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.