From tin cans to an old grill, recycling metals preserves natural resources that naturally occur in nature and aren't renewable. Recycling also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and utilizes far less energy and water.
Cardboard is one of the largest, single components of municipal solid waste, yet recycling it uses only 75% of the energy needed to make new cardboard. This is one of the easier items to keep out of the garbage bag and recycle at the Transfer Station.
More than 40,000 tons of plastic and metal is saved from landfills annually as a result of cartridge recycling. If 100,000 used cartridges are recycled, it can save over 21,000 lbs of aluminum, 40 tons of plastic, and 264,000 gallons of oil.
Compact fluorescent light bulbs, old thermostats, and button batteries contain mercury, which is hazardous to the environment and your health. These items need to be disposed of properly and should not be placed in household garbage bags.
Only 50% of the plastic we use is used just once, and then it is thrown away. The average American throws away approximately 185 pounds of plastic each year. The Transfer Station accepts nearly every kind of plastic and recycling it takes up less room in the garbage bag. Throw away less, reuse or recycle more.
The average U.S. citizens throws away 70 lbs. of clothing annually, yet 95% of textiles, worn or torn, can be recycled. The Transfer Station offers many options to recycle used textiles - from tattered towels to old sneakers. Some of the bins are for charities and some are the town's. The money from used/recycled textiles either goes to the charity or back to the Town. Save room in your garbage bag.