Reduce Reuse Recycle
In honor of Earth Day this month I will be posting resources that can help all of us be kinder to the environment and even save some money in the process. The first topic is recycling. However, the first step to that is reduce. When you are shopping thing about what you are purchasing. Did you bring your own shopping bags? When choosing items can the packaging or the item itself be reused or recycled when you are done? When we go out to eat I try to remember to take tupperware with me. These days portions are so larger there is always left over food and most restaurants used styrofoam to go containers. Throw a tupperware container in the car with your shopping bags and it’s with you whenever you might end up with leftovers. When you are done with something consider if someone else might be able to use it. It it is not trash and may be reused by another person consider donating to a charity such as Goodwill, the Salvation Army, Safe Place. There are many charities in Austin that can use old clothes, household items, cars, computers, etc. Building materials can be donated to the Habitat ReStore at 310 Comal Street. (512)478-2165. While that fan or sink might not be your taste Habitat ReStore can put it to good use.
On to the recycling resources for once an item has reached the end of its life:
General – glass, plastic, aluminum, tin, metal, paper, cardboard
Ecology Action: www.ecology-action.org, Daily 9-5
Electronics
Best Buy: cell phones and rechargeable batteries
Goodwill – Computers and other electronics for resale or recycle
Ecology Action – cell phones and ink/toner cartridges
Office Max/Office Depot – they often offer discounts on purchasing recycled paper if you bring in your ink/toner cartridges for recycling
A list of other places on the City of Austin website: www.ci.austin.tx.us/sws/zerowaste_recycling_electronics_local.htm
Hazardous Material
City of Austin Hazardous Waste Facility – 2514 Business Center Drive – (512) 974-4343 – T-W 12-6 and 1st Sat of the month 7-12
www.ci.austin.tx.us/sws/residential_hazardous_waste.htm
batteries, fluorescent bulbs, paints and 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. www.ci.austin.tx.us/sws/residential_hazardous_waste.htm#reuse_store
Appliances
City of Austin Refrigerator Recycling – Get 50$ for old working refrigerators or freezers, and they will pick it up from your home for free (if you are a City of Austin customer).
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
