Increasing the reduce, reuse and recycling of our waste is going to take some re-thinking about how we live currently. We found some interesting tidbits to share:
-Terracycle partners with large international brands to offer reusable containers called LOOP.
-Why do toothpaste tubes come in outer boxes?
-Cities that have cut 80% of their waste
-Waste to Fuel with a new waste digester in Utah
- The all second hand and upcycled shopping mall in Sweden
-Terracycle partners with large international brands to offer reusable containers called LOOP.
-Why do toothpaste tubes come in outer boxes?
-Cities that have cut 80% of their waste
-Waste to Fuel with a new waste digester in Utah
- The all second hand and upcycled shopping mall in Sweden
MCA has been an active member in the County's Zero Waste Task Force. While the recycling rate is at 50% currently, the County is aiming to recycle 70% of its waste by 2023. Zero Waste is a really big goal and we are proud to work on it with other local stakeholders. The first step in the undertaking has been gathering data- that is why both MCA and the County have undertaken surveys to find out what is working at the household level. Thanks to all those that took the time to participate. The results are below.
A few takeaways:
- Food Scraps make up 21% of total landfill-bound waste in the County. While much of that food would biodegrade to make soil in the right conditions, this does not happen in a landfill. Many respondents want to see curbside composting.
- Residents also want to be able to recycle more of their waste (specifically plastics, styrofoam and bulk items such as mattresses).
-Better education on what can be recycled and why recycling is important was seen by many respondents as a good first step toward waste reduction.
- Food Scraps make up 21% of total landfill-bound waste in the County. While much of that food would biodegrade to make soil in the right conditions, this does not happen in a landfill. Many respondents want to see curbside composting.
- Residents also want to be able to recycle more of their waste (specifically plastics, styrofoam and bulk items such as mattresses).
-Better education on what can be recycled and why recycling is important was seen by many respondents as a good first step toward waste reduction.
Update - New Windsor in Carroll County has tried a "Pay as you Throw" approach to trash and it seems to be working.
MCA is able to work with stakeholders across the County because of your support! Please consider a gift to your small (but mighty!) local farm protection nonprofit with boots on the ground here in Montgomery County. Your gift is tax deductible and much appreciated!
