As a wildlife biologist and environmentalist I consider myself a steward for the planet. I’ve got some recycling info as I’m a serious recycler!

I constantly see my neighbors becoming more involved w recycling but making errors that makes their items end up on the trash truck headed for a landfill. I applaud their effort… but please break down your cardboard boxes!! Lol

Plastic bags can be dropped off for recycling at your local Walmart store

Needles should always be brought to some local doctors/vet/ medical offices or hospital some pharmacies, or a needle exchange program for diabetics and IV drug users. They need proper “sharps” disposal for the safety of sanitation workers and wildlife. They should never be flushed in toilet or placed in trash either.

Please stop using plastic straws altogether. Let’s not forget the two sea turtles found by a fishing vessel and a biology research vessel that had plastic straws up their nostrils and migrating towards their brains. Say no to plastic straws at restaurants. Establishments up the coastline have begun implementing paper straws. I purchased reusable metal dishwasher-safe straws for home use. They’re great and add a new level of cold to a nice beverage on a hot day. They also come in silicone and heavy duty plastic for washing and reusing.

According to SWA (Solid Waste Authority) which is the agency we report to and controls our local recycling effort in Palm Beach county and surrounding counties, plastic utensils, plastic pens, aluminum foil and pans (+ more) CAN go in your recycle bins

Also, China is now refusing recyclable materials from USA and globally if they contain more than 15% impurity. I fear the barges will return to our native ports empty none-the-less. Our life-providing ocean & its creatures can not tolerate more abuse. You can do your part by removing paper labels from cans and bottles. Be sure to remove the cellophane and foil from your cigarette packs. Take the plastic bag out of your cereal bib…etc.

Medicines, batteries, vehicle fluids and tires, paints, toxic chemicals and their empty containers… etc all have specific disposal or recycling requirements. Check with SWA or manufacturers for safe protocol on any item in question.

Remember to always

RECYCLE
REDUSE
REUSE
* go paperless
* go green

Save our planet and be considerate that we share it with other species.

Keep this in mind:

*A detrimental parasite is one that kills its host. If our family dog had such parasites, we’d feed it a chemical anti-parasitic drug to eradicate them. But what are we doing about our own parasitism and killing of our host…earth? We can do better immediately. Let’s.

Do your part in stewardship of the planet (and outer space which is now another version of a landfill) and speak out against noise pollution, electromagnetic waves, microwaves, air and water pollution, environmental pollutants, gas emissions etc

You can make a difference

Visit SWA at swa.org

see feature photo for local recyclable items to palm beach county FL.