In honor of Earth Day this month, I will be sending out a few emails with resources to help us be more environmentally friendly. This first topic is recycling! Recycling is important not only to preserve natural resources but also so that you will not pollute the environment. It is crucial that we properly dispose of, or recycle electronics, appliances and hazardous materials for this reason. Also, many of us have recycling pick up at our homes but sometimes need to drop off things that they don’t take such as large cardboard boxes or various colors of glass.
Before you recycle or dipose of something also consider if someone else would like to use it. If something is not trash and may be reused by another person consider donating to a charity such as Goodwill, Salvation Army, or any other charity that accepts old clothes, household items, cars, computers, etc. Also, building materials can be donated to the Habitat Restore. 310 Comal St. (512) 478-2165. The light fixture or fan that you don’t like may be perfect for a habitat for humanity home.
On to recycling…
General – glass, plastic, aluminum, tin, metal, paper, cardboard
Ecology Action http://www.ecology-action.org/ Daily 9-5
Electronics
Goodwill – Computers & other electronics to resale or recycle
Ecology Action – Cell phones & ink/toner cartridges
A list of other places on the City of Austin website: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/sws/zerowaste_recycling_electronics_local.htm
Hazardous Materials
City Of Austin Hazardous Waste Facility – 2514 Business Center Dr (512) 974-4343 T-W 12-6, 1st Sat month 7-12.
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/sws/residential_hazardous_waste.htm
– batteries, fluorescent bulbs, paints & solvents, lawn care chemicals, household cleaning products, and automotive products
The City of Austin has a Reuse Store/Public Reuse Center where new or slightly used household hazardous items are given to residents who have a use for them. This program includes paint. http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/sws/residential_hazardous_waste.htm#reuse_store
Motor Oil Recycling
http://search.earth911.com/?what=Used+Motor+Oil&where=austin%2C+texas&latitude=&longitude=&country=&province=&city=
Appliances
City of Austin Refrigerator Recycling - $50 for old working refrigerators or freezers, they will pick it up from your home for free as well!
http://www.austinenergy.com/energy%20efficiency/Programs/Refrigerator%20Recycling/index.htm
City of Austin Resource Center – 10108 FM 812 (512) 243-3325 M-F 8-4:30
-air conditioners, hot water heaters, dryers, stoves, refrigerators, appliances, metal, antifreeze, motor oil
