If you’ve ever driven by Charlotte Motor Speedway, you probably noticed the mountain behind it, which happens to be the highest elevation in Cabarrus County, commonly known as “the dump”. Not commonly hiked or photographed like most mountains, but pretty infamous.
“Talking trash” may not sound appealing, but there are so many lessons in trash and we cannot ignore it. We must find better alternatives to the easy button of putting everything in the trashcan and contributing to landfills. After all, if we don’t find better options, like my 6-year old told me, “soon, there won’t be any room left for us to live”!
Many items can be recycled now, but recycling can be confusing. What is accepted? Do we need to wash it out? Do we recycle lids? The answer is inevitably: it depends! We are entering the “second generation” of recycling and everything is changing. It’s all about economic demand and as technology allows, eventually there will be a market for all types of materials.
All of the recycling in Cabarrus and surrounding counties goes to the Metrolina Recycling Center in Charlotte, where they take commingled paper, plastic, and metals and prepare them for the market. What used to be labor-intensive separation was just replaced with state-of-the-art equipment that does all the work. This is why Charlotte now has 96-gallon recycle bins and most all plastic is accepted. They are retiring the 20-year old red bins and surrounding counties will soon be able to follow suit.
Did you know an aluminum can will be melted, remolded and back in the grocery store inside 3-weeks? There’s no need to ever trash canned goods or soda cans. Paper is another item that should never be trashed. We don’t have to cut down trees any longer in order to make paper. Cardboard boxes, newspapers, anything with enough fiber content, can find new purpose. Paper towels, napkins and tissues are at the “end of the line” in terms of fiber and must go to the dump, so consider reusable linens instead.
On the other end of the spectrum is hazardous waste, which shouldn’t go to the dump and can’t go to the bin. When I visited the Hazardous Waste facility on Highway 49, Pete Pasterz, the Waste Reduction Coordinator of Cabarrus County, gave me a tour. The facility is surrounded by tall fences and looks a bit menacing. All of the “toxic”, “flammable” and “poisonous” signs are alarming, but they represent a great option to the landfill. Obviously, all hazardous chemicals are harmful if disposed in the landfill, where they leach into our soil and eventually our waterways and water supply.
On hazardous waste pick up days (1st Wednesdays from 8 am to 4 pm or 3rd Saturdays from 8 am to 1 pm), you’ll find Pete in a respirator and full jump suit, ready to responsibly handle deadly disposables. As Pete explained, “Our households are a lot more toxic that what you’d find in most industry”. These toxins are found under our sinks, in our garages and all over our homes. The majority of the hazardous material dropped off is fertilizer, weed killer and other lawn care products. Even though we have a facility to take them, the best option is to eliminate these dangers from our homes and consider natural products that don’t harm the environment.
When you visit this facility, don’t miss the free stuff they offer. Used paint is available for anyone who wants it. Gas and Kerosene cans and oil pans are also free for the taking. You can learn all about electronics and appliance disposal, composting and even sewage sludge to get a complete eco-education, “In Honor of Planet Earth”. Pete will be glad to “talk trash” with you, too!
In H.O.P.E.,
Tracy Himes (“Verde Mom”)
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