Thursday, September 25, 2014

A Guide To Recycling Codes: Plastics 1-3

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.
Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656
 
If you've ever looked closely at a plastic container, you've probably noticed the recycling symbol along with a number and letter code located on its exterior. Although most people pay little attention to these codes, they are actually very important to recognize since they tell you a lot about the makeup of the container and its ability to be recycled in your local curbside program.

Are you familiar with each of the codes and which products they're associated with? If not, check out the first three below!

Number 1 Plastics: 
  • PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate)
  • Found in soda bottles, water bottles, beer bottles, mouthwash bottles, peanut butter containers and oven-able food trays
  • These plastics can be recycled through most curbside programs
Number 2 Plastics:
  • HDPE (high density polyethylene)
  • Found in milk jugs, juice bottles, bleach, detergent and household cleaner bottles, shampoo bottles, motor oil bottles, and butter and yogurt tubs
  • These plastics can be recycled through most curbside programs
Number 3 Plastics:
  • V (vinyl) or PVC
  • Found in window cleaner bottles, cooking oil bottles, clear food packaging, medical equipment, siding and piping
  • These plastics can rarely be recycled through curbside programs
At Boro Wide Recycling, we work to keep our planet safe by providing comprehensive recycling services to commercial and residential customers. Join us in our efforts! Contact us to learn how we can help you in your recycling efforts, and don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news in recycling efforts and eco-friendly tips.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Eco-friendly Fall Activities

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.
Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656
 
Today marks the first official day of fall! As you welcome the change in season, you might be starting to plan traditional fall outings like apple picking and pumpkin picking - after all, these activities tend to be fall favorites among many. However, there are so many other ways that you can enjoy the crisp, cool air and changing leaves, and we'll tell you how! See below for a few eco-friendly fall activities that the whole family can enjoy: 

1. Hiking: What better way to surround yourself with the true colors of fall than going for a hike? Hiking is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the beauty of fall and experience all that it has to offer!

2. Farmers Market: Do you have a favorite fall recipe? Pick up the ingredients at your local farmers market instead of at the grocery store!

3. Family Picnic: Rather then dine out, enjoy the great outdoors when you plan a family picnic at your local park! As you pack, make sure that you're using reusable silverware and place settings to help reduce the amount of waste you generate.

What are you looking forward to most about fall? Find us on our Facebook page and let us know!

At Boro Wide Recycling, we work to keep our planet safe by providing comprehensive recycling services to commercial and residential customers. Join us in our efforts! Contact us to learn how we can help you in your recycling efforts, and don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news in recycling efforts and eco-friendly tips. 

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

New Uses For Old Everyday Items!

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

Have you ever thought about all the different products and materials you use throughout the day? As you go through your day to day activities, it's likely that you don't even recognize some of things you use or come in contact with - it just happens naturally! In fact, chances are you don't even pay attention to these items until you need to discard them.

Now ask yourself, has there ever been something you wish you had but didn't? Instead of throwing away everyday items, consider the fact that they could be repurposed into something you've always needed! Check out a few examples below:
  1. Earring Holder: If you're looking for a way to organize your earrings, use the buttons from your old clothes! This is a great way to keep them together and is a simple storage idea if you don't have too much space.
  2. Boot or Shoe Stands: Now that summer has ended, take your old pool noodles and cut them in half to create a stand for each of your boots or other shoes to help them keep their shape.
  3. Cord Labels: Do you have too many cords placed in one power strip? Avoid confusion the next time you need to unplug one by using an old bread bag closure to label each cord!
  4. Shoe Cover: Will you be traveling soon? Use an old shower cap to cover the bottom of your shoes to protect clothing and other items from getting dirty.
  5. Bag Clip: If you're getting rid of old hangers, use the clasps that once held up your favorite clothing and use them to seal chip or candy bags!
At Boro Wide Recycling, we work to keep our planet safe by providing comprehensive recycling services to commercial and residential customers. Join us in our efforts! Contact us to learn how we can help you in your recycling efforts, and don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news in recycling efforts and eco-friendly tips.

Monday, September 15, 2014

Green Tips for College Living

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.
Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656
Are you a college student that's recently moved into their new dorm room? Whether it's your first time living away at school or your last, you probably know that getting settled in can take some time. For example, even though move in day has already come and gone, many students are still on the search for furnishings to put the final touches on the place they'll call home for the next year.

Even though your dorm room isn't your permanent residence, we recommend altering your habits and routines to practice a green, eco friendly, lifestyle in the same way that you would at home. See below for a few ways that you can start to go green in your dorm this semester:
  • Now that it's getting cooler, use your windows or standing fans as alternatives to the air conditioner that might already be installed in your room.
  • Rather than have your own, share your mini-fridge with your roommate. If you live in a suite with more than 2 people, consider one fridge for the common room.
  • Work with your roommate(s) to keep all of your electronic devices in one area of the room. This way, you can use power strips to plug in all of your devices rather than use all of the outlets around the room.
  • Before buying new furniture or decorations, check out local vintage stores to see if you can re use an item that someone else no longer needs.
  • Instead of using air fresheners or other scented plug ins to keep your room fresh, open the windows or use a decorative plant to better the indoor air quality.
At Boro Wide Recycling, we work to keep our planet safe by providing comprehensive recycling services to commercial and residential customers. Join us in our efforts! Contact us to learn how we can help you in your recycling efforts, and don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news in recycling efforts and eco-friendly tips. 

Thursday, September 11, 2014

How To Handle Leftover Paint

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.
Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656
 
Have you ever done some remodeling or renovating and had left over paint cans filled with paint that you no longer needed? After completing a home improvement project, homeowners often find themselves with piles of paint cans that they're not sure what to do with since the proper way to dispose of them isn't always clear. Should I just throw them away? Am I supposed to recycle them? These are common questions that homeowners tend to ask themselves as they look at the collection of cans sitting before them after their project is finished.

To answer your questions and make the process of getting rid of these materials much easier, we've outlined some disposal methods below!
  1. Donate extra paint to charities or organizations that help build or renovate homes for families in need, or, ask your local school district if they have any need for paint supplies in their theater or art department.
  2. Research local disposal events and bring all of your leftover cans and paint products to the specified location that your town allocates for the collection of paint waste.
  3. Dry out left over paint using newspaper or other absorbent materials before considering the can to be trash. Empty metal and paint cans can be recycled, but only as long as they are completely free of the paint that was inside.
Since paint can be expensive (especially when you're looking for a custom color), it's also a good idea to keep it for some time following your project - you never know when you'll need to do a touch up!

At Boro Wide Recycling, we work to keep our planet safe by providing comprehensive recycling services to commercial and residential customers. Join us in our efforts! Contact us to learn how we can help you in your recycling efforts, and don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news in recycling efforts and eco-friendly tips.   

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Recycled Cereal Box Crafts For Kids

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.
Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

Due to its minimal mess factor and easy preparation, many parents choose cereal for their child's breakfast when they have to adjust their morning routines to accommodate them going back to school. However, like all products, once there is no more cereal left to consume, you're left with nothing more than an empty cardboard box.

The next time you finish off a box of cereal, we encourage you to reuse and repurpose it to help reduce the amount of waste produced each day! Check out some cereal box crafts you can do with your children below:

Cereal Box Puzzle
Using the front of your cereal box for your surface, outline your puzzle using a marker dark enough for the lines to be visible. Then, cut out each of the shapes and place them into a bag. Once they're mixed up, work with your child to put the pieces back together!

Cereal Box Map
Is your child in the process of learning the states? Once you've collected a few different cereal boxes, cut out one shape for each state. Then, using a blank map, paste each "cereal state" into their respective places and teach your child their names as you go!

Cereal Box Book Holder
Just in time for back to school, you can also use cereal boxes to create organization tools to help your child in the classroom. For a cereal box book holder, you must first remove the top edges of the box. From there, cut a diagonal line from the side to the top on both the front and back covers to create an opening where your child can easily access their books!

At Boro Wide Recycling, we work to keep our planet safe by providing comprehensive recycling services to commercial and residential customers. Join us in our efforts! Contact us to learn how we can help you in your recycling efforts, and don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news in recycling efforts and eco-friendly tips. 

Friday, September 5, 2014

Top "Green" Myths And The Truth Behind Them

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.
Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656
 
Are you looking to go green and improve your daily routines to incorporate more eco-friendly practices? As you work to change your habits, you'll probably do some research to find out which solutions will guide you towards living a more environmentally conscious life. However, over time, many myths pertaining to the go green initiative have developed, which means some of the information you read may be an inaccurate representation of how to really go green!

At Boro Wide Recycling, we want to make sure that you're finding the facts, not the myths, when it comes to going green. See below for 3 common green myths and the truth behind them:

1. "If I turn my electronics off they won't use any power."
- Although this might seem like the real deal, the truth is that electronics and appliances continue to use power even when they're off. This consumption of power is commonly known as "phantom power," and believe it or not, it can add up to 10% of the energy used at home every day. The best way to save power and energy with electronics is to unplug your devices all together.

2. "Hybrid cars are the only way to be eco-friendly on the road."
- Driving a hybrid car is a great way to go green, but it's not the only solution available. If you aren't in the market for a new car, there are plenty of ways that you can make your current car more fuel efficient in an effort to go green. Getting your car serviced regularly and keeping your tires inflated are just some examples of how you can maximize fuel efficiency in your current situation.

3. "If a product says it's green, then that must mean it's the right choice."
- Actually, terms like "eco-friendly" and "green" are not necessarily regulated when it comes to labeling products. While products with these labels are probably a better alternative to others, you shouldn't assume that they are the best choice without doing some further research.

At Boro Wide Recycling, we work to keep our planet safe by providing comprehensive recycling services to commercial and residential customers. Join us in our efforts! Contact us to learn how we can help you in your recycling efforts, and don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news in recycling efforts and eco-friendly tips.  

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Commercial and Residential Services at Boro Wide Recycling

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.
Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656
 
Whether you're a homeowner looking to remove a great deal of waste or a business that requires waste management services, Boro Wide Recycling has exactly what you need! We offer a variety of residential and commercial services to help our customers mange their waste and dispose of it in environmentally conscious ways all while adhering to strict waste disposal guidelines and regulations.

See below for a brief description of the services we offer to those in the commercial and residential markets:

Commercial:
As a department store, restaurant, manufacturer or professional office, it's likely that you end up with tons of trash both during the week and at its end. To help, we provide container service and loose bag curb pick-up service! Depending on your needs, we are available for pick ups on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.

Residential:
Are you in the process of renovating your home? When homeowners make major architectural changes to their home or thoroughly clean out their attic, basement or crawl space, they are often left with a pile of waste that seems unmanageable. At Boro Wide Recycling, we have the solutions you need to clear your home of the clutter that builds up after making a major change.

To help residential customers, we offer roll-off containers that can be placed in your driveways or on the street. Once they're full, we'll pick them up for you and transfer the waste to our construction and demolition transfer station or recycling facility.

For more information on how we can help, visit us at www.borowiderecycling.com or give us a call at (718) 416-1656 today!