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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 Target Accepts all types of car seats, including infant, convertible, and booster seats Accepts expired or damaged car seats Offers a 20% off Target Circle™ Bonus toward a new car seat, stroller, or other baby gear Has drop-off boxes near Guest Services You can check their website for announcements about their car seat recycling events Walmart Offers car seat takeback recycling events Allows you to trade in a used or expired car seat for a discount or gift card Mail-in programs Carseatrecycling.com offers a mail-in option Terracycle offers a paid recycling service for baby gear, including car seats Car seat ←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→

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→