So, if you use "pumpkin bags" to contain items for collection, please use them for your trash rather than for your leaves.
Pardon our dust as we stir up a little more than usual!
Our Solid Waste Transfer Station expansion project is humming along. We are adding a new wing to our tipping floor (that's where the trucks, well, tip out their contents). The addition is on the side of the building facing Frederick Road.
Here are some photos of the project's progress:
The east side of the new wing
The inside...
The west side of the new wing
TRRAC is our program for recycling and waste reduction at apartment and condominium properties.
This new issue of the Civic Loop features: * America Recycles Day
I have a bunch of bed pillows that have seen better days. I don't want to Freecycle, but was wondering where to recycle them. They are not terrible but, not hygienic enough to pass alongThanks for your question, P.!
One of the first things about which I caution our Behind the Scenes course participants each year is that they may complete the course with more questions than when they began. No, that’s not a typo – not only might the number of questions increase, but the answers may vary depending on the angle of approach.
Revisiting the paper versus plastic question, for example… Going sans bag, or bringing your own reusable one, comes out on top. But, what if you accept a paper bag at the checkout, and then use that bag to bundle your paper recyclables for collection? Or, what if you need plastic bags to line your trash can, or to clean up after your pet? Could it actually be advisable to take a plastic bag at the store, knowing that you’ll reuse it?
What about single-serving containers? What if the multi-serving size of a product uses less packaging overall? Is that a better option? But, what if you were considering the single-serving package because you’d use it all while it was fresh, versus possibly having some of the product in the larger package spoil before you used it?
If you have a choice of plastic tubs or metal cans, which is better? The metal can would be accepted in our program, while the plastic tub would not. But, what if the product in the metal can is more expensive? Would you still purchase it?
Does one type of packaging weigh more than the other? How does that affect the transportation costs of the product?
What factors make up your personal criteria for making product and packaging decision - raw material sourcing? energy usage? water usage? transportation costs? disposal and/or recyclability? potential for reuse? others?
Just some food for thought…
(Posted as our contribution to Blog Action Day)
Montgomery County does not recycle televisions.
That's right - our recycling program has just expanded! Montgomery County has a brand-new television recycling program at our Solid Waste Transfer Station.
The television recycling containers are located next to the fenced computer recycling area:
After just a few days of operation, many boxes have already been filled with televisions! The attendants at the Transfer Station are doing a great job of notifying residents of our new program when they spot televisions in the material those folks are unloading.
To take waste prevention yet another step further, don't buy any new cloth bags until you have first checked at home. Chances are good that you -- or a friend or relative -- already have a bag (or two or three) that would be a great shopping bag.
What's better than recycling books? Reusing them!
If you've been to the Solid Waste Transfer Station lately, you noticed our big construction project!
Because of this construction, we temporarily moved our scrap metal section. If you enter from the Frederick Road (Route 355) entrance, drive through the recycling drop-off area towards the bulk wood (yard trim) section. At the 3-way intersection, turn left towards the Transfer Station building. The new scrap metal section is in the lower parking lot, next to the Department of Transportation "shed."
Here's a photo of the bulk wood section...
and this is your new (and temporary) scrap metal destination. The Department of Transportation "shed" is the structure on the right side.
How do you turn your compost pile? A pitchfork works splendidly for backyard composting. But, when you have 77,000 tons of leaves and grass to process, you need a tool that is a bit more robust.
From our mailbag:My neighbor has a label that he pasted on a big waste bin where he puts his garden waste. I use the disposable paper bags which rot out on the bottom if rained on. Where can I get a label such as the ones my neighbor has?Your new yard trim decals are only a few clicks away; we offer them to you at no charge through our website. Then, watch for the envelope in your mail.
Would you please inform me of the options for disposing of a riding mower.Sure! We accept riding mowers at the Shady Grove Transfer Station. However, you must transport the mower there yourself.
One simple action can help keep your containers at home: clearly marking them with your house number. Using a black permanent marker is an easy way to do this; stickers or paint are other options. Program Specialist Neil Einhorn suggests writing numbers at least three inches high.
