I was on the subway today when I saw these lovely trash cans.
I've heard rumors about all our trash being sorted and recycled, but is it true? Why not have separate bins? I did some digging and I thought I'd share what I found out. Apparently, all the trash goes to a place in NJ called All American Recycling in Jersey City. It gets sorted on conveyer belts and 25 people pick out the trash that can get recycled. 40% of the trash can actually be taken out and recycled! Which is about 7100 tons! That's lots!
Click here to see an interview with a lady who followed the trash to the recycling center and explaining why separate bins wouldn't help the situation (which is debatable).
So, it's true! Pretty impressive.
So, it's true! Pretty impressive.
That's all!
Niki
i offer a hearty THANKS to you, my friends at superforest, for checking into this! i noticed that a few weeks ago while i was waiting for a train at columbus circle and was quite confused. its good to know all that potentially recyclable rubbish isnt necessarily going to waste. strong work!
ReplyDeletenamaste.
--deanna :)
Well, Niki, we recycle about 90% of our stuff - we have three different trash bags to fill (one for composting, amongst others) and on every block, there's a recycle center for batteries, glass, metall, porcelain etc.
ReplyDeleteEnvironmental as that is, it still requires you to gather enough stuff to fill a car for the trip to the recycling center to be worth it...
But hey, every small step in the right direction is a good step, right? :)
I must agree taht trash & recycle comingle anyway. In my town we have a two barrel system where they are attached: 1 side is clearly marked trash, the other clearly marked recycle. Every time I pass it you will find me fishing a Starbucks plastic cup off the top of the trash side & placing it in the appropriate side. It is good to know that NY will pioneer a real effort to ensure those mistakes don't happen.
ReplyDelete