Sorting waste: These 3 obstacles that hold back consumers

If the motivation is important, it is not sufficient to go through with the sorting gesture.

While 9 out of 10 American people say they sort their waste, only half of them do this systematically. Among the obstacles encountered by consumers, 3 main obstacles would largely explain this discrepancy.

Yellow trash can, green trash can… Sorting waste is now part of our daily lives. It would even place itself at the top of the civic actions most practiced by the Americans. The United States have adopted sorting gestures very quickly since the 1990s, according to a company created by the mass consumption and distribution sector to reduce waste. environmental impact of their packaging and paper.

If 9 out of 10 American people say they sort their waste, only half of them do this systematically, that is to say at home and outside, in the kitchen and in the bathroom, however there are 3 main obstacles hindering this behavior – as well as the solutions proposed to overcome them.

Lack of consumer information

Imagine that you are faced with someone who says to you: ‘I don’t sort’. To try to convince him, you use rational arguments – by explaining to him, for example, the importance of recycling for the protection In fact, that is not enough: motivation, in the end, is not what pushes us the most to sort. To understand where it gets stuck, waste management experts studied the behavioral script of the sorting gesture, that is to say, she broke down the different stages.

Having the object in your hands, wondering what to do with it, consulting a poster summarizing the sorting instructions posted on the fridge, or turning to someone around you who “knows about it”. Then, understand the information given… and finally, go down to your trash room – more or less clean and easy to access – and find out what is already in the sorting bin.

Conclusion of this analysis: the best way to engage consumers in sorting their waste is to ensure that this gesture is faster, and above all, and that it requires the least possible attention from them (for this, it is imperative to promote the accessibility of information). In an attempt to contribute to this, a junk disposal company has developed the “Sorting Guide” application, allowing the user to consult the sorting instruction corresponding to a product free of charge, depending on the county where it is located.

Loss of confidence in the usefulness of sorting

What’s the point? The question arises for citizens, who want – and rightly so – that their efforts be rewarded with concrete effects. However, their confidence is sometimes undermined. There can be accidents of collection. For example, during the recent strikes of garbage collectors, the waste accumulated so much that sorting was not possible. These are very destabilizing. Nevertheless, the smooth running of the collection is in the interest of the communities, because they are the owners of the materials collected.

In fact, on leaving the sorting centres, the packaging is resold to the various recycling channels. Their price depends, in part, on the price of the raw material from which the material is derived. Thus, a high oil price makes the recycling of plastic all the more financially attractive for the organizers of the collection.

The issue of the availability of sorting bins

But how do you sort if there is no suitable bin available?

The most blocking obstacle is the availability of the sorting bin. In 2021, a waste management company estimated that some 135 million American people had the possibility of sorting all packaging – including plastics – and paper. Objective: that 100% of American people have full access to sorting by 2025. Although our fellow citizens collect an average of 70 kg of packaging and paper per year, this figure nevertheless masks local disparities, with more than 100 kg in rural regions in the East in particular, compared with half as many in urban areas.

An important step has nevertheless been taken, thanks to the simplification of sorting instructions. Since 2012, local authorities have been offering to put all packaging in the sorting bin, while the historic sorting instruction of 1995 excluded plastics other than bottles and transparent vials, the latter being composed mainly of polyterephthalate. ethylene (PET) or high density polyethylene (HDPE), which are easier to recycle. A change which, in addition to having facilitated the gesture of sorting for the consumer, has also made it possible to experiment with the recycling of other types of plastics.

You should know that some plastics, such as polystyrene or opaque PET, are more difficult to decompose. This explains why only 30% of plastic household packaging is recycled – compared to more than 85% for glass and almost 100% for metals such as steel.

List of References

• https://www.tceq.texas.gov/p2/recycle
• https://mechanicalengineeringblog.com/how-does-a-us-landfill-operate/
• https://mechanicalengineeringblog.com/us-recycling-technologies/
• https://arlingtontxdumpsterrental.org/

Pollution in the state of Minnesota

Minnesota is a state that is known for its natural beauty, but like many other states, it faces a range of environmental challenges, including pollution. There are several sources of pollution in Minnesota, including industrial activities, transportation, agriculture, and more.

One of the most significant sources of pollution in Minnesota is industrial activity, particularly in the mining and manufacturing sectors. Mining activities can generate large amounts of waste and can result in the release of toxic chemicals and heavy metals into the air and water. Similarly, manufacturing can contribute to air and water pollution through the use of chemicals and the release of waste.

Transportation is another significant source of pollution in Minnesota, particularly in urban areas. Vehicles emit pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which can have negative impacts on human health and the environment. Minnesota has implemented a range of programs to promote cleaner transportation, including electric vehicles and public transportation.

Agriculture is also a significant source of pollution in Minnesota, particularly in the form of nutrient runoff from fertilizers and animal waste. This runoff can contribute to harmful algal blooms in waterways, which can pose risks to human health and wildlife. Minnesota has implemented a range of programs to promote sustainable agriculture and reduce nutrient runoff, including education and outreach programs for farmers and financial assistance for implementing best management practices.

Minnesota also faces challenges with air pollution, particularly in the form of smog and fine particle pollution. These pollutants can have negative impacts on human health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. The state has implemented a range of programs to monitor and reduce air pollution, including regulations on emissions from vehicles and industrial activities.

Overall, while Minnesota faces a range of environmental challenges, the state has made significant efforts to address pollution and promote a more sustainable future. Through the implementation of regulations, programs, and investments in renewable energy, Minnesota is working to protect its natural resources and promote the health and well-being of its residents.

Recycling initiatives by the city of Minneapolis, MN

The City of Minneapolis has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented several recycling initiatives to reduce waste and protect the environment. One of the most significant initiatives is the city’s curbside recycling program, which allows residents to recycle a range of materials, including paper, plastic, and metal. The program has been successful in reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and has contributed to a more sustainable future for the city.

In addition to curbside recycling, the city has also implemented several other recycling initiatives, including the use of recycling bins in public spaces and at public events. These efforts have helped to increase awareness of the importance of recycling and have made it easier for residents and visitors to recycle while on the go.

The City of Minneapolis has also implemented a range of programs to promote composting and reduce food waste. These efforts include the use of curbside organics collection, which allows residents to compost food waste, yard waste, and other organic materials. The city has also implemented educational programs and outreach efforts to promote the importance of composting and reduce food waste.

Overall, the City of Minneapolis has made significant efforts to promote recycling and reduce waste, and these initiatives have had a positive impact on the environment and the health and well-being of residents. Through the implementation of curbside recycling, public recycling bins, composting programs, and educational outreach, the city is working to create a more sustainable future for all.

Minneapolis dumpster rentals bringing junk to local landfills

Dumpster rentals in Minneapolis can provide a convenient solution for individuals and businesses looking to dispose of large amounts of waste. However, the disposal of this waste can have negative environmental impacts, as much of it ends up in local landfills. These landfills can have a significant impact on the surrounding environment and communities.

Landfills are often located in rural areas, which can create transportation issues as waste is hauled from urban areas to the landfill. This can contribute to increased traffic and air pollution, as well as noise pollution from the trucks transporting the waste. Additionally, the process of burying waste in landfills can create methane gas, which is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.

Furthermore, landfills can have negative impacts on local water quality. The process of burying waste can lead to the contamination of groundwater and surface water with chemicals and heavy metals, which can pose risks to human health and wildlife. Additionally, the leachate, or liquid runoff, from landfills can contain harmful pollutants that can seep into nearby water sources.

To mitigate these negative impacts, it’s important to consider alternatives to sending waste to landfills. One alternative is recycling, which can divert a significant amount of waste from landfills and reduce the need for new landfills. Additionally, composting can be used to divert organic waste from landfills and create a nutrient-rich soil amendment. By utilizing these alternatives and reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfills, we can minimize the negative environmental impacts of dumpster rentals in Minneapolis and promote a more sustainable future.

For many jobs, a temporary roll-off dumpster may be the best choice. The temporary roll-off dumpsters make moving a lot of junk easy and quick. Professionals and do-it-yourselfers can use these containers for anything from a simple house cleaning to a significant renovation.

In terms of renting a dumpster, how much does it cost for a short period?

Most of the time, renting a dumpster for a short time costs between $240 and $920. Remember, though, that the final price depends on several things, such as the size of the container you choose, the type of trash you’re getting rid of, and where you live.

Why should you rent a roll-off dumpster for just a few days?

Roll-off dumpsters for your home save you time, energy, and risk. Project workers and bystanders are in danger when the trash is left on the curb with nothing to hold. This risk is reduced by a roll-off dumpster, which stores the things you’re throwing away until your project is done and you’re ready to have everything picked up at once.

Most homes keep a portable dumpster in the garage or front entrance to avoid long trips to the curb. Our roll-off dumpsters also have doors that swing open and lock so you can walk in with your essential things. You won’t have to drag trash up to the trash can on your shoulders.

It’s the best way to keep trash and garbage in a safe and convenient place. Because of its size and depth, a roll-off dumpster is excellent for large cleanups, getting rid of garbage and trash, remodeling, demolition and building debris, roofing and driveway repairs, yard cleanups, and renovations after a storm, fire, or flood.

How big are the different sizes of short-term dumpsters?

When renting a short-term dumpster, the first thing to decide is how big it will be. The size of a dumpster is based on how many cubic yards of trash it can hold.

There are 10-yard, 20-yard, 30-yard, and 40-yard dumpsters. Each one is 8 feet wide and 22 feet long and can hold up to 10–40 cubic yards of trash.

A cubic yard can weigh different amounts. For example, a cubic yard of popcorn is much lighter than a cubic yard of house shingles.

Extras Available:

Getting a set of wheels is a common way to rent something, and they are great for moving trash cans between job sites or around a job site.

There may also be locking mechanisms in the rental. They make sense when it comes to protecting children or taking care of animals, and they also make it less likely that other people will throw their trash in your dumpster.

A roll-off trash can with a rear swing door is another choice. With this feature, staff can move heavy items through the back door at ground level instead of having to lift them high enough to throw them into the garbage can’s open top.

What if my temporary dumpster is complete before I’m done?

Overflowing trash might be an issue if you’re working on a big project. Having a long-term dumpster rental might help you keep your project on pace.

You can’t throw away the following things in a dumpster:

Recycled materials such as branches, twigs or plants, and perhaps a few old tires from the yard.

Everything from water heaters, stoves, washers, dryers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, gas grills, televisions, microwaves, freezers, refrigerators, air conditioners, and computers is an appliance.

Box springs, sofas, filled chairs, tables, and dressers are examples of household furnishings.

Hazardous garbage includes combustible liquids and solids, poisons, pesticides, garden chemicals, fertilizers, home cleaners and chemicals, chargers, waste oil, anti-freeze, and oil-based paint. It’s free to use.

Items that are too big to fit through the compactor on the garbage truck.

There are many ways to get rid of trash and waste, so you can help reduce pollution. Some people choose to hire, while others would instead rent a dumpster. No matter what you need, you have a lot to choose from, and the above are some of the most common.

You can eliminate all your trash and keep your house clean with a short-term dumpster rental. Call us immediately if you need to rent a dumpster for a short time.