NYC Welcomes New Recycling Facility!

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

According to Waste Management World, Sims Municipal Recycling has officially opened a new, $110 million Material Recycling Facility (MRF) in New York City. This state of the art facility, claimed to be the largest in the U.S, has come to pass as a result of a contract between Sims Municipal Recycling and the New York Department of Sanitation. To help the city with its recycling efforts, the facility's primary function is to collect all of the metal, glass and plastic recyclables that come from existing curb side recycling programs and sort them in a more manageable way.

Located in Sunset Park, this new plant has been built to process 1000 tons of recyclable material each day. However, rather than store processed products here, the sorted materials will be shipped to different markets all around the world, bringing new economic activity to the city. Additionally, thanks to its waterfront location, it will be much easier for materials to be transported by barges, which in turn also creates jobs for those in the area.

Not only is this facility helping the environment due its occupational nature, but it is also keeping with the tradition of "going green." Designed by Selldorf Architects, the buildings are made from 99% recycled American made steel, and were built to be elevated by a blend of recycled glass and crushed stone.

Way to go NYC!

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.

Recycling Tips for Everyone!

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Image courtesy of
digitialart/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Although it might not be obvious, almost everything we buy and use can be re-purposed or recycled to some degree. When it comes to taking action, it's important to realize that recycling isn't just limited to tangible items - it can even be applied to concepts such as water and energy. Whether you're recycling physical items or working to conserve Earth's natural resources, every bit counts in keeping our environment happy and healthy. The following is a list of initiatives you can take to improve your recycling efforts and help preserve our planet:

1. Look for the "Energy Star" label when buying new appliances.
2. Learn to compost and then practice it! 
3. Use rechargeable batteries.
4. Donate old magazines to doctor or dentist offices.
5. Turn off all electronics when you're not using them.
6. Take shorter showers or use low-flow shower heads to conserve water and energy.
7. Only use the washing machine or dishwasher when you have a full load of wash.
8. Use plastic or reusable mugs for water or coffee instead of buying new ones each time.
9. Reduce paper and ink by using both sides of the paper.
10. Look for items made from recycled materials.

For more recycling tips, click here.

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.

Ways to Repurpose Items for Interior Decorating

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

If you've performed your annual spring cleaning, you've probably found unused or unwanted items that seem to have no purpose anymore. However, a lot of times, items that we think are deserving of a trip to the trash can often be re-purposed. In fact, many of our household items can be redesigned into decor that can light up your home in new and exciting ways. If you're looking for interior decorating ideas, consider these DIY decorations before making a trip to your local home goods store:

Candle Holder: For this decoration, take one old spoon or ladle and bend it so that the piece can lean upright against a piece of wood with the bottom bowl facing upwards. Then, attach the silverware to the wood, and insert your candle into the bowl of the spoon!

Coat Hanger: For a single coat hanger, take an old paintbrush and bend the bristles so that the point is facing upwards, similar to that of a hook. Then, stiffen the bristles so that they stay in an upwards position and hang the brush on your wall!

Curtain Tie Backs: If you've gone through your closet and found an old belt that you no longer use, consider curtain tie backs; it's simple! Start by pulling your curtain to one side, then tie the belt around the center and secure the belt once your curtain fits comfortably!

Cabinet Knobs: Make your cabinet knobs unique by using old household items. This can be done with any item, such as old silverware or old jewelry!

For more creative interior decorating ideas, click here.

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. 

Grow Your Garden: Popular Flowers to Plant in Spring

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Image courtesy of criminalatt / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Now that spring is finally upon us, it's the perfect time to begin growing your garden. While flowers and well manicured gardens are aesthetically pleasing to the eye, did you know that they are also helpful in sustaining our natural environment? Often we are too busy basking in the beauty that gardens bring that we forget how flowers and other plant life are essential for certain environmental processes to take place. In fact, without plants and flowers, we would be lacking something that has the ability to take in the carbon dioxide we emit and produce more oxygen for us to breathe!

This spring, bring your garden to life by planting some of the season's most popular flowers; it's a great way to help the environment while also beautifying your home! The following is a list of some popular spring flowers for you to plant:

1. Pansy: This type of flower thrives in cool weather; perfect for spring!
2. Lilac: Always a garden favorite, lilac's bring beauty and a great fragrance!
3. Daffodil: Start your spring with a garden full of beautiful, bright daffodils.
4. Tulip: Whether you're going for a formal or casual garden, tulips emit a natural grace that can make any garden shine.
5. Oakleaf Hydrangea: Oakleaf Hydrangeas usually bloom in late spring, and provide a unique shape and size that is sure to stand out in your garden.

For more spring flower ideas, click here.

If you're looking for a unique way to increase your efforts to better the environment, start by planting a few of these flowers this spring and watch how the air clears up around you!

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.

Simple Ways to Reduce Waste

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Image courtesy of tungphoto / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

In addition to recycling, another great way to be environmentally conscious is to reduce the amount of waste we produce each day. Too often, waste products end up in landfills even though they can be reused or recycled. As a result, products are wrongly treated and more energy is needed to create new ones.

While the concept of "waste" and the act of throwing things out is unavoidable, the amount of waste we get rid of can be reduced in a few simple ways. The following is a list of ways that you can reduce the amount of waste you produce:

- Use reusable bags when shopping and use a lunchbox or plastic containers for your food to avoid throwing away paper or plastic bags.

- When shopping for certain products, choose ones that can be returned or reused over ones that can only serve its purpose one time.

- Buy in bulk; avoid purchasing individually wrapped or single-serve items.

- Select products like dish soap and laundry detergents that come in concentrate forms.

- Compost your food scraps and yard waste.

- Eliminate junk mail to reduce the amount of paper you throw out each day.

- Carefully select the clothing items you use. Check that the product is make from quality materials that will last long, and when an item is no longer useful to you, give it to a friend or donate to a local charity or thrift store instead of throwing it out.

- Buy items that are made from recycled contents and make sure to use them as much as you can. For example, always use both sides of a piece of paper.

The next time you bring an item to the trash can, think before you act; ask yourself, "can I reuse this item in anyway?" Chances are, you can! Over time, you're sure to find that you've significantly reduced the amount of waste you produce each day!

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. 

Green Mother's Day Gifts for Mom

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Image courtesy of jscreationzs / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Are you looking for ways to say thanks to Mom this Mother's Day? With Mother's Day approaching quickly, it's time to decide how you will show your appreciation to mom for all that she's done throughout the year. The following is a list of popular Mother's Day gifts for you to consider this year:

1. Reusable Tote: Give mom the gift of going green by selecting a cotton tote bag that she can use every time she heads to the supermarket. To make it more personal, look for a blank canvas tote and use fabric markers to decorate it.
2. Plant, Don't Pick: Flowers are one of the most common gifts given to moms each year on Mother's Day. This year, instead of giving mom a pre-made bouquet, plant flowers for her or with her. This way, she'll get to enjoy her flowers all summer long!
3. Recycled Jewelry: Instead of spending your life's savings on a piece of jewelry, take this opportunity to make your mom her very own unique necklace or bracelet made out of jewelry that she, or you, no longer wear. A personalized piece of jewelry is sure to go a long way.
4. Spa Day/Products: Research local spas and see which of them offer eco-friendly services; talk about the gift of relaxation! If you can't find a spa in your area that offers this option, consider hitting your local pharmacy and select eco-friendly spa products that mom can use at home.
5. Wine and Chocolate: Two of mom's favorite things! And the good news? Certain brands make these products using organic ingredients, and even better, they're good for you! Check out your local health food store and select the items you think mom will like best.

For more eco-friendly Mother's Day gifts, click here.

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.

How to Conserve Energy at Home

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Image courtesy of
digitalart/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), when we conserve our energy resources, we help to keep our air and environment clean. Conserving energy also helps to protect our climate since it reduces the amount of green house gases we emit each day. Although it may seem like we must constantly use energy for the purposes of lighting our homes, using electronic equipment, and heating or cooling our homes, conserving energy at home can actually be easier than you think! The following is a list of 10 ways that you can conserve energy in your home:

• Turn off any lights that you are not using. This means turning off the light every time you leave the room for a period of time.
• Install dimmers, timers, or motion detectors on outdoor lighting systems so it only turns on when necessary. If you keep your lights on overnight, make sure to turn them off first thing in the morning.
• Change or clean your heating and cooling filters regularly to keep systems running efficiently. Make sure to get it inspected every year as well.
• Install a programmable thermostat to regulate your heating and cooling when you're not home.
• Plant trees outside of your windows in order to provide shade for your home on hot, summer days.
• Use washing machines and dishwashers only when you have a full load of items to be washed.
• Instead of ironing your clothes, remove clothes from the washing machine when they are slightly damp and hang them up to dry. This helps to reduce wrinkles and eliminates the need for ironing.
• Choose small appliances such as a toaster over larger ones such as an oven whenever possible.
• Bake with glass or ceramic pans - this allows you to set the temperature 25 degrees lower than a recipe calls for.
• When shopping for any appliance or electronic device, choose products that are labeled "Energy Star."

For a complete list of actions you can take, click here

When it comes to conserving energy at home, the possibilities are endless. And don't think your efforts will go unnoticed. By making just small changes to your everyday routine, you can make a difference!

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.  

Top 10 Items to Recycle

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Image courtesy of scottchan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

While environmental issues are constantly changing, recycling is an action that is always helpful to preserve our planet. According to Green Waste, the average person produces about 4.5 pounds of trash every day. While approximately 75% of solid waste is actually recyclable, it appears that only 30% of it is actually recycled. To help you with your recycling efforts, we've collected the top 10 most important items to recycle - check them out below!

1. Aluminum: Aluminum cans are 100% recyclable, and in fact, they can be recycled multiple times! See our previous blog for a list of aluminum made materials that should be recycled.

2. PET Plastic Bottles: Did you know that making plastic out of recycled resources actually uses two-thirds less energy than making new plastic? Plastic bottles are the most commonly used form of plastic, which often makes them the easiest to recycle! Make sure to especially recycle your water and soda bottles.

3. Newspaper: By recycling newspapers, you can help to conserve resources, save energy, and reduce the amount of waste in landfills! So, once you've finished reading, make sure to recycle instead of tossing your paper into the trash.

4. Corrugated Cardboard: Old corrugated cardboard makes up a significant portion of the waste in our commercial waste stream. Any boxes received from UPS or other delivery services should go straight in the recycling bin once items are emptied.

5. Steel Cans: Steel cans are similar to aluminum in that they can be recycled multiple times without altering the steel's quality. In addition to aluminum products, our previous blog also lists steel materials that should be recycled.

6. HDPE Plastic Bottles: HDPE stands for high-density polyethylene - a common, more dense plastic commonly used for detergents, bleach, shampoo, and milk jugs. This material can be identified by a logo on the bottom of the container. Before recycling, check the number that falls within the logo, since specific numbers (3-7) are only recyclable in certain areas.

7. Glass: Recycling glass containers helps to significantly reduce air and water pollution while also saving energy. Any glass bottles, containers, or products should be recycled.

8. Magazines: Though magazines seem to be composed of a different paper than newspaper, that doesn't mean it's not recyclable! Any old magazines should be placed in the recycling bin along with your newspapers.

9. Mixed Paper: Essentially, any product made of paper belongs in the recycling bin!

10. Computers: Depending on your location, computers can be recycled in a couple of ways. If your computer still works, consider donating it to a friend or family member. If it is entirely unusable, locate a recycling center in your area that accepts electronics to keep your e-waste out of landfills.

By making an effort to recycle each day, you help to improve the quality of the environment that surrounds us. The next time you use any of these items, make sure you think before you act and send them to the recycling bin instead of the trash!

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.