It drives me crazy that I have to throw my empty bottles and cans in the regular trash at my workplace. I live in New York City, but was raised with recycling as almost second nature. Why is it so hard to recycle in this city? Many of my friends who work in the city notice the same thing. Why no recycling options on the sides of streets, like trash cans? I resorted to bringing my own recycling bags and collecting cans bottles cardboard etc after work and recycling them myself. Who's in charge of this stuff?
2007-07-17 16:25:51 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Environment ➔ Green Living
Hmmm, I did not know that. Good business for you to start: building cleaners that recycle all the office waste. Obviously the companies in those offices don't realize the economic benefit of recycling.
Of course, since NYC dumps the majority of their garbage in the ocean, I guess landfill volume isn't a big cost issue with city council. Shameful.
2007-07-17 16:48:17 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Actually, a recent report shows that NYC is an above average green city in America, top 10 I think, despite lack of recycling. It is because people live in small spaces and don't drive as much.
There was a study a few years ago that recycling in NYC would not be energy efficient because of the transportation and spaces needed. I think that was why people in charge of this matter opt not for recycling.
The one in charge for the city is EPA, the one in charge for your building is the waste management company they employ.
Try not to consume those items in the first place. Use a cup instead of bottles. Plastic bottles are not worth recycling anyways. Canadian government has already ban the use of plastic bottles at government buildings except hospitals. They have all employees bring their own cups.
Don't worry about it too much. Since you live in NYC, you are probably more green than most Americans.
update: I found these clips from Penn & Teller. Thought you might be interested:
pt.1 http://youtube.com/watch?v=9oloM_dSoW4
pt.2 http://youtube.com/watch?v=gvfQ0iffj40
pt3. http://youtube.com/watch?v=Cnoj9MPpi54
2007-07-18 09:53:07 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was under the impression that New York has deposits on cans and bottles. If that is true, then the items you are talking about could be taken back to stores to redeem the deposits instead of being thrown into a recycling bin
2007-07-19 12:12:23 · answer #3 · answered by xg6 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋