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It is alarming to see the amount of waste entering our landfills increasing at such a high rate. Recycling is an excellent way to reduce the amount of waste cluttering landfills.
Most people are aware that paper, glass bottles, plastic bottles, and cans are recyclable, but there are many more items that can be recycled that have a lower profile. Some important ones are:
Batteries
Rechargeable batteries are accepted for recycling in the Charge up to Recycle! Program. The North America-wide program is run by the battery industry.
Once your rechargeable batteries no longer keep their charge, you can take them to any of these participating retailers: London Drugs, the Source by Circuit City, Best Buy, Radio Shack, Staples Business Depots, and Zellers (there are many others, ask around in your area). The batteries are sent to recycling facilities where the metals are recovered and made into new products.
There are some private companies and municipalities that accept household alkaline batteries for recycling. To reduce the environmental impact of batteries, purchase rechargeable batteries.
Household Appliances
Fridges and freezers should be recycled so that the Freon gas they contain is not released into the atmosphere as Freon destroys the ozone layer. There are facilities that are licensed to remove these gases from fridges and freezers. Ask about such programs in your area.
Most landfills and transfer stations accept large appliances for recycling, such as washers and dryers.
Electronic Waste
Many electronic items contain components that can cause environmental damage when thrown into landfill. Circuit boards contain metals like cadmium, antimony, and lead. Indeed, electronics are a source of heavy metals. The plastics of computer casings release harmful chemicals when incinerated. Many areas in North America have programs in place to recycle old computers, televisions, and cell phones. Ask around in your area.
Unfortunately, landfills are littered with harmful objects that could have been recycled.
By taking advantage of programs that assist with recycling items such as batteries and fridges, you are not only helping to reduce waste in our landfills, helping to reduce pollution and promote a cleaner environment for us and our children.
