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Pandemic Recycling Data Shows Big Spikes in Cardboard Boxes, Aluminum Cans, Bottles
With at-home consumption up significantly during the last year, Republic Services offers an Earth Day reminder to properly recycle e-commerce and beverage containers
PHOENIX (April 15, 2021) – This Earth Day, Republic Services is releasing pandemic recycling data showing significant increases in the recycling of cardboard boxes, aluminum cans and plastic and glass bottles over the last year, reflecting a shift in consumer behavior to more at-home consumption. All of these high-demand materials can be put back into the circular economy through proper recycling methods.
“The pandemic’s effects were clearly seen in home recycling bins,” said Pete Keller, vice president of recycling and sustainability. “We know that Americans are willing to recycle and are becoming more aware of their impact on the environment, so it’s vital that we continue to help consumers understand what can and cannot be recycled this Earth Day and beyond.”
Since the beginning of the pandemic, online shopping has risen to new heights – and those cardboard boxes have shown up in recycling bins, with a 63% increase in residential cardboard in some markets. In addition, households have been consuming more food and beverages at home, resulting in significant increases in recycled aluminum (17%), glass (13%) and plastic bottles (7%).
Organic waste, which includes food and yard waste, also experienced a major increase, as people cooked and did yard work while at home over the last year. Republic Services processed 20% more food and yard waste in 2020 and recycled this organic material into more than half a million tons of nutrient-rich compost.
Recycling is a simple way that everyone can be more sustainable in their daily lives, and it’s important to know how and what to recycle. Visit RecyclingSimplified.com for recycling tips, videos and other materials, as well as recycling curriculum for educators.
For more information about how consumers can bring Earth Day into their everyday, visit RepublicServices.com/earthday.
This article was provided by Republic Services. You can find the whole article here https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8683452-republic-services-earth-day-recycling/
The plastic bag ban was originally set to take effect on January 1st 2021, but due to the Corona Virus the ban has been delayed until the State of Emergency declaration has been lifted. To find out more information check out the Department of Ecology's webpage here.
The state of Washington now has a paint recycling program! This new program designed was by paint manufacturers, with oversight by the department of Ecology's Solid Waste Management program. PaintCare is the manufacturer’s stewardship organization that operates this program. The program allows Washington residents to get rid of unused and unwanted paint for free. You are still able to drop off paint at the Hazardous Waste Center in Everett for a fee.
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To find a paint care collection center, check out their website here. You can type in your zip code and find the most convenient collection center. |
Do you have any ideas or suggestions about how to make this newsletter better? Are you involved in or know of any recycling events in our area? Please send an email to mshipley@lynnwoodwa.gov and reference the Recycling Newsletter.
The city of Lynnwood's recycling education program, including this newsletter, is funded in part by the Washington State Department of Ecology.
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