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→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Recycle & Diposing Methods Car Seat You can use the following link to find your local drop-off centers which accept can handles, bottle handles, and multipack handles for recycling. paktech-opi.com Recycling Drop-Off Find the nearest PakTech handle and can carrier drop-off locations for easy, eco-friendly packaging recycling. Help us make a difference today! ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Recycle & Diposing Methods Car Seat Why are prescription bottles orange? Prescription pill bottles are typically orange to protect medications from ultraviolet (UV) light, which can degrade their potency. The orange (amber) color filters out harmful UV rays while allowing enough visible light to see the contents. This design also helps identify prescription medications, as the orange bottle has become a standard symbol for such drugs. Additionally, the white child-resistant caps are a safety feature to prevent accidental ingestion by children. While orange is common, pill bottles can come in various colors depending on the medication's sensitivity to light and other factors. Donation Programs Some organizations, such as Matthew 25: Ministries , accept clean pill bottles to distribute medications in developing countries. Major pharmacies often have disposable bins at their stores. Make sure to follow their donation guidelines. ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Recycle & Diposing Methods Car Seat In 2017, a staggering 12.2 million tons were disposed in the U.S., and 80.2% of it went to landfill. How can we improve the situation? Recycling options Donate If the furniture is in a good-vintage condition, you can certainly donate it to a local shop or charity. Other option is give it away to someone who can use it. On Buy Nothing or Craiglist, communities, there are so many furniture given away daily. Sell it There are so many online marketplaces from which you can sell or buy furniture. Here are the list: 1. Craiglist 2. Facebook Market Place 3. Offer Up 4. eBay 5. Etsy Upcycle If you are handy, DIY and upcycling are definitely a great and fun option. There are many inspiring ideas posted on Etsy and Pinterest for inspirations and ideas. Repair and Restoration There are many furniture repair shops. Many valuable vintage furniture are well preserved because of the good maintenance and up-keep. ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Recycle & Diposing Methods Car Seat Let's address a common misconception about what we refer to as "Styrofoam" before delving into its recycling. The term "Styrofoam" is actually a brand name for extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) and is trademarked by the Dow Chemical Company. It's primarily manufactured for thermal insulation, construction, and craft applications and is typically blue in color. We've often used the term "Styrofoam" generically to describe all polystyrene foams, which is akin to calling all orange juice products "Tropicana" or all smartphones "iPhone." So, what is the material used in what we've been calling a "Styrofoam" cup? It's actually called expanded polystyrene (EPS), and it can be molded into various shapes. Therefore, when people use EPS cups, they are not using Styrofoam cups. To eliminate confusion, let's refer to Styrofoam as XPS from now on. XPS (Styrofoam) is not recyclable, but EPS is. The challenge with recycling EPS lies in the difficulty and cost-effectiveness of collecting it for collection companies and local municipalities. Consequently, recycling centers often do not accept packing peanuts. However, there are alternative solutions, as outlined in an article from Stanford Magazine written by Andrew Hellman, "What to do with Styrofoam: the better answer." 1. SELL IT: Various companies purchase EPS (as well as other plastic types) for recycling. You can use a link to find recycling companies near you. Additionally, you can refer to the recycling guide by the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers. 2. DONATE IT: The Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers (AFPR) has published a list of drop-off sites. Alternatively, you can contact the Plastic Loose Fill Council at (800) 828-2214 for information. Mailing in EPS is another option, and a list of companies that accept mail-back EPS is available. While these options may incur costs such as gas or shipping (up to $9 according to AFPR), the EPS will be recycled into office supplies or insulation instead of being disposed of in a landfill. For those seeking more information or assistance, you can turn to the Plastic Loose Fill Council, which can guide you to a drop-off center in your city or provide a list of centers in your state. You can also reach out to their Peanut Hotline for similar assistance. Sources: https://stanfordmag.org/contents/what-to-do-with-styrofoam-essential-answer insurationcorp.com , epspackaging.com ←Previous Next→

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Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Under the significant threats to coral reefs globally, a recent study by scientists at the University of Miami shines a ray of hope for certain coral ecosystems in the tropical Pacific, specifically those belonging to the Pocillopora genus. Based on over four decades of monitoring data from Panama, the researchers discovered that these particular coral reefs may withstand heat stress and maintain coral cover until the 2060s (which I personally feel is not that far away but let's not spoil the good news). The key to their resilience lies in an adaptive response to ocean heatwaves, where these corals adjust their symbiotic algae to include more heat-tolerant varieties. ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back https://new.nsf.gov/.../coral-reefs-tropical-pacific... ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back The findings challenge the narrative of a grim future for coral reefs worldwide, offering a glimpse into the potential for survival and adaptation. Despite the broader challenges posed by climate change and human activities, the study indicates that some coral reefs may possess the capacity to endure and even thrive in the face of adversity. ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back However, researchers caution against assuming these hopeful findings for all coral reefs. While this particular adaptation strategy holds promise for certain ecosystems, the majority of coral reefs may still confront formidable challenges, potentially resulting in a reduction of species. ←Previous Next→

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