-able bag and then into your household trash.
Some medications can be flushed down the toilet. If in doubt, contact your pharmacist for more information.
Reuse
You can reuse some waste products to avoid throwing them in the trash. You can use plastic grocery bags to line garbage cans or for temporary storage of items in your home. You can also refill water bottles for reuse or place the filled bottles in your freezer to make handy ice packs for your cooler.
References
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Municipal Solid Waste in the United States
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Household Hazardous Waste
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Recycling
- Harris Interactive: How Green Are We? Putting Our Money (and Behavior) Where Our Mouth Is
- Paper Industry Association Council: Paper and Paperboard Recovery
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