Western Disposal

Let's Set the Record Straight: The Truth Behind Some of the Most Common Recycling Myths

People who choose not to recycle often have a variety of reasons and excuses. However, in most cases, these claims are nothing more than myths. Listed below are some of the most common recycling myths and the truth behind them. Read on and you might find out something about recycling services that you didn’t know before.

Plastic Recyclables Just Go to Landfills

Unlike other unfounded recycling claims, this myth does have a grain of truth in it. Historically, recycling plants have had some difficulty sorting plastics, leading to those items being put into landfills. But before you throw your arms up in protest of recycling, you should know that recent technology has made it possible to correctly sort all kinds of plastic recyclables. Consequently, you can rest assured that your plastic items are, in fact, being recycled.

Recycling Makes Pollution Worse

Transporting recyclables from home to factory involves the use of gas-powered waste management trucks. Because of this fact, many people believe that the pollution these vehicles cause overshadows any environmental benefits that recycling may provide. However, a number of studies have been done that directly contradict this notion, concluding that there is no way recycling does more harm than good for the environment.

Factory Workers, Not Machines, Do All the Recycling

It is an oft-repeated claim that people, not machines, separate recyclables in factories. Along with being inefficient, this argument goes on to say, recycling by hand is also costly, which makes recycling not even worth the trouble. While this is a clever idea, it does not correspond to modern realities. Currently, hundreds of recycling plants across the country can sort through recyclables using highly-sophisticated machinery, eliminating the need for manual sorting.

To learn more about recycling, visit Western Disposal on the web. Our business is family owned, and we have been proudly serving Boulder-area residents for more than 40 years. Whether you need trash removal, recycling, or composting services, Western Disposal will be there to assist you. Contact us at (303) 586-1100 to speak with one of our friendly representatives today!

Why Is Recycling Important?

A large number of people across the United States recycle and are fairly aware that the practice is good for the future of our planet. However, many of these individuals also might not understand just how crucial their recycling contributions are.

By watching this video, you’ll get to see why recycling is so important. Along with learning about the rampant wastefulness of recyclables in America, you’ll also be shown some amazing facts about recycling. For instance, did you know that recycling an aluminum can saves enough energy to power a TV for three hours? To learn more interesting facts, watch the video.

Recycling is an effective way of protecting the environment and practicing sustainability. For more information about recycling or to learn how to get started, give Western Disposal in Boulder a call at (303) 586-1100.

Click Through These Links For More Great Recycling Tips And Tricks

For decades, improper waste practices have caused serious damage to the environment. Today, sophisticated recycling practices allow consumers to make better use of America’s resources. Take a look at these additional resources for more information:

• Are you interested in hosting an eco-friendly party? Check out this page from Ecco Magazine.
• Organizing a company picnic can be a great way to bring your employees closer together. Learn more at Inc.com.
• Would you like to learn more about composting? Check out this page from the Environmental Protection Agency.
• In 2009, Americans recovered about 34% of waste materials. Discover more recycling statistics at this page from Keep America Beautiful, Inc.
• What exactly is paperboard? This page from PaperboardPackaging.org has the answer.
• Do you have any questions about waste management? Call Western Disposal at (303) 586-1100.

How Western Disposal Services Help Make Your Special Event a "Zero Waste Event"

Most of the time, parties and other events generate a huge amount of waste. Though much of that waste belongs in the trash, a great deal of it can be either recycled or composted. If you’d like your next party to be more environmentally-friendly, you should consider making it a “zero waste” event. Here’s how Western Disposal can help:   

Indoor event service

If you’re planning an indoor fundraiser, meeting, or convention, we’ll provide you with the tools you need to make it a zero waste event. We recognize that indoor events tend to be more formal than outdoor events—that’s why we offer aesthetically-pleasing zero waste stations that consist of recycling, compost, and trash containers. We’ve also mounted wheels on our containers for added convenience.

Outdoor event service

Though BBQs and company picnics aren’t usually as formal as indoor events, we still have attractive cardboard zero waste stations for outdoor events. Before your event, we’ll meet with you and discuss your waste needs. We’ll then deliver a dumpster to your event site, give you color-coded bags, and provide you with detailed setup instructions. After your event is over, we’ll promptly pick up all trash, compost, and recycling.  

Recycling and composting guidelines

Though most people have a broad concept of recyclable and compostable items, there are a lot of misconceptions. For example, most kinds of plastic bags cannot be recycled. That’s why our waste stations all have clearly marked recycling and composting guidelines so your guests may use them effectively. If you’re interested, we can also provide you with a detailed waste report after your event.

Hosting a zero-waste event won’t just keep trash out of landfills, it can also impress clients, coworkers, and other significant guests. When it comes to environmentally-friendly waste management companies, you won’t do better than Western Disposal. Call our Boulder office at (303) 586-1100 to start planning your “zero waste” event.  

Improve Your Business' Recycling Efforts With These Tips

When you no longer need something, you’re probably tempted to throw it in the trash. Before you do, however, you should ask yourself whether it can be recycled?

This video from the Green Business Bureau demonstrates which common office items can be recycled. Cardboard boxes, newspaper, aluminum cans, and virtually all kinds of paper belong in the recycle bin. Used napkins, on the other hand, should be thrown away. When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to call your local waste company.

If you have any questions about recycling, don’t hesitate to call Western Disposal of Boulder. We’re proud to assist Boulder-area homes and businesses with their waste management needs. Call us today at (303) 586-1100 to speak with one of our representatives.