BUYER BEWARE: At this time, a glut for plastics #3-7 is likely, as there is not a good market for re-purposing these materials in this region yet. The conscientious consumer is advised simply to avoid purchasing these types of plastics in general, until further notice.
Researching how each of these special needs items can be processed may require a little online research for your specific area. Here are some examples: Food waste: Probably one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gasses from landfill sites, food scraps should be composted, period. Also, compostable paper and other natural materials. Contact Savannah Urban Garden Alliance for more info on how to do this. Yard waste: This is to be put in large brown paper yard waste bags only (no plastic) and will be picked up curbside on the same day as your regular trash. (See your city’s web page for details). Paint: This is a tough one if you don’t want to wait for Earth Day drop-off once a year…some local paint business may take old paint for recycling, and The Restore on Victory Drive/Habitat For Humanity takes only unopened cans of paint. Perhaps donating leftovers to a school project, or using it up yourself is the best idea! Empy [latex] paint cans can be taken to participating drop-off locations. Tires: Not only is it hazardous to dump your old tires in the landfill, it’s illegal. For a small fee your responsible neighborhood auto shop will take them. StyrofoaM: Virtually nonrecyclable and toxic. Most Publix Markets have an outside bin for clean foam food trays and egg cartons; but further research is needed to determine how they are ultimately processed, and if they would take other types of foam. Personally, I just say “no” to purchasing Styrofoam, and let my local businesses know that I won’t use it!
For more resources and tips on recycling, visit: www.wellfedsavannah.com www.chathamcountyrecycles.com www.footprintsavannah.com
Plastic shopping bags (#2s): These nefarious little menaces are a total strain on our ecosystem, polluting waterways and harming marine life, and literally choking up the landfills, as it is estimated that almost all of the hundreds of thousands of plastic bags used PER SECOND in the US are ultimately discarded. Many cities are banning them altogether. Publix Markets do have a bin for recycling those # 2 bags, but better yet? Don’t accept plastic bags at all. Bring your own, or, if you must, choose paper. E l e c t r o n i c s / a pp l i a n c e s / batteries: There are many drop off opportunities for all things electric, including cords and DVDs too.The Resource Conservation Education Center on Eisenhower Dr. (near Waters Ave.) for one, takes computers, cords, microwaves, TVs, batteries, cell phones, printer cartridges and eyeglasses. Just separate them, and drive through. It couldn’t be easier. (There is a small fee for some of the larger items like big screen TVs). Stores like Office Depot and Radio Shack usually take things like batteries and printer ink cartridges. Office Depot even has a program which takes your discarded electronics for a small fee. Furniture, Books or ANY stilluseable items: Goodwill it! This is one of the best places for your unwanteds. Any time you head to the Southside, bring a box of your old stuff (that is still usable) and drop it off to the Goodwill on Sallie Mood Dr., or the Humane Society across the street. Make your trash someone else’s treasure! (And, it’s a write off). Compact fluorescent lightbulbs: Home Depot has a drop box for these (just place unbroken into a plastic bag). These, like batteries, are considered a hazardous material and are not to be put into the trash. Alas, the rest of our waste often end up as landfill, but even this doesn’t have to! Items like mirrors, window glass, broken glass, ceramics, drinkware, soft unmarked plastic (like cellophane), plastic lids, and other difficult items could always be re-used in other creative ways, and there are occasional markets for odd materials, so be creative and research it!