Recycling only takes a little knowledge, a little time, and a little motivation. If you see a neighbor throwing away materials that can be recycled, don’t be afraid to help them out. They may be missing the recyclable materials list, confused about their recycling pickup day, or unaware how important this basic civic activity really is – tell them. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to a neighbor about this, leave a note or get creative: ask if you can have the boxes and then recycle them yourself. The point is, help them out – help us all out! Let’s keep scenes like this from happening on future trash days:
I also feel that while the drop sites give motivated recyclers an option, they are only part of the solution. I see scenes like the one above on every trash day, and sometimes the cardboard is actually broken down and stacked in a pile – they’re doing everything but driving it to the drop site! I know there is an issue with the trucks/equipment, but Charleston County needs to figure this out. If you feel like I do, and think cardboard recycling rates would soar if it was picked up curbside, then let the Charleston County Environmental Management team know — Call: 843.720.1111 Email: publicinfo@charlestoncounty.org Write: 13 Romney Street Charleston, SC 29403 —
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Just emailed Charleston County Environmental Management, I hope we all can make an impact with our voices.
I definitely agree that curbside pick up of cardboard is needed.
and I just heard you can get some of those road signs that say “recycling day is monday” or whatever day yours happens to be. just call the waste department…
Yeah, that’s a great program, and it has really impacted recycling rates. Check out some of the details in this post, including how to get involved:
http://www.gogreencharleston.org/2007/09/20/local-recycling-day-signs-make-impact/
But keep in mind, cardboard is not accepted curbside. So even when a neighborhood is recycling well, like mine is, you’ll still see mounds of cardboard on trash day. I hope they figure out how to pick up cardboard soon…
Thanks for the info about curbside cardboard pickup. In my neighborhood, I was getting so tried of seeing all the cardboard, so I started a cardboard pickup on my own. I pickup every other Monday and bring the cardboard to the recycling center myself. This was great way to meet my neighbors and also get the cardboard off the curb. Would love to see Charleston County pick it up, but until then..this seems to work.
Kate – That is a great idea…good for you for taking the initiative.
I wonder if that’s a model that could be copied in other neighborhoods. Do you use a truck? Sounds like you drive around and pickup what people leave out? How did you communicate this to the residents of your neighborhood?
Just wanted to chime in here, too, about another option. Help someone else re-use these items. Double bonus: someone else gets boxes they need and you get curbside pickup!
Post an ad on Craigslist in the “free stuff” category. I’ve been amazed at the response.
I realize this is only part of the solution; no one wants to post an ad for each and every box. But, if you have several boxes or a truckload of them from moving, this is an easy way to get them out of your yard and into the hands of someone who can use them.