Ways To Minimize Your Use Of Plastic

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Take a minute to think about all of the products and materials you come into contact with each day - which would you say you use the most? Paper? Plastic? Glass? While all three are likely a big part of your day, we bet plastic is one of the more popular - just think about how many water bottles you drink each day alone!

But since plastic consumption is something that environmental efforts are constantly trying to reduce, we want to encourage you to begin minimizing your use of it as well; here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Bring your own reusable bags when taking a trip to the grocery store. Although it can be convenient to use the bags provided when you check out, bringing your own is much healthier for the environment!
2. Keep a mug or reusable water bottle by your side to limit how many plastic beverages you reach for when you're thirsty. To further cut down on your plastic use, you might even consider purchasing a water filter for your home so that you don't have to stock your fridge with plastic products.
3. Avoid using plastic silverware at home, especially when you have guests over. Even though you might spend more time filling your dishwasher or cleaning the dishes by hand, it will be time well spent since it is a result of reducing plastic waste!
4. Buy things in boxes rather than bottles whenever possible. Why? Not only is cardboard easier to recycle, but the less bottles you buy, the less plastic that goes to waste!
5. Purchase a lunchbox to help with the transportation of food to and from work or school. With that in mind, make an effort to only pack items that don't use plastic packaging in there as well!

Although at first it might seem like plastic is unavoidable, the truth is that there are many alternatives that you can use each and every day. What steps will you take to reduce your plastic consumption?

Boro-Wide Recycling is a full service recycling and waste management provider. For more information on how we can help you with your recycling efforts, check us out at www.borowide.com or contact us at 718-416-1656.

Tips For Recycling Plastic Bottles

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

When you think about the materials you use each and every day, we bet plastic is at the top of your list (or close to it). Between using water bottles to stay hydrated, plastic sandwich bags for your lunch and grocery bags alone, plastic is a popular consumer good that all too often winds up in the wrong place. Do you recycle all of the plastic in your home?

Since the list of plastic materials can go on and on, today, we'd like to focus solely on plastic bottles. Below are a few tips that you can use to help you become a better plastic recycler -

1. Always start by checking what number plastic your bottle is. Since there are different types of plastic out there, and since each has their own rules and regulations when it comes to recycling, you'll want to be sure that what you plan to recycle is accepted at your local recycling facility.
2. Once you've figured out what type of plastic your bottle is made from, the next step should be preparing it for recycling. That means rinsing the bottle to make sure there is no residue left over from what was inside and removing labels/caps when necessary.
3. Seek out recyclable plastic products when shopping - again, this comes back to knowing the number of your products and understanding what can be recycled by your waste management team. If you continue to choose products that cannot be processed by your facility, you will continue to contribute to landfills.

So what can we learn from all of this? As one of New York's recycling and waste management teams, we hope you'll take away how important it is to know and understand which items can be recycled and where. That way, you can make better choices when purchasing products and dispose of them properly. 

Do you still have questions about recycling plastic bottles or plastic in general? If so, visit us on Facebook and Twitter to ask us today!

Boro Wide Recycling is a full service recycling and waste management provider. For more information on how we can help you with your recycling efforts, check us out atwww.borowide.com or contact us at (718) 416-1656.

A Guide To Recycling Codes: Plastics 1-3

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

 

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.

Why some recyclables just dont mix

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Not all plastics are created equal.  This has been evident to New Yorkers for some time now.  It is sometimes confusing trying to decide which plastics qualify for the recycling bin.  Some may not completely understand why they have to make this distinction.

The answer is polymers.  Different molecular structures, called polymers, determine all the properties of any given plastic.  Some plastics will melt at 325 degrees, while other may reach 720 degrees before they begin to melt.  Still other thermoset plastics, like desktop computer bodies do not melt at all.  Some plastics refuse to mix with other polymers when melted, which limits how they can be recycled and reused.  The main goal of recycling plastic is to reform the material into a new product, so recycling processors must take all of these characteristics into consideration when deciding which types of plastic they will accept at their facilities.  Recycling is a business like any other, and they weigh the costs against the benefits.  For example most cities do not accept Styrofoam because it is light weight, air filled and the transportation costs outweigh the economic benefits of recycling it. 

Separating your recyclables can be just as important as any part of your recycling process.  To learn more about the differences in polymer structures of plastic and how effects the way you recycle, please visit http://goo.gl/XSC1tM.

For any of your waste disposal and recycling needs, residential or commercial, contact Boro-Wide Recycling.  Like us on Facebook and Follow us on
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