Celebrate Global Recycling Day
Global Recycling Day is an annual event on March 18 (Monday) that helps to acknowledge that recycling is a key part of a circular economy that helps to protect the environment and Earth's natural resources.
Global Recycling Day started in 2018 to bring a different perspective to what gets thrown away. It is a way for people to recognize the importance that recycling plays in preserving primary natural resources.
The city of Arcata encourages residents to celebrate Global Recycling Day by avoiding “wishful recycling” by properly sorting their recyclables in their recycling bin, avoiding contamination of materials when recycling and reusing recyclable items whenever possible.
“Wishful recycling” is when people toss items into the recycling bin, hoping that they are recyclable without knowing if they are recyclable in their area. One way to ensure that items are recyclable is to visit Recology's “What Bin” web page, whatbin.com.
According to a city of Arcata press release, “Sorting recyclables properly and avoiding wishful recycling is critical to keeping recyclable material out of the landfill and avoid contamination. In addition to properly sorting items into the correct bin, recyclables should be clean and dry when placed loosely in the bin. This is important because if recyclables are contaminated by food or other materials, they cannot be properly recycled when they arrive at the facility. It is a huge cost of time and money to separate out contaminated items, so contamination can result in otherwise recyclable items being thrown away. This then adds to the already huge amount of waste heading to our landfills.
“If trying to get rid of larger items or items that are not allowed in a curbside bin, such as electronics, mattresses or batteries, there are several recycling facilities across Humboldt County that can accept these items.
“Finally, remember that green waste materials should go in the green waste bin or hauled to a green waste drop-off facility to avoid ending up in a landfill.”
The city's press release suggests that “Instead of recycling an item, consider reusing it around the house. Examples include using jam jars as drinking cups, organizing cables by using bread bag tabs, using aluminum cans as pen organizers and creating waterproof lint logs by reusing toilet paper rolls and dryer lint.”
For more information, call the city of Arcata's Environmental Services at 707-822-8184.