Ramsey Resident - 2003 - September/October

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14 Corrugated boxes are easy to recognize. They are often mistakenly referred to as cardboard boxes. They have a wavy layer, called "fluting ", between smooth layers, called "liner ". Recyclable corrugated boxes should be dry, clean and empty. Tape, glue and staples are okay, but plastic bindings should be removed. Non - recyclable corrugated boxes includes: • Corrugated boxes with permanently attached packing material (such as glued in foam or stapled in wood); • Wax - coated corrugated boxes (such as many meat and produce boxes); • Corrugated boxes contaminated with blood or paint; and • Corrugated boxes significantly contaminated with oil, grease, or other organic materials. RECYCLING CORRUGATED BOXES WHAT ARE CORRUGATED BOXES? Why Recycle Corrugated Boxes? . Corrugated boxes have been identified as one of the largest components in the waste stream. A waste sort study conducted in 1999 revealed that recyclable corrugated boxes make up over 3.3% (by weight) ofAnoka County's waste stream that was picked up by waste haulers. 2. 30.2 million tons of corrugated boxes are generated each year, which is roughly the equivalent of 215 pounds per person per year. (Source: Municipal Solid Waste in the United States: 2000 Facts and Figures, EPA, Office of Solid Waste) . 3. According to the EPA's Office of Solid Waste, 5.5% of discarded municipal solid waste that is land - filled or incinerated consists of corrugated boxes. (Source: Municipal Solid Waste in the United States: 2000 Facts and Figures, EPA, Office of Solid Waste). 4. Reduce the materials entering landfills. By volume, corrugated boxes are the second largest item in landfills and corrugated boxes are the largest item by weight. 5. Conserve natural resources and energy. By decreasing the need to extract and process virgin materials, recycling helps reduce or eliminate the pollution associated with material extraction and processing. 6. Encourage sustainable waste management and help conserve natural resources for future generations. 7. Support economic development efforts in recycling. Recycling contributes to job creation and economic development. Recycling creates or expands businesses that collect, process, and broker recovered materials as well as companies that manufacture and distribute products made from recyclable materials. Corrugated Box Preparation for Curbside Recycling Please remember that corrugated boxes, without a glossy finish, should be included with your curbside recyclables. Prepa- ration is easy. Simply cut them into 3 foot by 3 foot sections, flatten them, and bundle together with twine. For more information on Ramsey's Recycling Program, please call Chris Anderson at 763- 433 -9905 or e -mail at candersongei.ramsey.mn.us. As you grow older, you stand for more and fall for less. — Anonymous