General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: A Troubling Discovery in the Deepest Ocean Trenches [View all]BobTheSubgenius
(11,563 posts)The first year we had curbside recycling pickup, the planners drastically underestimated enthusiasm and participation and had to jump through hoops to get it all picked up in a reasonable time frame.
The results have been encouraging. Our landfill, for which the region was looking at alternate locations had its use extended by 30-40 years, by early estimates, and that number has kept on growing. With continued improvements and innovation, its life could be indefinite.
The landfill also installed a methane collection system and the whole site is now self-powered. The paper recycling saved enough trees to populate a 100 acre park in its first year.
Now, curbside pickup also includes kitchen scraps of any kind, which are wheeled out to the curb in special "trolleys" and picked up by special trucks.
Metals are not allowed in household or commercial waste, and you can now either dump them for free at recyclers or go through a bit of hassle and get money. I scavenged a house I was demolishing and got $500 in copper and aluminum in half a day.
It's not "everything" but the journey of 1000 miles, and all that.