Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Oops, 404 Page Not Found TAKE ME HOME!

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Oops, 404 Page Not Found TAKE ME HOME!

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Recycle & Diposing Methods Car Seat Plastics Identification and Recycling Chart Let's begin with an intriguing fact: the number symbols that you find inside triangles on plastic bottles and containers are not cryptic recycling codes. Instead, they were established by the Society of Plastics Industry (SPI) to merely indicate the plastic resin content, not as identifiers for recycling. Regardless of their original purpose, these numbers offer a more precise means of identifying plastics compared to guesswork. Different municipalities and private recycling companies collect various types of plastics, so it's essential to verify which types are accepted. In total, there are seven primary types of plastics. Typically, most recyclers accept plastics labeled as #1 and #2 . Plastics marked as #3 to #6 are more challenging to recycle, and some recycling centers may not process them. Plastic labeled as #7 is even more challenging to recycle and is almost always excluded from recycling programs. Samples of Embossed Identification Grade identifications are generally embossed on the bottom of plastic containers 01 PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) PET is an exceptional plastic, renowned for its exceptional clarity, strength, and lightweight properties. It boasts high recyclability when compared to other plastics. Nevertheless, PET is primarily engineered for single-use applications, and multiple uses can heighten the risk of chemical leaching and bacterial growth. 02 HDPE (High-Density Polyethyle ne) HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) is extensively utilized for various applications, including milk containers, motor oil containers, shampoos and conditioners, soap bottles, detergents, and bleaches. It's a widely employed plastic and ranks among the safest options. Moreover, HDPE is fully recyclable and commonly repurposed into composite wood or plastic lumber through recycling processes. 03 PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) PVC, frequently employed for its flexibility in plastic food wrapping, is usually not accepted by the majority of consumer recycling programs. It is recommended to steer clear of reusing PVC products, particularly for purposes such as food storage or children's use, since they contain toxins that can potentially leach into the contents over the entire lifespan of the product. 04 LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) LDPE, which stands for Low-Density Polyethylene, is a versatile and robust plastic celebrated for its transparency, chemical resistance, and waterproof properties. This material is prominently featured in the production of plastic bags and can be encountered in various items, including shrink wraps, dry cleaner garment bags, and numerous other products. LDPE is generally deemed safe for a wide range of applications and is free from harmful chemicals like BPA or phthalates. However, employing LDPE for food storage in high-temperature environments can lead to chemical leaching. While LDPE is recyclable, it's worth noting that recycling facilities for LDPE are generally limited in availability. 05 PP (Polypropylene) Polypropylene (PP) plastic finds widespread use in the manufacturing of margarine and yogurt containers, potato chip bags, cereal bags, and an array of other products. Although PP is recyclable, it's essential to be aware that not all recycling facilities may accommodate it. Nevertheless, PP is generally considered safe for reuse, making it a promising avenue for mitigating plastic waste. 06 PS (Polystyrene) Polystyrene, commonly found in disposable Styrofoam™ drinking cups, takeout containers, packing peanuts, and various other applications, poses significant environmental and health concerns. While some forms of polystyrene can technically be recycled, most municipal recycling programs do not accept it, leading to its widespread presence in landfills—where it is estimated to account for a significant portion of plastic waste. Additionally, polystyrene is lightweight and breaks down easily into small fragments, making it a major contributor to marine pollution and a hazard to wildlife that may ingest it. Reusing polystyrene is generally not recommended due to its chemical composition. It has the potential to release styrene, a substance classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a possible human carcinogen, especially when heated in a microwave or exposed to hot foods and liquids.** Items typically packaged in plastic containers, canned foods, toiletries, menstrual products, thermal printer receipts, household electronics, eyeglass lenses, sports equipment, dental filling sealants should be approached with caution when made from #7 plastics, given the potential presence of BPA. Sources: acplasticsinco.com , healthline.com , prlrresins.comm, almanac.com , factsaboutbpa.org 07 Polycarbonate (PC), BPA, and OtherPlastics Plastics labeled with #7 should generally be considered non-recyclable or non-reusable due to the presence of BPA, which has the potential to disrupt the endocrine system. Conversely, polycarbonates (PC) represent a durable and versatile group of thermoplastic polymers. These engineering-grade polycarbonates are renowned for their strength and solidity, making them highly sought after for their ease of manipulation, molding, and thermoforming. Applications of Polycarbonates (PC) include: Molds for urethane and silicone casting. 3D printed models for high-temperature applications. Machinery guards. LED light pipes and diffusers. Vehicle headlights. Small vehicle windshields. Bullet-resistant "glass." ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Recycle & Diposing Methods Car Seat What do hazard material disposing sites accept? Find out the nearby collecting locations by clicking here. Acceptable Waste Oil-based paint & Paint thinner Household Batteries Aerosols and House Cleaners Mercury Gasoline, motor oil & anti-freeze Insecticides, herbicides & pesticides Fluorescent light bulbs Expired medications A complete list of ACCEPTED items The Household Chemicals and Computer Recycling (HCCR) facility accepts these chemicals: household chemicals, such as bleach, harsh cleaning materials, drain cleaners, etc. batteries (rechargeable, lithium, car batteries, etc.) oil-based paints, aerosol paints and paint thinners solvents (mineral spirits, stains, paint strippers, preservatives, sealers) unused or expired medications (non-controlled only) compact fluorescent light bulbs and tubes antifreeze motor oil, gasoline, auto fluids herbicides, pesticides and insecticides propane tanks for BBQ grills lead acid batteries all aerosol cans (spray paint, hair spray, etc.) lawn, pool and hobby chemicals mercury (thermometers, switches, thermostats) small fire extinguishers small non-refillable cylinders (NRC’s) The Household Chemicals and Computer Recycling Facility accepts these electronic materials: TV Computer Computer keyboards and mice Printer Fax machine Scanner VCR player DVD player DVD recorder Digital converter boxes Cable and satellite receivers Small-scale services Video game consoles Portable digital music players (mp3 players, iPods, etc.) Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFL bulbs) Non-Acceptable Waste Explosive, fireworks, & ammunitions Fire Extinguisher Needles and Syringes Farm oil & Agricultural Chemicals Propane Tank Smoke Detector Lead Batteries Controlled Substances A full list of the items HCCR does NOT accept: business/commercial sector wastes (residential waste only) alkaline batteries explosives, ammunition, or fireworks latex paint, acrylic and water-based paint ( how to dispose of latex paint ) agricultural and institutional waste smoke or carbon monoxide detectors farm machinery oil cement or concrete household appliances (microwaves, toasters, coffee makers, stoves, refrigerators, washers, dryers, humidifiers, blenders, dehumidifiers, etc.) medical waste (such as sharps, needles, lancets, biohazards) HVAC systems and accessories (air conditioners, furnaces, filters, etc.) radioactive material refrigerants/freons air conditioners tires controlled substances/narcotics large/business copy machines vacuum cleaners films, reels, CD’s, DVD’s, video tapes, cassette tapes, etc. answering machines calculators digital cameras video cameras paper shredders power tools print cartridges stereo equipment telephones typewriters business copy machines ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Recycle & Diposing Methods Car Seat FIRST, IDENTIFY YOUR LIGHT BULB If you are not sure the types of bulbs you have, you need to identify the type first. Here is a comprehensible guide to identify types of lamps by Lamp Plus. Click HERE . If you prefer a video by Illustra Lighting explaining how to identify. Click HERE . Now you know the type of a bulb you are recycling or disposing, check out the following for the proper methods. Compact Fluorescent Lights CFLs are popular for their efficiencies. CFLs use up to 75% less electricity CFLs last up to 10 times longer Life expectancy approx. 10 years CFLs produce 75% less heat, reducing home cooling demands, resulting in higher energy savings. There are 7 states which ban the disposal of CFLs in landfills. Mercury is a precious metal in a limited supply and a necessary component, in CFLs and other electronic products. However, mercury is not harmful when it is intact in CFL but is toxic when it spilled or vaporized. Therefore, CFLs cannot be put into a regular trash bin because it can contaminate landfills and potentially migrate out of landfills to rivers, oceans, and lands. For those reasons, CFLs should be handled responsively and recycled. However, CFLs has been gradually disappearing from stores and been replaced by LED bulbs. The recycling locations of Household Hazardous collection sites could be found with the link HERE . Homedepot , Lowe's , and IKEA also offer. recycling to their customers. Another recycling option would be mail back programs. The following companies offer the services with a charge. Republic Services TerraCycle EcoLights LampRecycling.com WM Lamp Tracker Other local locations in Illinois, click here published by EPA. Fluorescent Light Tubes Fluorescent tubes are popular in commercial and industrial settings. As of June 2022, Illinois.gov websites says "mercury-containing lamps discarded by households are not subject to hazardous waste rules and can be accepted by municipal-waste landfills; however, the Illinois EPA recommends you take these lamps to household-hazardous-waste collection centers." The recycling locations of Household Hazardous collection sites could be found with the link HERE . Another recycling option would be mail back programs. The following companies offer the services with a charge. Republic Services TerraCycle EcoLights LampRecycling.com WM Lamp Tracker Other local locations in Illinois, click here in the site of EPA. LED and HID (High Intensity Discharge) lamps Like other mercury and heavy metal contained bulbs, improper disposable or handling of LED, HID ( High Intensity Discharge) and UV lamps can be harmful to humans and environment. Many households throw away these bulbs , but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency strongly recommends to recycle or dispose properly. The recycling locations of Household Hazardous collection sites could be found with the link HERE . Another recycling option would be mail back programs. The following companies offer the services. Republic Services TerraCycle EcoLights LampRecycling.com WM Lamp Tracker More information on the clean up guidance: http://www.epa.gov/cflcleanup Christmas string lights Nowdays, the majority of the Christmas string lights are LEDs. If you would like to recycle the old ones, you can simply donate at HomeDepot , The following two companies are specializing in Christmas string lights recycling. If they send in string lights for recycling, you would get coupon codes toward the purchase of the new lights. Christmas Light Source (The donation proceeds from its recycling program to Toys for Tots) HolidayLEDs . The following companies offer recycling of household materials in general which would recycle light bulbs. Republic Services TerraCycle EcoLights LampRecycling.com WM Lamp Tracker Warning: cleaning of broken CFLs, LEDs, HIDs and spilled mercury Clean up prep: Have people and pets leave the area/ room. Do not vacuum. Wear a mask and gloves. Never touch Mercury with bare hands. Air out the room for 5-10 minutes Shut off central air or fan. Have the cleaning kit ready. (stiff paper or, cardboard, sticky tape, damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes (for hard surfaces); and a glass jar with a metal lid or a sealable plastic bag) During cleanup Be thorough in collecting broken glass and visible powder. All the cleanup materials must be placed in a sealed container. Collect materials needed to clean up broken bulb After cleanup The container with all bulb debris and materials in a jar or plastic bag need to be temporarily placed in a safe and protected spot outside the home until it will be disposed properly. (a plastic bag will not prevent the mercury vapor from escaping) If there is a choice, avoid leaving any bulb fragments or cleanup materials indoors. For several hours, continue to air out the room where the bulb was broken and leave the H&AC system shut off. More information on the clean up guidance: http://www.epa.gov/cflcleanup Halogen light bulbs Halogen bulbs contain halogen gas and that make them hard to recycle. On September 1st, 2018, the use of halogen light bulbs was banned by the European Union. But that is not the case in While they are still contaminants to environments (relatively less than the others), they are accepted to be disposed in regular trash. Halogen bulbs are made with thicker glass than those of incandescent bulbs. However for the safety of garbage collectors, it is still recommended to wrap it in a paper or place it in a box at disposal. Incandescent light bulbs Incandescent light bulbs are supposed to go into the household trash since the parts are too small and complicated for recycling. If the bulb is broken, wrap the pieces securely in heavy sheet of paper for safety. Article source: Homedepot.com , epa.gov , earth911.com , querysprout.com , christmaslightsource.com , terracycle.com , ecolights.com , lampcycling.com , lampplus.com Video: copyright owned by Illustra Lighting ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Oops, 404 Page Not Found TAKE ME HOME!

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Recycle & Diposing Methods Car Seat Understanding the functions of pigments in plastics To improve plastic recycling rates, it is essential to analyze the factors influencing the recyclability of different plastics. This article focuses on examining the role of pigments in plastics. Pigments are insoluble particles, whether organic or inorganic, blended with polymers to provide specific colors to plastics. While their primary purpose is coloring plastics, pigments also contribute unique properties such as heat resistance, UV protection, flexibility, and more. Pigments are generally classified into two main categories: organic and inorganic pigments. Major performance properties of pigments in plastics Weatherability or aging Light fastness Flexibility, warping, or nucleation Transparency The characteristics and potency of pigments can vary from one type to another. Let's compare organic and inorganic pigments in the context of the color orange. Organic Pigments: Organic pigments consist of carbon atoms forming strong, stable chemical bonds and can be derived from plants, animals, or synthetics. They present challenges in terms of mixing and dispersion, often leading to the clumping of pigment particles, resulting in visual inconsistencies in the final products. Organic pigments are chosen for their ability to provide intense and vibrant colors, although they tend to be relatively expensive. Example 1: Organic orange As you can see on right. There are a few family of orange pigments within organic pigments. They all have unique properties and usages. Inorganic Pigments: Inorganic pigments, primarily composed of minerals, are typically more cost-effective. However, they tend to be more toxic than organic pigments due to the presence of lead salts. Unlike organic pigments, inorganic varieties, including metal oxides, sulfides, and carbon black, disperse more easily within the resin. Titanium dioxide, a widely used inorganic pigment, offers attributes like odorlessness and absorbency. It is employed to enhance whiteness and opacity, serving as a bleaching and opacifying agent in porcelain enamels, providing brightness, hardness, and acid resistance. Inorganic pigments are preferred when high opacity is required. Example 2: Inorganic orange This is inorganic orange pigment. Some colors have more families than the others. Other Unique Pigments Carbon Black: Carbon black stands out as one of the most versatile and widely used black pigments for thermoplastic and anti-static applications, including automotive fuel caps and pipes. It also serves as a common filler in plastics, films, adhesives, and paints. Carbon black is known for its excellent color strength, cost-effectiveness, and UV-resistant properties, attributed to its small particle size and high oil absorption. Its versatility allows it to be used for color modification or tinting. Aluminum Pigments: Aluminum pigments find their application in various polymer types to introduce metallic functionality and enhance aesthetic qualities. Fluorescent Pigments: Fluorescent pigments and light-conducting pigments possess unique characteristics, collecting and re-emitting light, making them valuable in diverse applications. Article sources: https://www.differencebetween.com/what-is-the-difference-between-organic-pigments-and-inorganic-pigments/ https://www.britannica.com/science/titanium-dioxide https://polymer-additives.specialchem.com/selection-guide/pigments-for-plastics Problem with the recycling of black and pigmented plastic! Carbon black's unique characteristic of absorbing near-infrared light creates challenges in the recycling of black plastics. Sorting sensors cannot detect reflections from these materials, resulting in a significant portion of black plastics ending up in landfills. This issue extends to products with darker pigments in general, which often necessitate processing into black or darker shades or disposal in landfills. Additionally, brightly colored items, such as PET, present recycling difficulties because their vibrant hues can contaminate the recycling process, preventing them from being recycled alongside clear or white PET products. ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Recycle & Diposing Methods Car Seat When it comes to glass recycling, it's essential to distinguish between two primary categories: container glass and other glass items. This differentiation arises from the treatment of non-container glass with chemicals aimed at enhancing durability, but regrettably diminishes its recycling potential for products such as windows, mirrors, light bulbs, and glassware. Here are some crucial considerations to keep in mind: Two Types of Glass: Glass can be categorized into two main types—container glass, which remains untreated, and non-container glass, which undergoes chemical treatment to increase durability. These two glass types have distinct melting points, preventing them from being processed together. Handle Glass with Care: Glass items that remain intact hold a higher recycling value, making it advisable to prevent breakage whenever possible. Specialized Recycling: When it comes to windows and mirrors, they typically require specialized processing by construction and demolition (C&D) recyclers due to their unique characteristics. Donation Opportunities: If you have unwanted glass items, consider the option of donating them to artists who specialize in working with glass materials or shops focused on recycled architectural elements. Fluorescent Light Bulbs: Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) possess a significant recycling market, primarily due to their mercury content, a valuable yet toxic metal. Proper recycling of CFLs helps prevent the release of mercury into the environment. In contrast, incandescent bulbs, halogens, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) do not contain mercury, making the cost of collecting and recycling their glass less justified by the material's intrinsic value. Glasses, windows, : non-treated glasses To dispose or recycle large windows: Check local regulations and guidelines. Remove non-glass components if necessary. Consider reuse or donation if the windows are in good condition. Contact local glass recycling facilities or construction and demolition (C&D) recycling centers for recycling options. Arrange for proper transportation to the recycling facility. If recycling is not available, follow your local waste management or landfill's disposal procedures. Prioritize safety when handling large windows to avoid breakage or injury. Bottles, drinking glasses, bowls and etc: non-treated glasses Here are the steps on how to recycle bottles, drinking glasses, bowls, and other non-treated glasses: 1. Rinse and clean: Rinse out any food or beverage residue from the glass containers. Remove any lids, caps, or labels that are not made of glass. 2. Dry the glass: Dry the glass containers thoroughly to prevent mold or mildew growth. 3. Sort the glass: Separate the glass containers by color. Many recycling programs require sorting glass by color to facilitate processing. 4. Place glass in designated bins or containers: Place the sorted glass containers in the designated bins or containers for recycling. If you have curbside recycling, place the glass in the designated recycling bin on your scheduled collection day. Additional tips: Remove any metal lids or caps. These can be recycled separately. Break the glasses into smaller pieces. This will make them easier to transport and recycle. Don't include light bulbs, Pyrex dishes, or mirrors in your recycling bin. These items can contaminate the recycling stream. Light Bulbs For the details of recycling and disposal of light bulbs, click the link HERE . How about eyeglasses and sunglasses According to the World Health Organization, there are over 2 billion people around the world who need eyeglasses but don’t have access to them. So if you have a pair of old but still functional eyeglasses lying around in your closet, don’t throw them away. Donate them instead. Aside from helping people, you’ll also be doing mother earth a favor. They won’t end up in landfills and those plastic rims won’t add up to the pollution in our environment. If you’re planning to donate old eyeglasses, here are the places you can check out: 1. Lions Club International (LCI) LCI is a worldwide community of volunteers engaged in various charitable activities. Learn more about how you can donate to them here . 2. Respectacle Harnessing the power of the internet, this charity connects people needing eyeglasses to those with some to spare. All donations, including prescription glasses, are uploaded to their website. Anyone needing them simply has to log in to their site and browse which prescription glasses match their needs. You can ship your donations or drop them off at their drop-off locations all around the US. Learn more about how you can donate to them here . 3. OneSight OneSight has stayed true to its commitment to eliminating the global vision care crisis. It has helped people from 46 countries and has established permanent vision centers around the world. Learn more about how you can donate to them here . 4. Eyes of Hope Launched by VSP Global, the Eyes of Hope Project aims to deliver eye care to those who need it the most. Aside from mobile clinics, they are also collecting and distributing used eyeglasses around the world. The VSP Eyes of Hope Program accepts used contact lenses too as long as they’re still intact. Some of their beneficiaries include poor communities and victims of natural and manmade disasters. Learn more about how you can donate to them here . 5. The Lighthouse Based in Georgia, this charitable institution distributes recycled eyewear around the globe. They accept all types of eyeglasses in any condition. You can send them used phones and hearing aids too. If you live too far from Georgia and don’t want to ship your donations, they have also partnered with Lions Club International. You can drop off your donations at any Lions collection center around the world. Learn more about how you can donate to them here . 6. Goodwill We all know what Goodwill does. You’ve probably dropped off used clothes at least once in their stores. But did you know you can donate used eyeglasses too? Yes, Goodwill accepts eyewear donations and matches them with low-income members of the community who needs them. They also partner with other charitable organizations to distribute the donated eyeglasses. Learn more about how you can donate to them here . 7. Walmart Most Walmart Vision Centers accept donations of used glasses including prescription, reading, and even sunglasses. You’ll usually find those blue drop-off boxes near the store’s entrance and exit. Just make sure to wrap your eyeglass donation properly so they won’t get damaged inside the box. Learn more about how you can donate to them here . 8. Lens Crafters Primarily known as an eyewear retailer, Lens Crafters also accepts donations of gently-used prescription and non-prescription eyeglasses. In partnership with OneSight, they distribute the donated glasses to visually-impaired people around the world. Aside from distributing eyeglasses, they also have vision clinics where volunteer doctors offer free eye exams and consultations to underprivileged patients. Patients can also get their own made-to-order glasses right on site. Learn more about how you can donate to them here . 9. David Kind Like Lens Crafters, David Kind also sells both prescription and non-prescription eyeglasses. But the company also has a program that lets their customers trade in their old eyeglasses for a $50 discount off their next purchase. The donated eyeglasses are then sorted by prescription and given to someone in need. Their website’s fine print, however, says that the offer is only limited to one per customer. Plus, the brand of your eyeglass donation must also retail for $89 and up. Learn more about how you can donate to them here . 10. Salvation Army Aside from used clothes, Salvation Army also accepts various in-kind donations including old eyeglasses. But they must be clean and undamaged. They sell everything they receive at their thrift stores and use the proceeds to fund their various charity programs. Salvation Army has drop-off centers all across the US. If there is no drop-off location near you, you can also schedule a pick-up on their site and they’ll come and get your donation right from your doorstep. Learn more about how you can donate to them here . 11. America’s Best Another eyewear retailer, America’s Best partners with Lions Club International to distribute gently used eyeglasses to people around the world who need them. You can drop your old eyeglasses in donation boxes located in their stores all across the US. Besides old eyeglasses, the company also partners with nonprofits to collect new and unused eyeglass frames and distribute them to charitable organizations all around the world. Learn more about how you can donate to them here . 12. Local Charity If you don’t want to drive far or ship your donation, you can always give them to a local charity. That way, the eyeglasses won’t have to travel far and will benefit people from your community. Some optometrists also do eyewear donation drives for their patients who cannot afford prescription eyeglasses. You can visit one and inquire as to how you can make a donation. Tips When Donating Old Eyeglasses With many organizations accepting eyeglass donations all across the US, donating eyeglasses can be as easy as grabbing them and dropping them off in donation boxes. But before you do that, here are some tips to make your donation count: Don’t donate broken eyeglasses. This one is pretty obvious. If you’re donating eyeglasses, make sure they can still be used by the person receiving them. Otherwise, it will only add to the workload of the volunteers in the organization you’re donating them to. Pack your donation securely. Remember that eyeglasses are easily breakable. So it’s important to pack them securely so they will reach your intended recipient intact. 3. Eyeglass donations can be tax-deductible if you’re donating to an accredited organization. The amount of tax deduction will be based on the fair market value of the eyeglass you’re donating. Since they’re used, you can’t expect a tax deduction on the original price of the eyeglass. ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Recycle & Diposing Methods Car Seat Drug disposal or donation Unused medication worth billions of dollars ends up being discarded every year. For instance, hospitals dispose of over $3 billion worth of medication annually, while long-term care facilities discard an additional $2 billion worth. Medication in these settings often goes unused due to various reasons like improvement of health condition, dosage changes, care setting changes, or unfortunate events like death. Improper disposal of medications can pose environmental and safety threats. While there are limitations to recycling and disposing of medications safely, there are options available: Option 1) Donate Them to save others in need: There are organizations that specialize in assisting with drug donations and national drug donation laws. https://sirum.org/ https://www.worldmedicalrelief.org/prescription-donations Option 2) Donate them through State Drug Repository Program: In some states with repository programs, you can donate drugs instead of disposing. Prescription drug donation and reuse programs, also known as drug repositories, collect unused prescription drugs and distribute them to qualifying individuals. These programs aim to increase medication access, particularly for underserved populations. It's important to note that while some states have drug repository programs, the FDA has expressed concerns about the donation of unused drugs and does not endorse this practice. This is because the potential end user cannot be assured that the medications were stored appropriately even if the medications are not expired. Proper storage is crucial for many medications to maintain their strength, efficacy, and quality so please keep that in mind if you are considering to possibly donate them. For more information on donating drugs for international humanitarian relief, you can refer to the question and answer sheet provided below. https://www.fda.gov/media/80536/download Option 3) Permanent collection sites: These are locations where you can drop off your unused medicines for disposal. You can find your local drug disposal location by clicking below. https://apps.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/.../main;jsessionid ... Option 4) Drug Take-Back Options Some facilities such as pharmacies, hospitals and businesses are registered with the U.S. DEA to collect unused or expired medicines, including those that contain controlled substances. These collection sites may offer on-site medicine drop-off boxes and mail-back programs. Find an authorized drug collection site near you or call the DEA Diversion Control Division Registration Call Center at 1-800-882-9539. Additionally, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) organizes National Prescription Drug Take Back events on a periodic basis. During these Drugs Take Back Days, temporary drug collection sites are established across the country to facilitate the safe disposal of prescription drugs. Also, local law enforcement agencies may sponsor medicine take-back events in your community. To stay informed about such events in your area, you can reach out to your local waste management authorities or contact your local law enforcement agencies. Please note that these sites do not recycle drugs but instead safely destroy the collected items. If you are still confused or can’t find a location near you, you can Google "drug disposal near me" or "medication disposal near me" to find your nearest drug disposal site. Option 5) Disposing of by yourself (Limited medications) This should be the last option suggested by DEA in order to prevent misuse. Not all the medications are allowed to flush down the toilet. Please read the instruction for proper-self disposal by FDA on the following link. Sources: https://www.fda.gov/media/80536/download Diagram source: NCSL issued in 2022 ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Recycle & Diposing Methods Car Seat Report Finds "Toxic" Chemicals Present in 80% of Receipts from Major Store Chains Most receipts are printed on thermal paper, which contains chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA) or Bisphenol S (BPS). These chemicals can be harmful to the environment if released during the recycling process. Additionally, many receipts are coated with a layer of plastic or contain other non-recyclable elements, making them unsuitable for traditional recycling methods. If receipts are mixed with other recyclable materials like paper or cardboard, they can contaminate the recycling stream, making it difficult to recycle the entire batch. Therefore, You should not put receipts in the recycle bin mainly due to their composition and potential contamination. On the other hand, there are recyclable and compostable receipts, but they are far less common and popular as the thermal paper receipts that most stores use because of the high costs. The EPN's estimate of 80% thermal paper usage in receipts in the USA is based on a survey of businesses in the retail, food service, and hospitality industries. The survey found that 83% of businesses in these industries used thermal paper receipts in 2018. As a result, it is best to dispose of receipts properly in regular waste bins instead of the recycle bin. However, if you want to be more environmentally conscious, consider opting for digital receipts whenever possible, as they help reduce paper waste and the associated environmental impact. Sources: https://recyclecoach.com/.../the-problem-with-recycling.../ https://www.cbsnews.com/.../bpa-receipts-major-store.../ ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Recycle & Diposing Methods Car Seat First Things First: Oil Disposal Safety Tips Before considering oil recycling, prioritizing safety is crucial. Here are two essential steps for proper oil disposal: Cooling Down the Oil: Do not handle hot oil or mix it with any liquid while it is hot. Avoid Pouring Down the Drain: Never pour used vegetable oil or cooking grease down your sink drain, as liquid oil can clog the drain and damage home pipes. Let It Solidify: Allow the oil to cool and solidify by letting it sit overnight or placing it in a securely sealed container. You can expedite the process by putting the pan in the freezer, then scrape the solidified oil into the trash. Filter and Reuse It: You can filter and reuse cooking oil several times, but ensure you strain it into a clean, dry container to remove food particles. Do not store oil in a wet container, as reheating it under these conditions may lead to injury. Recycle (if you can): We use an example of the Chicagoland site as it is featured in the video. However, threcycling sites are available in almost all the states. If you wish to recycle your used oil in Chicago, consider taking it to the Institute of Environmental Sustainability at Loyola, where you can make a tax-deductible donation. They accept oil without requiring you to filter out food remnants. Drop-off information for Loyola in Chicago is as follows: Institute of Environmental Sustainability: 6349 N. Kenmore Ave. Chicago, IL 60660 Monday–Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. **Look for the "Oil Donation" sign in the lobby. Drop off Information at Loyola in Chicago: Institute of Environmental Sustainability: 6349 N. Kenmore Ave. Chicago, IL 60660 Monday–Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Look for the "Oil Donation" sign in the lobby. If you choose not to reuse or recycle your oil, the alternative is to store hot oil in a container, like a glass jar or a metal can. Once cooled, it's safe to place in the trash. Oil collecting site search engine: If you are looking for a location to recycle your cooking oil, google "cooking oil recycle near me." Here are examples of the results of recycling sites in Chicago area. Disposal: Should you decide not to reuse or recycle your oil, you can safely store cooled oil in a container, such as a glass jar or a metal can, and then dispose of it in the trash. For more information, you can refer to sources including ABC7, Recyclecity.com , and Loyola University, Chicago. Bensenville Public Works 717 East Jefferson St, Bensenville Monday-Friday 7:30am-3:00pm Bensenville Public Works 717 East Jefferson St, Bensenville Monday-Friday 7:30am-3:00pm Woodridge-Greene Valley Wastewater Treatment Facility 7900 S. Route 53, Woodridge Public Works Yard (south side of 821 W Liberty) 2nd Saturday of each month from 9 AM - Noon Winfield Township Road District 30W575 Roosevelt Rd, West ChicagoMondays (excluding holidays) 7am - 11am Wheaton Sanitary District 1S649 Shaffner, Wheaton Bensenville Public Works 717 East Jefferson St, Bensenville Monday-Friday 7:30am-3:00pm Downers Grove Sanitary Treatment Center 2710 Curtiss Street, Downers Grove Glenbard Wastewater Authority 630-790-1901945 Bemis Rd Glen Ellyn 24-hour drop-off Household Hazardous Waste Facility 156 Fort Hill Dr, Naperville Milton Township Road District 23W040 Poss St, Glen Ellyn Salt Creek Sanitary District 201 IL-83, Villa Park, IL 60181 ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Recycle & Diposing Methods Car Seat Proper Battery Disposal Batteries commonly used can be classified into two types: rechargeable and single-use batteries. Single-use batteries are designed to hold only one charge before becoming empty. In contrast, rechargeable batteries can be charged repeatedly. As cell phones, laptops, tablets, and cordless tools gain popularity, rechargeable batteries have become more prevalent. However, rechargeable batteries are highly combustible and should not be placed in recycling or regular trash bins. Disposal options vary depending on the type of battery, so let's break them down. Alkaline Batteries - Alkaline batteries should be disposed in regular trash but not recycling bins. - Click HERE find disposable locations near by. * According to the Environmental Protection Agency, alkaline batteries are the only batteries that can be safely placed in regular trash bins. * Alkaline batteries are not considered hazardous wastes or significant recyclable materials. Previous environmental hazards associated with alkaline batteries were due to their mercury content, which has been banned since the 1990s and is no longer present in alkaline batteries. * Recycling of alkaline batteries is possible through mail-in recycling programs available for a fee. Battery Solutions and Big Green Box are examples of such programs. * Alkaline batteries are commonly identified as alkaline, zero mercury, or 0%Hg. Lithium Batteries - Lithium batteries cannot be disposed in neither regular trash or recycling bins - Click HERE find disposable locations near by. * Lithium batteries should not be disposed of in regular trash or recycling bins. * Due to their hazardous and highly combustible nature, it is essential to drop off lithium batteries at facilities that specifically accept them. The HCCRF (Hazardous Component Control Recycling Facility) accepts all batteries except single-use alkaline batteries. * Lithium batteries have gained popularity due to their durability and compactness, offering various benefits compared to alkaline batteries. They are commonly used in coin batteries for watches and are now increasingly found in standard sizes such as A, AAA, C, D, and 9V. * Lithium batteries can be identified by labels such as lithium, Li, primary lithium, or lithium metal. * Because of the various benefits of durability and compactness in comparison to alkaline batteries, lithium batteries are popular. Coin batteries for watches are often lithium. More recently, lithium batteries have been showing up in standard size A-AAA, C, D, and 9V sizes as well. * Commonly identified as lithium, Li, primary lithium, lithium metal Rechargeable Batteries - Rechargeable batteries cannot be disposed in neither regular trash or recycling bins - For your near by drop off sites published by EPA, click HERE . * Rechargeable batteries should not be disposed of in regular trash or recycling bins. * Rechargeable batteries come in various sizes and models, and they can be designed as removable or built-in. * Rechargeable batteries are available in standard sizes as a more sustainable alternative to single-use batteries. * While rechargeable batteries can be cost and energy efficient, it is important to note their potential hazards. Incorrect disposal can lead to explosions or fire hazards, even after the power is drained. Rechargeable batteries have been linked to fires in collection trucks, recycling facilities, and landfills. * ALL rechargeable batteries, including auto batteries and devices with built-in rechargeable batteries, can be dropped off at the City of Chicago's Household Chemical and Computer Recycling Facility (HCCRF) for recycling. * For the HCCRF drop-off sites, please follow the link below. (Note: The HCCRF accepts all batteries except single-use alkaline batteries.) https://www2.illinois.gov/epa/topics/waste-management/waste-disposal/household-hazardous-waste/Pages/collections.aspx Button-cell, coin batteries Button-cell batteries cannot be disposed in neither regular trash or recycling bins- For your near by drop off sites published by EPA, click HERE . * Button-cell or coin batteries can pose a potential swallowing hazard and should be stored out of the reach of children. * When ingested, a button battery can cause damage in three ways: it can create an electrical current, put pressure on sensitive tissues, and leak harmful chemicals. * Precautions for handling button-cell batteries: Place each battery in separate plastic bags or use electrical tape to cover the battery's terminals or wrap it around the Sources: https://www2.illinois.gov/epa/Pages/default.aspx https://batterysolutions.com/ https://biggreenbox.com/ www.chop.edu ←Previous Next→