Trash Is Not Always Trash: How to Recycle More and Make Money

Altadena, CA. 

We are now in week two of our new Athens Disposal Trash service. As many residents have noticed, we got a rough start. The new cans and welcome packets were delivered in August, as well as our new containers, with specific instructions not to use them until Sept 1. Ok, we got the message. Then with Labor day, we were offset by one day, which is generally what happens. However, with Athens' new system, they picked up Recycling and Green waste cans, only to leave the trash until the next day. "?" I'm not sure what happened, but today, on week two the service has been what they promised. 

With the new service, there were the various questions, and helpful answers, about what their rules were, what they would accept, what they wouldn't accept, and so on. It's ok folks. It's trash, we will get through this. (And don't throw away all of your cans yet)

Upon delivery of the Athens cans (that we couldn't use for a month), I set out on my own personal project to see if the recycling impact would make a difference. I had to find a balance as I did not want to get to the point of being O.C.D. over every piece of trash I threw away. Here's what I did, and what happened.

Remember the cans you've been using? Now you have somewhere to put your CRV recycling. I set up four cans, Aluminum, Glass, #1 PETE, #2HDPE. You bought it, you paid CRV for it, may as well make some change back from it. Athens will do the same with your aluminum, so why give them the money? If you make so much excess money and recycling change doesn't matter to you, donate the cans to a school, church, etc. I have found some hang-ups with milk bottles, as the recycling center at Ralph's will only take them if you have water bottles mixed in with milk containers. I have called Tomra and inquired about policies, and what they say, and they do are two different things. I had a full 32 gallon can of flattened milk containers, and the worker said she would take them, but not give money for them. What I found odd was that she did not put them in the bin immediately. I would not put it past her, that at the end of her day, she took it to another place that does give money for #2 HDPE. If you want to recycle HDPE, go to the recycling center on Lincoln Ave near Super King. They will take it there. 

Back to recycling in general. Over the month of August, I set aside the items that were worth something. I set up a second can in our kitchen that I had everyone make a conscious effort to look at what we were throwing away. Again as I said, I couldn't make myself crazy, but I did as much as I could. Anything that could be recycled, I put in that can. By the end of the month, I had a 96 gallon container full of detergent bottles, tin, cardboard, plastic, etc. Our "trash" volume dropped dramatically. By simply shifting our routine and what container trash went in, we were able to make it with each can provided. 

Everyone has the time, but you have to make a slight effort for this to work and change your habits. If you were going to throw it away, you still are, just in a different can. Your recycling can will fill up, and your trash can will not be as full as you thought it would be. Consequently on week two of service, I didn't have to take my blue can down. I could have I suppose as it's 1/3 full, but we can make it seven more days. It only takes a moment to change. If you haven't rid yourself of all your own cans yet, save the stuff that will bring you some money. You could actually offset your trash bill if you work at it. Also don't forget the backlash. You paid for those cans, and Athens owns the new ones. I forsee many people getting rid of every 32 gallon Rubbermaid container, and come the time they have a party, the thought will be "oh, I don't have any trash cans, I'll have to get one, and go to Home Depot." Think about it. 

Don't over-worry yourself and don't beat yourself up if you miss a window-envelope and feel that you should have taken the window out and recycled it separately. The trash-lords will forgive you. On the note of palm fronds - what ever will we do with those? I'm going to build a tiki-hut in my backyard. 

Recycle. Do some good in your neighborhood.