GTS2000 Compactor demonstration

GTS2000 Demonstration

The Impact of China’s Waste Refusal Decision on Small-Town Recycling Plants

For many years, China grew to become the world’s largest importer of recyclable materials. The rise of single-stream recycling in the U.S., which saves Americans the headache of sorting their recyclables, passed the headache on to Chinese processors. As a result, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment cited environmental damage caused by "dirty wastes or even hazardous wastes" mixed in with solid waste that can be recycled into raw materials. The country has now placed strict standards for what it will and will not accept from other countries. In one fell swoop, China essentially changed the entire world market.

While big city recycling plants have lessened the impact of China’s decision for customers, rural and small-town recycling plants have not had the ability to follow suit. Many small towns and rural areas cannot shoulder the financial burden these new policies have created. In some places, recyclers have stockpiled certain materials in the hopes of locating a buyer. Many materials have declined in value as the market is flooded, with some even becoming worthless. Many big cities absorb the financial losses, fearing that if costs are passed on to customers, they will stop recycling. Unfortunately, small cities do not have this option. Rural recycling programs are already more expensive to manage than big city programs, as homes are further apart and greater distances must be covered. Recyclables must also be shipped to centers that can find markets for the products. As a result, a number of small recycling plants have scaled back or even stopped accepting certain items, such as plastics labeled with specific numbers or glass containers. Other local recycling centers have begun charging residents to dump their recycling.

Unfortunately, for many of these small towns, recycling centers have never made much money from a number of collected items, such as lower-quality plastics like numbers 3-7. These plastics are composed of a blend and do not break down easily. In addition, buyers typically want large quantities of these types of plastics, which rural and small town areas are unable to offer. The money spent to collect and ship these items no longer makes a profit for small town centers.

Towns in Erie County, PA, for example, have cut back on accepting glass, some plastics, and even some paper. County Environmental Sustainability Coordinator Brittany Prischak said she fears the new limits will make it much harder for recycling to survive in the state’s small-towns, despite the requirement under state law that communities with more than 10,000 residents have recycling programs. The costs are just too high. In Columbia County, NY, the annual recycling budget was exhausted over the summer. Now, the county will charge residents $50 for a permit to drop recyclables off at one of its recycling centers. Jolene Race, director of Columbia County Solid Waste Department, said the current program is unsustainable "unless you have a huge tax base where they just don't care…smaller counties don't and they have to pass (the cost) on."

America’s National Parks Become America’s Trashcans

Recently, the U.S. federal government has shut down, leaving national parks open, but largely unmanned. Beginning on December 21, trashcans and toilets in our nation’s national park have been overflowing and trespassing has been reported.

The issues have become so bad, that the Department of the Interior announced that they would dip into funds collected from entrance fees to pay for trash clean up, restroom maintenance, and additional law enforcement patrols. However, the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) responded that using entrance fees would divert badly needed funds from the park service’s massive $11 billion maintenance backlog. In addition, only 117 of the more than 400 national parks collect fees. This means that hundreds of parks will have to compete for funds. The NPCA has not responded on how much funding will go to each park.

According to Diane Regas, the president of the Trust for Public Land, “Never before have I seen the federal government tempt fate in national parks the way we are today…It's not about what has happened already. It's about what could happen if you don't have the appropriate staffing.” While the number of staff varies from park to park, the NPCA estimates some 16,000 parks service employees have been furloughed since the shutdown began. This leaves a very small number of employees for maintenance and security.

Jon Jarvis, the former National Park Service director under the Obama administration, discussed the risks of trash piling up in the parks. Unfortunately, an abundance of trash can upset the delicate balance parks strive to maintain between visitors and wildlife. According to Jarvis, “For the past couple of decades, the park service has worked hard to wean the black bear population from human food.” This issue can lead to many serious problems, because once wild animals, such as bears and coyotes, begin to associate humans with food, the risk of attacks or euthanizing of animals increases.

David Lamfrom, the director of the California desert and wildlife programs at the National Parks Conservation Association, stated that, “There are well-intentioned people who are leaving long term effects in National Parks because they don’t have the ability to consult with…The longer this goes on, the larger the impact becomes.” In addition to dangers for animals, unmanned parks can also be dangerous for visitors. Since the shutdown, three deaths and one serious injury have been reported in parks.

Once the government shutdown is officially lifted, a whole set of new problems face the nation’s parks. Park employees will be responsible for cleaning up the mess left by visitors, which in turn will further delaying projects that have already been deferred. According to Lamfrom, the full scale of the problem is yet to be determined, and clean up timelines will vary in length. Lamfrom stated that, “Some [efforts] will take weeks or months. Some will last generations. Some may not be able to be fixed.”

As a result of ongoing damage and failure to maintain the parks, Jarvis, Regas, and others say that the parks should be fully shut down until the government reopens in order to prevent any further damage. 

Plastic Straw Bans: Will it Make a Difference?

California has recently become the first state to ban plastic straws in restaurants. Beginning in 2019, customers will have to ask for straws if they want them. They will no longer be offered without asking. Other places, such as Seattle, have also joined this movement. In July, Seattle became the first major US city to ban single-use plastic straws and utensils. Even some big corporations, like Starbucks, Aramark, and American Airlines, are making the move to ban plastic straws.

Plastic waste, including single-use plastics like straws and utensils, are a big problem. In 2015, worldwide plastic consumption totaled 300 million metric tons. When broken down, that is essentially 88 pounds of plastic a year per person globally. It is estimated that less than 9 percent of all of the plastic used daily is recycled. Most of it ends up in landfills or in the ocean. Even though many people think they are being environmentally friendly by recycling, the stats tell another story. Research shows that more than 79 percent of all plastic ends up in the landfill, even if it is thrown in a recycling bin first. Another 12 percent is incinerated, which is having a negative effect on the atmosphere.

Unfortunately, this problem will not be resolved simply by eliminating straws. However, environmentalists say that we have to start somewhere. Eliminating straws and other single-use plastic is a great first step in a much-needed, larger, global behavior change. According to Plastic Pollution Coalition CEO Dianna Cohen, "We look at straws as one of the gateway issues to help people start thinking about the global plastic pollution problem…They've been designed to be used for a very short amount of time, and then be tossed away."

Some companies are taking this issue to heart, and moving beyond simply eliminating straws. Aramark, a global company that operates in schools, prisons, hospitals, and businesses in 19 countries around the world, recently vowed to reduce its straw use 60 percent by 2020. In addition, the company also plans to cut back on plastic cutlery, plastic bags, and "various packaging materials." Across the pond, other proposals for banning plastics are being considered in the UK and Europe. If enacted, these proposals could eliminate nearly all single-use plastics in restaurants and businesses across the European continent, including straws, cutlery, cotton swabs, cups, and carry-out containers. According to Greenpeace UK's political adviser Sam Chetan Welsh, "If we are to protect our oceans from the scourge of plastic, the flow of waste needs to be cut off at the tap…That means the companies producing and selling all this packaging must take responsibility for it and cut down the amount of plastic ending up in our shopping baskets."

While removing single-use plastics may seem like a big move that might not be successful, traditionally such moves have been effective. For example, in the US in the 1960s, unregulated pollution caused a range of problems including offshore oil spills and asthma-inducing car exhaust. With the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970, regulation had a positive impact on both the environment and the economy. While all environmental problems have not been eliminated, things have certainly improved and can continue to do so. In fact, the EPA currently promotes the simple "reduce, reuse, recycle" mantra. Environmentalists like Cohen hope an extra “r” can be added to this mantra: "refuse." Even if single-use plastic is offered, people can make the choice to refuse it. As social psychologist John Bargh said, "the more you practice doing something, the less effort it takes." If we can make reuse a habit, it will be far easier to curb the plastic problem that seems to be overtaking the planet.

Shipping Industry Cracks Down On Plastic Waste

Cargo ships transport about 90 percent of the world’s consumer goods. At any given time, 5 to 6 million shipping containers are crossing the oceans, each stuffed with a variety of items. Many of these items are, at least partly, made of plastic or wrapped in plastic packaging. Unfortunately, data from The World Shipping Council shows that the shipping industry loses 10,000 containers a year at sea.

Typically, spilled goods (with the exception of oil) are not cleaned up. In fact, there is no international rule that says who is responsible for claiming or cleaning up consumer goods lost at sea by cargo carriers. Unfortunately, plastics are the number-one type of trash found in the sea. According to the Ocean Conservancy, a nonprofit that organizes an annual coastal cleanup event in more than 150 countries around the world, plastic debris makes up around 85 percent of all the trash collected from beaches, waterways, and oceans. Plastic trash is not just unsightly, it is also dangerous. Plastic debris that floats in seawater absorbs dangerous pollutants like PCBs, DDT, and PAH. These highly toxic chemicals have a wide range of chronic effects, including endocrine disruption and cancer-causing mutations. Many scientists fear that these chemicals could cause poisoning, infertility, and genetic disruption in marine life, and even potentially in humans.

Though the shipping industry is not solely responsible for the plastic pollution issue, it has played a part in it. Recently, the International Maritime Organization has adopted a new plan to crack down on plastic pollution and other litter escaping from ships into the oceans. The new action plan aims to improve current regulations and create new measures to reduce marine plastic litter that is generated by ships. It has identified a number of measures that will help achieve this goal, including:

•         A planned study on marine plastic litter from ships
•        Exploration of port reception facility availability and adequacy
•         Encouraging the reporting of fishing gear loss

In addition, the plan also aims to strengthen international cooperation, particularly the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and UN Environment, and increase public awareness.

In a recent statement, the IMO said, “The Action Plan notes that marine plastic litter enters the marine environment as a result of a wide range of land and sea-based activities…Marine plastic litter negatively impacts activities such as tourism, fisheries and shipping…IMO’s London Convention and Protocol is designed to only allow the dumping of permitted materials, including the ones generated from dredging.”

Currently, the existing regulation from the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) prohibits dumping plastics into the sea. It also mandates governments to guarantee the availability of adequate port reception facilities to receive ship waste. In addition, IMO’s London Convention and Protocol is designed to only allow the dumping of permitted materials. However, these materials are still required to be evaluated before dumping. This ensures harmful materials, like plastics, are not released into the sea.

Though this new plan is expected to offer beneficial results, IMO is expected to regularly review and update the new action plan, if necessary.

How to Cut Down on “Wishful Recycling”

Everyone knows that recycling is an easy way to help keep the planet clean. When in doubt, many people will just drop an item in the recycling bin rather than the trash can. However, even those who have the best of intentions with recycling can actually be contributing to more garbage to piling up in landfills.

People like this have been termed “wishful recyclers,” who unfortunately do more harm than good with their recycling habits. Wishful recycling is when an item is tossed in the recycling bin in hopes that it is recyclable. However, these items could “contaminate” other recycling items and cause them to end up in the landfill instead of being recycled. Contaminated recyclables are any items outside the specifically targeted items for a recycling collection (such as cardboard ending up in a plastics collection).

Contaminated recyclables can cause many issues when they enter the recycling stream, including slowing down manual sorting processes, potentially breaking recycling machinery, and even degrading the quality and market price of recyclable materials. Because the recycling industry is driven by profits and bottom lines, not saving the earth, contaminated items being mixed in with recyclable items would cause an increase in sorting time and a decrease in output quality, thus affecting profits. It is easier and less expensive to dump the whole lot than take the time to sort it. Unfortunately, partly due to wishful recyclers who contaminate the recycling stream, recycling costs in the United States are increasing and recycling rates are decreasing.

There is a catch-22 with this issue. Contamination rates increase in areas with single-stream recycling, where sorting is not required because all recyclables are placed in same bin. However, recycling participation rates are higher in these areas because the process is much more convenient for participants. Contamination arises in this situation because people recycle everything, thinking that it will end up being recycled if it is placed in a recycling bin. While convenient for those who want to recycle, this convenience is actually causing more recyclable goods to end up being contaminated and dumped in the landfill.

What Can Be Recycled?

Part of the problem goes beyond wishful recyclers. The list of items that can be recycled is constantly changing because of market price fluctuations and technological advancements. In addition, location can impact what can and cannot be recycled. In some areas, budgetary constraints or city priorities could cause items that are recyclable in one city to not be accepted in another city. Thus, the responsibility of knowing what is or is not recyclable falls on the consumer.

As a general rule of thumb, plastic soda bottles and aluminum cans can be recycled. Pizza boxes or other containers soiled with greasy food residue cannot be recycled. Plastic bags cannot be placed in recycling bins, but many grocery stores are now accepting them. Milk juice cartons can also be recycled, but toss the plastic lid first.

If you want to avoid being a ‘wishful recycler,’ take the time to learn what items can and cannot be recycled, then try to change your consumption and disposal habits to reduce your carbon footprint.

The Impact of Midterm Elections on the Waste and Recycling Industry

Some changes are being made in Washington following the recent midterm elections. Namely, the Democrats recaptured control of the House of Representatives, while the Republicans strengthened control of the Senate. This switch of control in the House means that there will be changes in committee chairmanships, including the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Ways and Means Committee. Both members of the House Recycling Caucus and the new House Food Waste Caucus won re-election, so there will be no changes there.

Overall, the midterm elections should not have any immediate impact on the waste and recycling industry. Billy Johnson, chief lobbyist at the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industry Inc. (ISRI) said, “Any time [a flip] happens, it doesn’t impact us as much. We are bipartisan and play both sides of the aisle…In the grand scheme of things, we’re friends with both parties and we keep it that way.”

Though the election does not have any immediate impact, it could have long-term impact on the waste and recycling industry. When opposing parties control Congress, there is often stagnation in legislative action. Lobbyists like Johnson hope that this will not be the case, and that bipartisan support for infrastructure reform can be garnered that would lead to growth in the industry. One area where this could occur is improvement in transportation. According to Johnson, “Transportation is a big issue for all industries—the recycling industry is not alone in this. We need better rail service since we ship a lot of materials. We need better roads and bridges. We need more truck drivers. We need better ports. Because we have to bring product into our yards and get it out...transportation is key to us.” Bipartisan support of large-scale transportation projects could lead to many new opportunities in the sector, such as the opportunity to recycle hard-to-recycle items into new materials to aid with infrastructure projects. For example, used tires could be transformed into rubberized asphalt and recycled plastic could be transformed into industrial parts, such as plumbing components.

While bipartisanship may be difficult for those in Congress, both parties will certainly have support from the waste and recycling industry. According to Stephen Sandherr, CEO of Associated General Contractors of American (AGC), “We are eager to work with the new Congress to ensure its members focus on enacting measures that will further contribute to economic growth. Our top priority will be helping both parties come together to enact the kind of significant new infrastructure measures the president has long promised. This is an issue that leaders in both parties have expressed support for and we expect them to make infrastructure a top priority early in the new year.”

Along with offering support, many industry leaders hope to build relationships with newly elected officials in the hopes of raising awareness of issues, like workforce shortages and trade issues with China. It is no secret that there is a big need for workers in the industry. Sandherr backs this up, stating, “We will work with the next Congress to double, over the next five years, federal investments in career and technical education. Our economy is producing too many underemployed college graduates and too few people with the skills needed to pursue high-paying construction careers.” Johnson also weighed in, saying that those in the recycling industry need to take time to communicate what they want to their state legislators and councilors. It is important to remember that there is no Republican garbage or Democratic garbage. Everyone has garbage and everyone should be striving to make the industry work better, for those working in it, the people it serves, and the environment.

The Disappearance of Public Recycling Centers

Public Recycling Centers have been disappearing across the country. In some states, such as California where residents pay a five to ten cent deposit on beverage containers, this issue is even bigger because residents are having a hard time recycling. When consumers recycle these items, they are refunded the deposit. If there is nowhere to recycle them, they are left paying to throw the item out. This program, in California and nine other states, was designed to encourage people to recycle. However, within the last year, 350 recycling centers have closed in California alone.

Why are these recycling centers disappearing? According to the Consumer Recycling Institute, “certified redemption centers lost $20 million in 2015 due to inadequate state payments.” In addition, plastic and aluminum prices have fallen and state subsidies are not covering these decreases. According to California’s state recycling program, CalRecycle, the price of plastic has fallen from $400 a ton 18 months ago to about $190 today. Paper has been in a downward slide for several years. Aluminum prices have also fallen due to oversupply and lower demand from China, which has been one of the largest buyers of recycled materials from the United States.

Essentially, it is too costly to keep these small recycling centers open.

In addition to the fall in prices of scrap materials, China’s ban on importing recyclables is beginning to have a major effect on the U.S. recycling market. Each year, the U.S. would export approximately one-third of scrap recyclables, with China purchasing about 13.2 million tons of scrap paper and 1.42 million tons of scrap plastics. Now, with the closure of so many local recycling facilities, there is nowhere for these materials to go but the dump.

For the centers that are still open, the higher demand is not necessarily a good thing. Many residents that still attempt to recycle put pressure on the existing centers. These centers, which are often small, are struggling to meet the demand with little help from the state. To try and meet the demand, many of these small centers are having to hire more workers. With the increase in costs and the decline in value of scrap materials, these centers struggle to make a profit.

UC Berkley lecturer Steve Weissman stated that since the prices of scrap materials fluctuates, it is crucial for the long-term success of recycling efforts to have more consistency in redeeming options for deposits on cans, bottles and scrap metal. He said, “policies that could help maintain that stability and predictability of the market could be an important factor to help balance out issues like fluctuating prices.”

In time, perhaps policies will catch up and help solve the issue. For now, both local and global challenges make the future of local recycling centers look bleak.

The Issue of Trash after Hurricane Florence

When Hurricane Florence crashed into the east coastline last week, flooding abounded. More than 30 inches of water accumulated in some areas. Now that the floodwaters are receding, another major problem is beginning to pile up: garbage. Many areas affected by the storm have only recently had roads opened for vehicles. This means that not only could people not get their trash out, but garbage trucks could not get in. According to Michael Regan, N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Secretary, “Hurricane Florence carved a long, slow path of destruction…and the true impacts have yet to be seen as many are still waiting for rivers to crest and recede. In some areas, people are returning home, beginning to clean up and trying to figure out what to do with storm debris.” For those in the affected areas, state environmental officials have offered guidance for debris disposal following Hurricane Florence:

Storm Debris 

County or municipality waste disposal services should haul all storm debris waste, including that from homes or other buildings, to a permitted municipal solid waste landfill. According to Michael Scott, the director of North Carolina’s waste management division, “many counties and municipalities will continue to pick up limbs and other debris piled along the curb. Using local government pickup and disposal services will ensure that waste material is disposed of in a manner that protects public health and the environment.”

Remember that any debris placed at the curb should be divided into three separate piles:

1.       Yard debris (ex: tree limbs)

2.       Household garbage (in approved containers)

3.       Construction and demolition debris

You should only place debris at the curb if your local disposal service provides curbside pickup as part of its regular operations. In some cases, specific storm collection programs are established.

Keep in mind that household trash and recycling should be separated from storm debris. Storm debris should not be placed in garbage bags because it will prevent storm debris removal companies from seeing what is inside. This could result in the bags being left behind. Instead, place storm debris at the curb in separate piles. For safety and to ensure proper removal, do not block roadways or storm drains.

Household Hazardous Waste

Household hazardous waste, such as glue, paint, cleaners, pesticides, and fertilizers, should be properly disposed of. If not, they can pose a serious threat to public health and the environment. All household hazardous waste should be brought to a household hazardous waste collection center for disposal. If there is not a permanent collection center in your area, there may be a special temporary collection center. For a complete list of household hazardous waste examples, as well as temporary and permanent collection sites, visit https://www.epa.gov/hw/household-hazardous-waste-hhw.

Appliances, Televisions and Electronics

Appliances, televisions, computers, and other electronics may not be allowed in landfills in your state. However, some counties and municipalities have collection programs for such items. Before placing these types of items at the curb, check with your local solid waste department for guidance on proper disposal.

Open Burning

Burning trash may not be permissible in your area, especially man-made materials like tires or plastics. These items can contain hazardous materials and could impact your health and that of the community. Smoke from large burn piles can also be a hazard. If allowed under local ordinances and no public pickup is available, landowners can burn yard trimmings and other natural debris.

China Nixes Plastic Imports: What Will the U.S. Do With Its Plastic Waste?

Beginning in January 2018, China’s new “National Sword” policy banned plastic waste from being imported. The Chinese government stated that this law was passed in an effort to protect the environment and people’s health.

Before the passing of this law, China imported more than 106 million metric tons of the world’s plastics from countries like the U.S., Japan, and Germany. This large amount of plastic, about 45 percent of the world’s plastic waste to be exact, has been exported to China since the early 1990s. China profited from this arrangement by taking plastic waste and recycling it, then creating new products for export.

Now that China refuses to take half the world’s plastic, what will happen to the leftover waste?

According to the authors of a new study published in Science Advantage, it is already beginning to pile up. Amy Brooks, lead author of the study, stated, "We have heard reports of waste accumulating in these places that depend on China,” with some of it ending up in landfills. The study estimates that by 2030, 111 million metric tons of plastic waste will be displaced because of this new ban.

Other countries, like Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, are still importing and recycling plastic. For example, the U.S. sent an estimated 137,044 metric tons of plastic to Vietnam in 2017 alone. However, many of these countries "lack the infrastructure to properly manage it." In fact, according to Jenna Jambeck, another of the study’s authors, Vietnam has already capped how much waste it will take. The country announced that it would not accept any more imports of plastic until October.

Jambeck noted that, “Not one country alone has the capacity to take what China was taking. What we need to do is take responsibility in making sure that waste is managed in a way that is responsible, wherever that waste goes — responsible meaning both environmentally and socially." This could be a tough undertaking for some countries, like the U.S., Japan, and Germany. These countries top the list of exporters of plastics. Between 1988 and 2016, the U.S. exported an estimated 26.7 million tons of plastic. Surprisingly, the U.S. is not the number one exporter. Hong Kong is the biggest exporter of plastic waste, at an estimated 56.1 million tons. For countries like these, it is more economical to export plastics than to recycle them.

Since the rapid expansion of disposable plastics in the 1990s, particularly single-use containers, exports of plastic have steadily grown. Yearly global exports grew 723 percent, to around 15 million megatons, from 1993 to 2016. To minimize this, measures will need to be taken to lessen the amount of plastic waste, particularly eliminating the number of single-use containers being produced. Marian Chertow, the director of the program on solid waste policy at Yale, stated, "There's a tremendous shift in the market when China won't take half of these plastics. I really think that this export mindset that has developed in the U.S. is one that has to change."

Waste Elimination: Sweden vs. The United States

While trash disposal may seem like a dirty business, Sweden sees it as one of the “cleanest.” In Sweden, waste-to-energy incinerators are used to burn trash and convert the “waste” into energy. Since 2002, the country has adopted a ban on putting biodegradable waste in landfills. This has resulted in a number of waste-to-energy plants appearing across the country. Burning waste has become so popular in Sweden that some 700,000 tons of garbage a year has been imported to help produce energy and heating for many of its cities.

How Does It Work?

While waste-to-energy incinerators are popular in Sweden, they have remained a controversial topic among American environmentalists. There is much debate over waste burning in the US, as many fear that it will slow recycling rates and increase air pollution. However, research in Sweden has shown that these issues have not turned out to be issues at all. In fact, only 1 percent of Sweden’s waste ends up in landfills, while half of it is recycled, and the remaining 49 percent is burned in waste-to-energy facilities. In fact, Sweden’s recycling rate is double that of the United States’.

During the burning process, steam is created which turns a turbine and produces up to 18 megawatts of electricity. Byproducts, like bottom ash, is sorted for metals and recycled as fill for construction projects, like roads. Air emissions are cleaned through a series of filters and come out below the permitted pollution level. Many experts claim that waste-to-energy plants are the cleanest and most efficient of its kind in the country. In addition, it is compatible with other forms of waste disposal, like recycling.

So what’s the real reason Americans have not been quick to adopt this form of waste elimination? It likely has to do with money. There are many cheaper forms of energy and cheaper ways to dispose of waste in the U.S. While the U.S. sits on a wealth of fossil fuels and has wide open spaces for landfills, Sweden is a much smaller country and does not.

Should America Burn Its Waste?

According to Edward Humes, author of Garbology: Our Dirty Love Affair with Trash, North America has over 3,500 landfills, a solution that is not sustainable considering the average American throws away more than seven pounds of garbage a day. While our landfills grow, the debate continues to rage about finding a more sustainable solution. Currently, 77 waste-to-energy plants operate in 29 states, burning about 12 percent of the U.S.A.’s trash per year. However, due to high operating costs, regulation hurdles, and resistance, the last plant to be built in the U.S.A. was in Palm Beach County, FL. Many argue that North America should take a similar approach to Denmark, which opts for small-scale plants that contribute to a sense of neighborhood pride. Though these plants do contribute to CO2 emissions, eco-friendly Copenhagen’s plant releases an awareness-raising steam ring for every ton burned. This encourages people to recycle so fewer rings are released. Perhaps more communities in the U.S.A. could take this approach.

Global Trash Solution and Environmental Stewardship

Global Trash Solutions (GTS) has established a company goal of reaching “zero waste” emission. We not only reduce, reuse, and eliminate waste at our corporate office, but we also encourage our customers to do the same. We help them make a more positive impact on the environment by analyzing their waste processes, determining what can be eliminated, and helping them find better alternatives. Our waste management experts help clients find the right equipment for waste reduction and elimination. If you are interested in these types of services, please contact a knowledgeable representative at GTS today.

Renting vs Financing a Commercial Compactor

If you own a business, such as a quick serve restaurant, you know that you produce a lot of waste. Garbage, recycling, and hauling fees likely take up a large percentage of your budget each month. Rather than throw away money, consider the benefits of a commercial compactor. A commercial compactor can help reduce your waste costs in several ways, including:

•  Less garbage space – When you compact your waste, it takes up far less space. This can greatly reduce your waste costs as haulers typically charge based on weight and/or capacity.
•  Lower removal frequency – The less a hauler has to come and remove your trash, the more money you will save.
•  Better sanitation – By minimizing and compacting waste, you can increase the cleanliness around your dumpsters and better contain the unsavory side effects of accumulated waste, such as smell.

These are just a few of the benefits you can enjoy by using a commercial compactor. If you have decided that this would work for your business, you may be wondering if it is better for you to rent or purchase one. Below, the experts at Global Trash Solutions (GTS) have laid out the pros and cons of both renting or financing a commercial compactor to help you make the best decision for your business.

Renting a Commercial Compactor

There are several great benefits to renting as opposed to purchasing a commercial compactor. The main benefit is that because you do not own it, you are not responsible for maintenance costs. The rental company will make any necessary repairs and maintenance. In addition, a rental company makes the process easy for you. Unlike getting approval for financing, renting does not dig into your financials as much. As long as you are a viable business, you should be approved. This might be a good option to consider if you are a new business that does not have the clout to get financing to purchase one just yet. There are also other benefits to renting. If you decide to rent a baler, for example, you might be able to offset rental costs in exchange for commodities. Depending on what you are using it for, it is possible the rental company may want the end product that you produce. Renting may also be a good option if you do not own the property your business is located on.

However, there are a few cons that you should certainly consider when determining if renting a commercial compactor is right for you. The main drawback is that you do not own it and will be required to make monthly rental payments for it as long as you use it. A compactor is likely a necessity for your business, whether you buy it or rent it, because it reduces your waste bill. If you ever get rid of it, your bill will increase. Once you see its many benefits in action, it is highly unlikely that you will want to get rid of it.

Financing a Commercial Compactor

Because of these cons, you should strongly consider purchasing a commercial compactor over renting one. Depending on the type of compactor you purchase, you can plan to spend between $12,000 and $85,000. Most businesses do not have that much cash on hand for one purchase. In instances like this, it is likely that you would choose to finance the compactor instead. Financing offers you a few great benefits. While you will have an interest rate and pay more, you have the option to pay over time instead of coming up with a huge sum in one go. Once purchased, the compactor will be yours, and you will not have to worry about paying a rental fee each month. Each monthly payment on your financed sum will be going towards your investment, not simply profit in someone else’s pocket.

How Can I Rent or Finance a Commercial Compactor?

If you are interested in renting or financing a commercial compactor, GTS is happy to offer either service. The average life of a commercial compactor is 10-20 years, depending on the type of equipment and how it is maintained. This is a great span of time for such a large investment. We have a one-page application for financing and will get you a reply within 72 hours.

In addition to financing our compactors, we can also offer you an extended warranty on financing and maintenance coverage for the first year. After this time, we can work out a maintenance plan to ensure you get the most out of your investment.

At GTS, our team of consultants will guide you to the best decision for your business. We will explain why we suggest one option over the other and ensure that the cost of the unit does not exceed the savings it offers.

If you are interested in saving trash space, hauling costs, and even helping the environment, contact the experts at GTS about their wide range of services and products, including the world’s best indoor trash compactor. Call us at (866) 760-8194, send us an email to newsletter@globaltrashsolutions.com, or visit our website https://globaltrashsolutions.com/ today.

Global Trash Solution’s Environmental Stewardship Philosophy

Global Trash Solutions (GTS) has a company goal to reach “zero waste” emission. At our corporate office, we reduce, reuse, and eliminate on a daily basis. We also extend this philosophy to our customers.

One way we help our clients make a better environmental impact is to analyze their waste processes and determine what can be eliminated. For example, we encourage our retail clients to reduce waste through the elimination of Styrofoam packing materials. We not only encourage elimination, but also help them find better alternatives. One alternative is promoting the use of recycling over trash services. A big area clients and the environment can benefit is through the recycling of old corrugated cardboard (OCC). We also promote single stream recycling, where all items including glass, aluminum, plastic, and paper are put together for pickup. In many cases, we find that recycling services are a cheaper alternative to using only trash services. It is also the most beneficial option for the environment. If a client was not previously using recycling services, we will encourage them to begin doing so.

Our experts can also help clients find the right equipment for waste reduction and elimination, such as a baler, which compacts and ties trash. This effort has the added advantage of producing waste that can be sold for reuse. We also offer audits to showcase waste minimization numbers, which have great advertising potential for clients. When your clients want to see what you are doing to help the environment, you can easily show them.

We deal with a variety of chains, from McDonalds to Macys, which makes these environmentally beneficial efforts easier to duplicate. While organic waste is biodegradable, food chains still produce waste like cups and other packaging materials. We work to eliminate as much waste as possible by encouraging our clients to move away from non-recyclable materials and use recyclable materials instead. Retail chains have an advantage over food chains, as they can get the closest to zero waste emission. Through recycling programs, including single stream which allows you to combine all recyclables in one bin, to baling and selling packaging materials, retail chains can reduce waste and potentially make money.

As stated, our company’s environmental philosophy is to reach zero waste emission. We have set goals to move toward solar power, electric cars for company officers, increasing recycling efforts, and even creating a compost pile outside our headquarters. We not only have these goals for our company, but also strive to help our clients reach zero waste emission. By taking our recommendations and working towards zero waste, our clients can reduce and, in many cases, even recoup costs, which is beneficial to both them and the environment.

GTS Sponsors SE KFC Franchisee Association Spring Meeting

For three action packed days, Global Trash Solutions’ representatives, Leif Erickson and Brandon Neil, met with KFC owners in Atlantic Beach, Florida for the SE KFC Franchisee Association Spring Meeting. Their mission was to share GTS’s Waste Cost Savings Plan with KFC owner operators from all over the country. During this time, Erickson and Neil not only took the opportunity to speak one-on-one with KFC owners, but also present a slide show on the benefits of GTS savings plan.

The presentation was well received and thought provoking. During the presentation, Erickson discussed how GTS has developed a method to make trash and recycling services far more manageable for clients, while also preventing wasted revenue and even generating client savings. Erickson related well with KFC’s owners, especially on the topic of being overcharged by their waste hauling services. He explained that the talented consulting team at GTS not only helps clients just like them uncover inefficiencies and savings, but also can leverage their nationwide relationships to gain clients much lower hauling rates.

Erickson was able to really drive the point home by explaining how the Waste Cost Savings Program has saved GTS’s clients over thirteen million dollars over the past ten years. He pointed out that some KFC clients have saved sixty-two percent on their waste and recycling costs, with invoices in one case dropping from eight hundred dollars to just three hundred dollars per month based on GTS’s recommendations. Erickson went into great detail concerning the mechanics of GTS’s Waste Cost Savings Program, beginning with how GTS sets a benchmark for savings by examining current waste hauling invoices, then uncovers savings and inefficiencies, and finally lowers hauling rates to meet fair market value.

At the end of the presentation, Erickson encouraged the viewers to stop throwing their hard-earned money into the dumpster. This catch phrase was reflected at the team’s booth where they passed out $2.00 bills with the tagline “Don’t leave money on the table.”

The team will reappear at the Atlanta conference in November, where they will once again present their valuable Waste Cost Savings Program and the opportunity for owner operators to save on their waste and recycling costs.

If you are interested in saving trash space, hauling costs, and even helping the environment, contact the experts at GTS about their wide range of services and products, including the world’s best indoor trash compactor. Call us at (866) 760-8194, send us an email to newsletter@globaltrashsolutions.com, or visit our website https://globaltrashsolutions.com/ today.

Great Pacific Garbage Patch

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch was initially discovered in 1997 by oceanographer Charles Moore while sailing home to Southern California after finishing the Transpacific Yacht Race. He stated, "I was confronted, as far as the eye could see, with the sight of plastic…In the week it took to cross the subtropical high, no matter what time of day I looked, plastic debris was floating everywhere: bottles, bottle caps, wrappers, fragments."

A three-year study conducted by The Ocean Cleanup Foundation and published in Scientific Reports recently confirmed this find, and stated that the giant mass of garbage is now double the size of Texas. Scientists estimate that this floating island of garbage is 1.6 million kilometers in size, which is 16 times larger than previous estimates.

Where Did All The Garbage Come From?

The recent study was conducted by an international team of scientists, six universities, and an aerial sensor company. During the study, the group surveyed and collected trash using devises to measure the found objects. An aircraft was also used and fitted with sensors to collect 3D scans of the “island.” By the conclusion of the study, the group had collected a total of 1.2 million plastic samples and scanned more than 300 square kilometers.

They found that the huge, swirling pile of trash is made up of many different things. Almost half of it is comprised of “ghost nets,” or discarded fishing nets. Another 20 percent is thought to be debris from the 2011 Japanese tsunami. The majority of the pile contains larger objects, while only 8 percent is estimated to be microplastics (pieces smaller than 5 millimeters in size).

In a statement from The Ocean Cleanup Foundation, Chief Scientist Julia Reisser said that, "We were surprised by the amount of large plastic objects we encountered…We used to think most of the debris consists of small fragments, but this new analysis shines a new light on the scope of the debris.”

The principal research scientist for the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) in Australia, Britta Denise Hardesty, participated in a previous study and found that discarded fishing gear made up a significant amount of marine plastic pollution worldwide. Her study estimated that 640,000 tons of fishing gear is lost to the marine environment each year.

“The Trash Isles”

Because the patch is so large, environmentalists have called on the United Nations to declare the Great Pacific Garbage Patch a country, naming it the "The Trash Isles," complete with its own passport and currency, called debris. In addition, environmentalists have solicited 200,000 people to become citizens, including celebrities Sir David Attenborough, Chris Hemsworth, and Gal Gadot. The first citizen was former US vice president and environmentalist Al Gore. While done in jest, this move hoped to raise awareness of the ever growing issue in the Pacific.

Can Anything Be Done?

Even though Hardesty’s study had found that fishing gear made up the majority of marine pollution, she stated that, "lt's not fair to just blame it on the fishermen or the top 20 countries for mismanaging waste...Instead we need to look at the true value and cost of plastics, and factor in the costs of livelihood and tourism." She went on to conclude that plastic pollution in the ocean is both visible and trackable, helping scientists document it. However, people can help slow it down by recycling and limiting their purchase of plastics and other single-use items. She encourages all to “think about mindful alternatives.”

GTS Fleet Expansion

Global Trash Solutions (GTS) is pleased to announce that we are adding to our fleet of service vehicles. With this new addition, GTS is now able to offer Florida customers around the clock service for the GTS2000 compactor, as well as other manufacturers’ compactors. Our certified and trained technicians will fix compactors on site anywhere in Florida, the same day. We can fix any type of compactor issue, including common problems like electrical and hydraulic work. Being experts on a wide range of compactors, GTS technicians can repair common electrical problems, such as control panel issues, and hydraulic work, including replacing cylinders, pumps, and hoses. Whether welding or motor replacement or repair is needed, our skilled technicians can handle it. We will thoroughly troubleshoot the problem the same day you call and repair the issue as quickly as possible.

A History of Stellar Service

Our network of skilled technicians at GTS have the experience and know-how that our customers have come to expect and need. With over 30 years of experience in both construction and manufacturing, you can benefit from our technicians’ extensive skill sets.

When we get a call about a repair or service need for our GTS2000 compactor or other manufacturer compactor, we send the right technician for the job at a time that is convenient for our customer. Each technician has the knowledge and skills to make any needed repairs or service, or offer solutions for replacements. All issues are resolved within a three-day time period, with an individual report provided to each customer that includes recommendations for future replacements or services. We ensure that our customers’ equipment continues to operate efficiently and effectively.

We service both large and small companies, including many quick serve restaurants like Dunkin Donuts, IHop, Starbucks, Chipotle, Subway, Panera, McDonalds, Burger King, and Wendy’s. We have also branched out to include other types of businesses, like Macy’s, Marriott, Family Dollar, and Neiman Marcus. No other company can provide customers this level of service.

Service to Meet All Customer Needs

With the addition to our fleet, our nationwide network of experienced service technicians are immediately dispatched to troubleshoot and begin making repairs or service machines within 24 hours. Not only do our technicians arrive faster than other services, but they are skilled, always bringing the right tools and knowledge to get your compactor running smoothly once more.

With highly trained and experienced technicians, GTS is an industry leader in waste equipment repair. We can service any make or model in compactors quickly and effectively. If you need a service or troubleshooting and repair, be sure to call us at (866) 760-8194. With the addition to our fleet, all Florida customers will now receive same day, on site assistance with any repair or service.

For more information on Global Trash Solutions, send an email to newsletter@globaltrashsolutions.com or visit our website at https://globaltrashsolutions.com/.

Why Bottle Deposits Work For Some States

Beverage container deposit laws, also known as “bottle bills,” are designed to reduce litter, functioning as a deposit-refund system for beverage containers. Currently, ten states have these types of laws in place, including:

·         California

·         Connecticut

·         Hawaii

·         Iowa

·         Maine

·         Massachusetts

·         Michigan

·         New York

·         Oregon

·         Vermont

Deposit amounts vary from two cents to 15 cents, depending on the type of beverage and volume of the container.

How Do “Bottle Bills” Work?

Bottle bills were originally introduced in Oregon in 1971 as a way to address the growing litter problem along the state's beaches and highways. Since then, other states have passed similar laws. Bottle bills require the state to offer a minimum refund on beverage containers as a way to increase recycling efforts by consumers. When a retailer buys beverages from a distributor, a deposit is paid to the distributor for each container. The consumer then pays the deposit to the retailer when purchasing the beverage but will receive a refund of that deposit when the empty container is returned to a redemption center. The distributor will then reimburse the redemption center the deposit amount for each container, plus a handling fee.

Benefits of Bottle Bills

Along with getting a small amount of money for each bottle returned, there are other benefits to these bottle bills. Studies by the Container Recycling Institute have shown that states with bottle bills have much higher material recovery rates, which keeps container litter off the streets and supports the recycling industry. Because glass and plastic can be recycled, replacement production, which also creates more pollution, decreases. The guaranteed monetary incentive of receiving the deposit back also increases the likelihood that consumers will return the bottles, which keeps them from going into the landfill.

Why Don’t More States Have Bottle Deposit Programs?

Bottle Bills tend to be far more popular with consumers than with manufacturers and retailers. This is because consumers receive a 100% refund on their deposit fee, while manufacturers have to pay it. Because of this, bottling industry lobbying groups work hard to fight against these types of laws, saying that curbside recycling is a better way to handle the issue. According to the American Beverage Association, “Comprehensive recycling programs, like curbside collection, provide an easy and effective way for consumers to recycle their household waste, including beverage bottles and cans…Yet, some argue that these convenient and effective voluntary programs don’t go far enough. Data shows these deposit programs are costly, inconvenient and compete with more successful voluntary recycling efforts.” However, in many states, curbside collection efforts for glass have become problematic, as most of it ends up in the landfill rather than the recycling plant. This is because it is not usually cost effective for manufactures to recycle glass. However, recycling data has shown that both systems, when combined, guarantee the highest rate of glass recycling, and by default all recycling efforts. Many experts encourage states to keep their bottle bills in place, and not bend to the bottling industry’s lobby efforts.