How do we start recycling in the city?

Question

I live in a condo, and we have trash bins, but nothing for recycling. I really want to start, and I do not know how to get one. Even if I can get one, will the trash people collect it? How do I know what to do with it? None of my neighbors know either.

Answer 1

In some cities, recycling is collected by the city itself, and in others it is collected by your trash company. So first you have to figure out who picks it up- I would call the trash co. first. Some places provide you with a recycling bin, others allow you to just use your own trash can marked "recycle".

Don't forget to ask specifically what they will collect. Some take only certain plastics and cardboard.

Good for you for taking the initiative...every little bit helps.

Answer 2

You could look up who is in your city counsil and write a letter or petition that is signed so they can consider looking at a change for the city.  You might want to make suggestions and tell them what influence you have towards going green and what you would like collected and endorsed.

It's a popular thing these days so there are many resourceful ways to make steps towards recycling.  Good luck.

Answer 3

first create you own stuff by recycling your things then have your own garage sale..I think you'll going inspire them if they'll see good things ans stuff thats made of cycled things....

Answer 4

I am assuming when you say recycling, you mean inorganic waste like metals and plastics - for that a garage sale is indeed a very effective idea as answered by someone already. Also, in India we have scrap collectors (not garbage collectors) who collect such stuff from your house and then sell it to either small industries which recycle or even sell it to other customers who find use for the second-hand material. It is a system which works well, this is why low-income societies are actually very earth-friendly.

If you meant for organic waste as well, start a composting bin - you could do it on your terrace or balcony. Keep a pet which can take care of wastes. I have 3 hen which feed on kitchen scrap and free-range in my garden ... they are nice & plump and give me good eggs.

If you are ready to go the whole distance - see this site http://www.jenkinspublishing.com/humanur... I cannot say I have tried this yet, but am planning to - the book is very thorough, well written, compelling.  

Answer 5

It depends on who picks up your trash. Many times you must pay for your own recycle bin. You can always contact your city officials in order to try to get a recycling program started but you might already have one in your area: http://www.recyclingcenters.org/  

There are many other places you can turn in bottles and cans for money and they are VERY small (the one in my city is located behind our grocery store and is the size of a classroom) and hard to miss so get on the internet to find them.