Recycling & Trash-sorting in California
Blog post description.
CHANGING HABITS
CalRecycle
CalRecycle is a state agency that manages waste and recycling. Their website offers up-to-date information, news and updates about recycling and getting involved. "Nearly all CalRecycle regulations are found in Title 14 and Title 27 of California Code of Regulations..." (California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery)
Whether you're questioning how to recycle old electronics, how to make your business greener, or ways to get involved, understanding the state laws is a great place to state. Visit CalRecycle.ca.gov for more guides and resources.
Goals of Recycling
Reducing waste is the biggest goal of recycling. This is achieved by using the material old products to fully transform them into something new. Think of an old, used bottle being repurposed into a new, freshwater bottle. Or a crinkled-up soda can become a sleek, shiny can again. This is the idea of a circular economy, where products are kept in the cycle for as long as possible.
The circular economy method of production is cheaper and energy efficient than production from completely new material. Choosing to recycle also diverts waste from entering the landfill or incinerators - both of which are becoming increasingly more expensive to operate and maintain.
Challenges
A common challenge in recycling is non-recyclable materials entering the batch. When non-recyclable materials are combined with recyclable materials, a cross-contamination can occur. If the contamination is severe enough, products can be sent to the landfill or incinerator in lieu of being recycled.
Greasy pizza boxes are common product that typically cannot be recycled. While the pizza box, or cardboard, itself is recyclable, it no longer so once grease has absorbed into it. The grease provides extra difficulty during the recycling process and "... can significantly weaken the resulting recycled product." (Institute for Local Self-Reliance)
California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle). Laws and Regulations. State of California, https://calrecycle.ca.gov/Laws/Regulations/.
Institute for Local Self-Reliance. Can you Recycle Grease Pizza Boxes? IERE, 2021, Can You Recycle Greasy Pizza Boxes? - The Institute for Environmental Research and Education