Many recycling companies have a list of what they will and won’t accept for recycling pick up.  Some will take plastics while others won’t.  Others don’t’ want food waste in the trash while some pick up food waste for composting.  The average waste produced by Americans in the past few years totals around 292.4 million tons.  If recycling companies won’t pick up certain kinds of waste, maybe there is something else that can be done to continue to reduce the amount of waste put into landfills each year.  It could require using waste in creative ways to do our part to eliminate waste.

Plastic in Paved Roads

One way the state of California is trying to do its part to eliminate waste is by using plastic in paved roads.  Special machines mix ground-up asphalt with melted recyclable plastic to create a mixture that can be used to pave highways within the state.  Tests being performed have shown that these recycled materials can help the asphalt last up to three times longer than regular asphalt.

Dried Grass Clippings As Fireplace Logs

In the last decade, scientists have also discovered a way to recycle grass clipping.  The clippings are mixed with was and oil and then compressed to make an eco-friendly fireplace log.  Adding the wax slowed down the burning process to allow for a longer-lasting log.  Additionally, plans are in the works to turn this material into pellets for pellet stoves or even coals for campfires.

Upcycle Is the New Recycle

Because recycling is such an important part of taking care of the environment, there are many ways to do so.  Finding new ways to recycle is only one such important way.  Office recycling is also a great way to be sure businesses also play a role in keeping the environment safe.  Recycling companies offer office recycling plans for commercial recycling as well as recycling pick up to make it easier for businesses to do their part.  Whether you upcycle or recycle, it’s all in the best interest of our planet.  Mission Recycle can help, so give them a call today and get your business involved in a plan that is best for our future.