Don't Throw That Away!

No, this is not a blog about Tim Tebow, though it could be.  This is a blog about restricting what goes in to our landfill as one way to increase our recycling rates.  The State of Vermont, sometimes a kindred spirit to Oregon, is considering restricting recyclable materials from being dumped in their landfill.  Should Vermont HB 485 pass, plastic and glass containers, cardboard and paper would be prohibited from Vermont landfills starting in 2015, with yard debris following suit in 2016.  The idea being, obviously, this would help increase the recycling of these goods.

Oregon, like Vermont, currently prohibits the dumping of used oil, tires, batteries and e-waste.  Oregon also prohibits vehicles and large industrial or home appliances, Vermont doesn't allow white goods and paint.  Of course, Oregon has the premier paint recycling program in the country.

Lessening our waste stream takes a variety of approaches.   As we know, Portland has tried by reducing our garbage pick up to twice monthly, while increasing yard debris pick ups to weekly and including kitchen compost in the yard debris.  This effort puts much of the burden squarely on the shoulders of individual households.  And while Vermont's approach makes garbage haulers responsible, proper sorting and disposal is still up to individuals.

I know there are lots of studies on what motivates us to take the time to recycle.  What gives you that extra umph to take your plastics to Far West Fiber or find the right place for those styrofoam peanuts?