close

Pollution

Dumpster rentalLocal newsPollutionWaste management

Green Pathways: Mastering the Rules of Recycling for a Sustainable Future

recycling in Oakland

Everyone recycles. Or at least everyone tries! But do you really know how to recycle without doing anything?

Everyone sorts their waste to participate in recycling, or almost. According to the Observatory of Sorting Gestures, 87% of American people say they sort. Only less than half do the s orting systematically, and most also make mistakes in sorting. The result? Only 67% of household waste is recycled!

The problem is that the recycling rules are not always clear and not always well applied. To help you, here are some simple rules to follow for proper sorting. So here are the basics: to sort your waste, there are generally 3 bins: the bin for recyclables, the bin for ordinary waste, and the bin for glasses. As a general rule, it is said that the bin for glasses receives all glass-based waste, that of recyclables receives plastics, paper, cardboard and metal, while the classic bin is made for everything else, this that cannot be recycled (especially food waste). But in fact, it is not that simple! Here are some rules for getting there.

How to sort and recycle

Let’s start with recyclables. First, there is a list of waste that is systematically (or almost) recycled:

  • Cardboard boxes (pasta boxes, cake boxes, pizza boxes and others) provided they are not too dirty or too wet.
  • Papers (newspapers, magazines, flyers) are almost always recycled. The only exceptions are photo papers and wallpaper, which are laminated and benefit from specific treatment that makes recycling impossible.
  • Steel and aluminum (tins, aluminum trays, cans, aerosols), but not aluminum foil which is too thin to be recycled. Similarly, coffee capsules are not recycled.
  • Food bricks (soups, milk, creams and others) which are generally made up of a mixture of cardboard, aluminum and polyethylene.

All these materials are systematically recycled in California. You can therefore always put them in your “recyclable” bin except for the exceptions mentioned above.

How to recycle: plastic is not automatic

Then, you should know that many things that we think are recyclable are not in fact recyclable. In reality, only a small part of our waste is recyclable, including among the materials that are often perceived as such. For what? Quite simply because to be recycled, a material must meet certain criteria: be thick enough, have a particular composition and a specific melting temperature, for example.

Plastics are a good example. We often think that plastics are all recyclable when in fact, this is far from the case. There are dozens of kinds of plastics: flexible, rigid, opaque or transparent, thin or thick. And contrary to popular belief, most are not recycled. In fact, as a general rule, only the plastics used for the manufacture of bottles and other vials are recycled. This means that your water, milk or oil bottle as well as your shampoo bottles or your cosmetics bottles are recyclable, but that plastic cups, plastic tableware or plastic food trays are not!

Be careful however, the rules about plastics can vary according to the municipalities! Indeed, in some cities, which have different sorting systems and infrastructures, the rules may be different and other plastics are sometimes accepted in the sorting bins. To be certain, it is better to refer to the specific rules of your municipality, or carry out a search on Le Guide du Sort here. In Oakland, for example, since 2019, all plastics and packaging can be deposited in the recycling bin, unlike most municipalities. The objective is precisely to manage to set up a collection and recycling channel for these plastics which have not been recycled until now.

As a general rule, it is also possible to leave the caps on plastic bottles when sorting.

How to recycle glass: beware of received ideas

Regarding glass, again things are not so simple. Of course, glass bottles such as bottles of wine, beer, milk or fruit juice can be recycled via the “glasses” bin. But many glasses cannot be recycled: this is the case for glass dishes (glasses, plates or other), Pyrex dishes which have a different melting temperature from glass, light bulbs or even crystal, mirrors, windows and other car windows…

In summary, only the packaging glasses (bottles, jars and flasks) are recyclable, everything else is not! When in doubt, it is better to throw in your ordinary trash to avoid disrupting the recycling channels.

And the rest? How to sort and recycle it?

For the rest, it’s pretty simple: most household waste is thrown away with your regular household waste.

Most plastic or polystyrene food packaging, plastic film, aluminum foil, broken table glasses or even too dirty or too wet cardboard boxes are non-recycled waste that should therefore be thrown in your all-in-one” trash can”. Except of course if your municipality participates in the development of the sector, especially for new plastics (in Oakland and other large cities in California).

This is also the case for food waste for which there is currently no generalized specific channel. On the other hand, it is possible to sort them to make compost (very useful if you have a garden).

What you can’t throw away

Please note, however: many types of waste cannot be thrown away in a conventional bin: this is the case for batteries, electronic equipment and other waste that is hazardous or contains materials that are harmful to the environment or health. For some of this waste, there are specific channels. This is particularly the case for:

  • cells, batteries or light bulbs which are recycled via special channels (via terminals available in supermarkets in particular)
  • medicines to bring back to the pharmacy
  • aluminum capsules for coffee can sometimes be returned to the producer who takes care of them (it depends on your supplier). In some counties, it is now possible to put them in your recycling bin
  • waste electrical and electronic equipment, for which there are dedicated channels. You can:
    • either bring them back to a distributor who has the obligation to collect your old device in exchange for the purchase of a new one
    • either donate it to an association that will take care of its possible reuse
    • either drop it off at the recycling center or at special collection points (find out more from your municipality)
  • edible oils, which can be thrown in your ordinary bin but which it is better, if possible, to deposit in specialized collection points (inquire with your municipality). Do not throw in your pipes: this can clog the pipes and this complicates the treatment of wastewater.
  • engine oils and other waste oils, which must be disposed of at specific collection points, at a garage or in dedicated collection bins (there are some in port areas, for example)
  • tires that need to be returned to a specialist or dealer
  • large waste scrap metal, wood or materials that must be taken to the recycling center

With all these rules, you have everything you need to sort and recycle your waste correctly. So don’t wait any longer! If you need to rent a dumpster for recycling, check https://dumpsterrentaloaklandca.org/. For information about recycling in the city of Oakland, check https://www.oaklandca.gov/topics/waste-recycling. For more information on waste management in the USA, check https://univphoenix.com/waste-management-in-arizona/.

read more
Dumpster rental

Limiting waste in Atlanta Georgia

Atlanta waste management

Why sustainability is such an issue in the American state of Georgia

Sustainability is a pressing issue in the American state of Georgia due to several factors that contribute to environmental challenges and the need for sustainable practices. Here are some key reasons why sustainability is an important concern in Georgia:

Water Scarcity: Georgia faces water scarcity issues, particularly in the northern regions of the state. With a growing population and increasing demands for water resources, it becomes crucial to manage water sustainably. Droughts and competing water needs for agriculture, industry, and residential use pose challenges to maintaining a reliable water supply and balancing the ecosystem’s water needs.

Urbanization and Development: Georgia has experienced rapid urbanization and development in recent years, especially in cities like Atlanta. This growth leads to increased energy consumption, higher waste generation, and habitat destruction. It puts pressure on natural resources, strains infrastructure, and contributes to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the need for sustainable urban planning and development practices.

Climate Change Impacts: Georgia is susceptible to the impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events. These changes affect agriculture, water availability, ecosystems, and public health. Adapting to and mitigating climate change require sustainable strategies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy, and build resilience in vulnerable communities.

Biodiversity Loss: Georgia is home to diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity, including forests, wetlands, and coastal habitats. However, habitat loss, deforestation, and invasive species threaten this biodiversity. Protecting and restoring natural habitats, promoting sustainable forestry practices, and conserving endangered species are crucial for maintaining ecological balance and preserving the state’s natural heritage.

Waste Management: Effective waste management is a critical aspect of sustainability. Georgia faces challenges related to waste generation, landfill capacity, and recycling rates. Expanding recycling infrastructure, promoting waste reduction, and encouraging responsible waste disposal practices are essential for minimizing the environmental impact of waste and ensuring a sustainable waste management system.

Energy Mix: Georgia heavily relies on fossil fuels, primarily coal and natural gas, for its energy needs. Shifting towards a cleaner and more diverse energy mix that includes renewable sources like solar and wind power is necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. Expanding renewable energy infrastructure, implementing energy efficiency measures, and supporting clean energy initiatives are crucial steps towards a more sustainable energy future.

Sustainable Agriculture: Agriculture is a significant industry in Georgia, but conventional farming practices can have adverse environmental impacts. Promoting sustainable agriculture practices, such as organic farming, soil conservation, and water-efficient irrigation techniques, is essential for minimizing soil erosion, preserving water resources, and protecting the long-term viability of the agricultural sector.

Addressing these sustainability challenges in Georgia requires collaborative efforts from government, businesses, communities, and individuals. By implementing sustainable practices, promoting renewable energy, conserving natural resources, and adopting responsible waste management strategies, Georgia can strive towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

The benefits of renting a dumpster in Atlanta GA

Renting a dumpster in Atlanta, GA offers several benefits for both residential and commercial purposes. Here are some advantages of renting a dumpster in Atlanta:

Efficient Waste Management: Renting a dumpster provides a convenient and efficient way to manage waste. Whether you’re decluttering your home, undergoing a renovation project, or conducting a commercial cleanout, having a dumpster on-site allows you to consolidate and contain all your waste in one place. This eliminates the need for multiple trips to a landfill or relying on regular waste collection services.

Time-Saving: Renting a dumpster saves you time and effort in disposing of large volumes of waste. Instead of making frequent trips to a disposal facility or coordinating with waste collection services, you can simply toss your waste into the dumpster at your own pace. This streamlines the cleanup process and allows you to focus on your project without interruptions.

Versatility and Size Options: Dumpster rental companies in Atlanta offer a range of sizes to accommodate different project needs. Whether you have a small home cleanout or a large construction project, you can choose the appropriate dumpster size to fit your requirements. This flexibility ensures that you have adequate space to dispose of all your waste without the hassle of overflowing bins or additional disposal arrangements.

Proper Disposal and Environmental Responsibility: Renting a dumpster ensures that your waste is disposed of properly and in compliance with waste management regulations. Dumpster rental companies have expertise in handling various types of waste and can guide you on what can and cannot be disposed of in the dumpster. This promotes environmental responsibility by avoiding illegal dumping and ensuring that recyclable materials are appropriately sorted and recycled.

Improved Safety: Having a dumpster on-site promotes safety during cleanup projects. It provides a designated area for waste disposal, reducing the risk of accidents, injuries, or damage to property. By containing debris and hazardous materials within the dumpster, you create a safer work environment for yourself, your family, or your employees.

Cost-Effective Solution: Renting a dumpster can be a cost-effective option compared to alternative waste disposal methods. It eliminates the need for multiple trips to a landfill, which can incur additional transportation costs. Additionally, it saves you from potential fines or penalties associated with improper waste disposal. Renting a dumpster allows you to budget for your waste management needs upfront, without unexpected expenses.

Convenience and Flexibility: Dumpster rentals offer convenience and flexibility in terms of rental duration. Whether you need the dumpster for a day, a week, or longer, you can choose a rental period that aligns with your project timeline. This flexibility allows you to work at your own pace and ensures that you have sufficient time to complete your cleanup or construction tasks without feeling rushed.

Renting a dumpster in Atlanta, GA provides efficient waste management, time-saving benefits, proper disposal methods, and increased safety during cleanup projects. It offers convenience, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, making it an ideal solution for residential and commercial waste disposal needs in the city.

References

read more
Dumpster rentalPollutionWaste management

Pollution in Mesa and Arizona

Arizona land pollution

The state of Arizona is taking a range of measures to reduce pollution in AZ. From reducing emissions from vehicles to promoting renewable energy and dumpster rentals, the government is taking steps to improve air quality and reduce environmental degradation.

To start, the state of AZ has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce vehicle emissions. This includes offering incentives for electric vehicles, encouraging the use of low-emission vehicles, and implementing tighter standards for vehicle emissions. The state has also set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050.

In addition, the state is promoting renewable energy sources. This includes providing incentives for solar and wind energy, as well as support for other renewable energy sources. Arizona is also working to reduce the amount of water used in energy production, by encouraging the use of water-efficient technologies.

The state is also taking steps to reduce air pollution from industrial sources. This includes setting air quality standards, enforcing regulations, and providing financial incentives for companies to invest in cleaner technologies.

Finally, the state is working to reduce water pollution. This includes implementing regulations for wastewater treatment and monitoring water quality levels. The state is also taking steps to preserve and protect water resources, including creating water-conservation plans and investing in conservation projects.

Overall, the state of Arizona is taking action to reduce pollution in the state. By implementing regulations, providing incentives, and investing in renewable energy sources, the state is taking steps to clean up the environment and protect public health.

Arizona River pollution

River pollution has been a major issue in Arizona for many years. With numerous rivers, streams, and canals running through the state, the potential for pollutants to enter the water system is high. In recent years, the Arizona government has taken steps to address the problem of river pollution in the state.

The first step taken by the Arizona government was to create the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), which is responsible for monitoring, controlling, and preventing pollution in the state’s rivers and other waterways. The department has implemented a number of measures to reduce river pollution, including water quality monitoring programs, enforcement of regulations and laws, and community education and outreach.

In addition, the ADEQ has developed a comprehensive water quality improvement plan that focuses on reducing nonpoint source pollution, which is the most common type of pollution found in Arizona’s rivers. The plan outlines specific actions that can be taken to reduce nonpoint source pollution, such as controlling runoff from agricultural areas, reducing pesticide and fertilizer use, and improving sewage and wastewater treatment.

The Arizona government has also taken steps to address the issue of river pollution through legislation. In 2017, the state passed the Clean Waterways and Safe Drinking Water Act, which requires businesses and municipalities to reduce their discharge of pollutants into rivers and other waterways. The law also requires the ADEQ to develop and implement a comprehensive plan to protect the state’s rivers and other waterways from pollution.

Finally, the Arizona government is taking steps to improve the quality of water in the state’s rivers by investing in water infrastructure projects and increasing the use of dumpster rentals. These projects include water treatment plants, dams, and reservoirs, as well as upgrades to existing infrastructure. By investing in these projects, the Arizona government hopes to improve water quality and reduce river pollution.

Mesa waste management

Overall, the Arizona government is taking steps to address the problem of river pollution in the state. By creating the ADEQ, implementing water quality improvement plans, passing legislation, and investing in infrastructure projects, the state is taking a proactive approach to reduce river pollution and improve water quality.

Another important new development in Mesa is the increasing use of local dumpster rental services. These offerings help reduce pollution by sending all the junk where it belongs, either recycling facilities or landfills in Arizona. Local companies like Dumpster Center Mesa help the local communities clean up their trash in Mesa and the region, and we should be gratefull to have them.

read more
Dumpster rentalPollution

Arizona Dumpster Rentals

Pollution and Dumpster Rentals in Arizona

There is more and more pollution in Arizona and this is a problem for everyone.

People are becoming more aware of their carbon footprint. Despite this, there are still many people who are not doing their part to help. Arizona is one of the states that is heavily affected by air pollution. Fortunately, there are many different companies in Arizona including dmpster rental companies that are helping bring environmental awareness to the people of Arizona. Businesses around the state are helping to recycle as much as possible.

Pollution is something that is often swept under the rug in states that are more apt to prioritize economic growth over the well being of the planet and its people. While the effects of pollution on a regional level can be harmful to animal and plant life, the consequences of pollution can be devastating when it occurs on a global scale.

Not only do disastrous planetary effects occur, but pollution is also contributing to global warming on a massive scale. In order to counteract these effects, we need to work to enact policies that will reduce the amount of pollution in the air, water and soil.

How Pollution affects the citizens of Arizona

Pollution can be damaging to your health in a number of ways. AZ residents who are active outdoors are more likely to deal with its effects. It can cause respiratory issues, like asthma, and other diseases.

Children, the elderly and people with chronic medical issues are most vulnerable to the dangerous effects of pollution. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for monitoring the environment and keeping it both safe and clean.

How pollution can be stopped

You can be part of the change by making small changes to your lifestyle. Ride a bike to work instead of driving, this way you will reduce the amount of emissions that your car produces. So take the long way home on your bike and enjoy the fresh air! By making smart decisions today, we can create a more sustainable future for ourselves. And for our children. This is the only planet we have, let’s work together to protect it.

The government of Phoenix cannot get rid of all the pollution by itself, so people can do things to help. The best thing you can do is recycle as much as you can and find other ways to reuse items. Reuse things, like water bottles and canisters, to save money and keep them out of landfills.

You can also spread the word to your family, friends and neighbors to cut down on pollution. Encourage everyone to recycle and reuse what they can. While it’s not perfect, it’s a start towards a cleaner planet.

What is the impact of pollution on people in AZ

There are a range of bad health effects from pollution. Long term effects include causing asthma and other respiratory diseases, lung cancer and even worse, as well as heart disease. Short term effects of pollutants include fatigue, nausea and in extreme cases, death.

While more than half of the United States is affected by pollution, Arizona is one of the worst states for pollution, with limited usage of dumpster rentals. Part of the reason for this is that it is one of the hottest states in the country, and because of the heat, it’s harder for the pollutants to evaporate. As a result, the air can contain higher levels of pollutants.

What is the government doing about AZ pollution levels

Air pollution has been a major factor of public concern for decades. Yet, there has been little done about it by our AZ government. This is why many people feel that the concept of environmental protection is just a slogan.

According to Phoenix waste management experts, one of the things that can be done about this issue is to create a ‘green’ or ‘clean’ energy infrastructure in Phoenix, Tucson and other AZ cities.

This involves the use of green energy that is renewable and that does not cause pollution or emit dangerous gases. It will take a huge effort on the part of countries all over the world, but it is the only way to bring about a sustainable future for our planet.

read more
Pollution

Outdoor Workouts In High-Pollution Environments May Hurt Brain Health

According to USC and Arizona neuroscientists, air pollution reduces the mental health advantages of exercise and increases the risk of Alzheimer’s or dementia.

What you do matters. But, according to USC and UA neuroscientists, where you exercise could be just as crucial for brain health.

According to a new study founder by USC Prof Raichlen, strenuous exercise in a polluted region can actually reduce the favourable brain advantages. An American Academy of Neuroscience study published online on Tuesday in Neurology reveals the complicated effects of air pollution just on human brain.

An active lifestyle has benefits beyond enhanced sports performance. Regular exercise can help the brain and body fight age-related diseases. Physical activity, especially continuous high-intensity activity, has been linked to lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

People who live in polluted locations have much worse brain health. Car exhaust pollution increases the risk of dementia, low memory, and shrinks brain volume. But until recently, no one has looked into how pollution could negate the benefits of physical activity.

Exercising Outdoors Is Hampered

Professor of human & evolutionary biology at USC Dornsife School of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, said that while robust physical activity was helpful for brain health, pollution tended to negate some of the benefits. In places with significant air pollution, strenuous physical activity decreased white matter abnormalities, a critical indication of brain health.

“We don’t advise against all exertion in polluted air. However, since greater white matter injuries are linked to stroke and Alzheimer’s disease, we believe we should exercise in regions away from traffic.

The study adds to a growing corpus of USC research linking air pollution to anything from Alzheimer’s to asthma.

Linking Brain Health With Air Pollution In Neuroscience

The researchers used data from the UK Biobank, a biologically important database with over 500,000 participants, to evaluate physical activity. Adult participants wore gadgets that monitored physical exertion for one week. The Axivity AX3 looks like a wrist-worn fitness band but collects more data, including duration and intensity of physical activity.

“Every moment you land, you body is hit. “The instrument used in this research picks up a mix of the these forces — really simply what your arm does,” Raichlen stated.

The subjects also had multimodal MRI scans to quantify brain tissue volume and find high-signal locations in the white matter. White matter lesions are linked to age-related brain illnesses like stroke, Alzheimer’s, and dementia.

The activity or MRI information of 8,600 people were compared to the predicted amount of air pollution in their homes. Researchers calculated annualised amounts of nitrogen dioxide, particle matter diameter of less than 2.5 microns from automobile and power plant emissions, and black carbon in the air.

The air pollution levels detected in this study occur in cities and urban areas all around the world, according to lead author Melissa Furlong of the University of Arizona.

“Air pollution levels in cities like New York and Los Angeles are within our study ranges.” According to the report, the amount of polluted air is well within normal levels for even ‘healthy’ cities.

Lessons learned: Vigorous exercise enhanced grey matter volume and decreased white matter lesions, however the benefits for white matter lesions were lost when participants came from polluted areas.

“Air pollution increases the chance of brain damage, dementia, and other issues.” “It made reasonable that as your rate of increased respiration during exercise, your exposure to pollution increases.”

Not exercise, but reducing pollutants

Exercising in polluted environments isn’t recommended, according to Raichlen. However, the amount of air pollution reduced the benefits of exercise for some elements of brain health. More research is needed to understand how the environment or lifestyle choices like exercise affect brain health, especially in relation to Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other age-related disorders.

The role of fitness as a life style component to minimize the impacts of brain ageing and Alzheimer’s disease is growing.

“These findings highlight the importance of lowering air pollution in cities, allowing us all to benefit from physical exercise regardless as to where we live.”

read more
Pollution

Air Pollution May Up Risk Of Autoimmune Disease

According to recent research published online with in open access journal RMD Open, those who are released into the atmosphere pollution for longer durations are more likely to develop autoimmune diseases (like rheumatoid), connective tissue diseases, and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Adaptive immunity, the body’s response to a specific illness agent, can be triggered by air pollution from car emissions and industrial output. However, this adaptive response can go awry, resulting in systemic inflammation, tissue injury, and eventually autoimmune disease.

A increased incidence of rheumatoid, inflammatory bowel disease, and connective tissue illnesses is associated with long-term exposure to industrial and traffic-related air pollution.

Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, ulcerative colitis, connective tissue disease, and multiple sclerosis are all examples of autoimmune disease.

In the past decade, both the incidence rates of these illnesses have progressively risen, while the causes for this aren’t totally known According to the experts, there is still controversy about whether air pollution increases the risk of autoimmune illness.

More than 3500 clinicians in Italy submitted health information on 81,363 people between June 2016 – November 2020 to a national fractures risk database (DeFRA) in an effort to shed light on the issue.

The vast majority of participants (92%) were female, with a mean lifespan of 65, while 17866 (22%) had to have at least one founder health condition.

The Italian Ministry of Environmental Protection and Research used home postcodes to link each participant to the closest air quality monitoring site.

Particulate matter was of special interest to the researchers (PM10 and PM2.5). PM10 levels of 30 micrograms per cubic metre and PM2.5 levels of 20 micrograms per cubic metre are deemed detrimental to human health, respectively.

Between 2016 and 2020, 9723 persons were diagnosed with just an autoimmune condition.

A total of 617 sites in 110 Italian regions monitored the air quality to gather this data. Long-term exposure averaged 16 micrograms per cubic metre for PM2.5 and 25 micrograms per cubic metre for PM10 between 2013 and 2019.

The risk of developing an autoimmune disease was not increased by exposure to PM2.5. After taking into consideration all the variables that could have an impact, an increase in PM10 concentration was shown to be linked with a 7% increase in risk.

There was a 12 percent and a 13 percent increase in the risk of autoimmune illness with long-term exposure to PM10 concentrations greater than 30 g/m3 and PM2.5 concentrations greater than 20 g/m3.

Rheumatoid arthritis was specifically linked to long-term exposure to PM10, whereas long-term exposure was linked to an increased risk of rheumatoid, collagenous illnesses, and inflammatory diseases.

Traffic and industry air pollutants have been linked with an increased chance of developing rheumatoid arthritis, an increased risk of colitis (IBD), and an increase in the risk of collagenous disease (CTD).

An observational research, by definition, cannot prove causation. Researchers also point out that their findings may have been skewed by a number of factors.

Among them are the following: a lack of data on when patients were diagnosed with autoimmune disease and when symptoms began; the possibility that air quality does not reflect individual pollutants; and the possibility that the findings may not be more broadly applicable even though study participants mostly comprised aged women at risk of rupture.

Rheumatoid arthritis is predisposed to those who smoke because of chemicals in the smoke that are similar to those found in fossil fuel emissions.

read more