First Challenge!

Hey, this is Angela, Jasmin, Madhu, Wesley, Jen, and Katherine. We're part of the Lexus Eco Challenge!

Our first challenge is Land, and the topic we've picked is landfills, waste management, and recycling. And we've decided to take on the challenge of recycling.

Practically, we can't go around to everyone's houses and approach everyone around us, so that's what the Interweb is for. This way, we can even reach people on the international level.

Recycling is returning a product or material to its usable raw state and making something new out of it.

I know a lot of people around here aren't really sure what to recycle, and it really is kind of hard to tell. A very common misconception is that we can put construction paper in the recycling bin, but it's a big no-no!
We all have a big green recycling bin [if you don't, keep on reading, you can find out how to get one!], but do we know what goes in and what goes out?
Curbside recycling usually accepts aluminum cans, glass bottles, paper, plastic, and tin cans. Please remove lids and rinse the containers and flatten plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and cardboard drink containers. Corrugated cardboard can be recycled, but be sure to cut them into smaller pieces. Some cities offer curbside pick up of chipboard [cereal boxes, toilet paper rolls, macaroni boxes]. Be sure to check out your city to make sure what specifically your city or town recycles.
In Cary, curbside recycling guidelines can be found right here.

If you have old cell phones, computers, printers, TVs, or other electronics, don't just throw them away! Electronics are recyclable. Old electronics in landfills are very dangerous because they contain heavy toxic metals that cause serious health issues. Some cities like Cary offer curbside pick up of old electronics. Old electronics can also be donated.

Is compost the first word that comes to mind when you think recycling? Not for me... But! Compost can greatly decrease the amount of garbage you send to a landfill, and it provides you a great fertilizer for your garden. There's no need to have a bin for a compost, just a pile will work. Two main components of your compost will be green plant debris [grass clippings] and brown debris [dry leaves]. Anything can go into the compost EXCEPT animal waste, meats, oils, and dairy. So start adding your potato peels, leftover salads, and apple cores into your compost!

Motor oil, paint, and batteries are all recyclable. Many things in your garage could be recycled and turned into something new. Most of these things aren't included in curbside recycling, but many locations are set up in the community for the drop off of these items.
In Cary, used motor oil can be picked up for no charge if you call the Public Works and Utilities Department at (919) 469-4090. Laser printer cartridges can be refilled or recycled.

I hope we've all learned something new about recycling!

If you need a recycling bin, get in touch with your municipality, and they'll surely provide you with one.

Knowledge is power. =]

—Angela