Guide on Recycling Waste After Long Distance Moving From Toronto to Los Angeles

https://images.pexels.com/photos/12492301/pexels-photo-12492301.jpegNotable Challenges You May Encounter When Recycling Waste After a MoveWhile protecting the environment is a primary thing to do when relocating, it is essential to keep in mind that you may experience challenges, as highlighted below, while trying to do so:Limited access to proper recycling facilities that accept plastic materials: It may be challenging to dispose of waste appropriately and responsibly. This is because sometimes waste like plastic packing materials needs proper recycling, which can only be made possible if specific facilities are available. Additionally, not all plastics are widely accepted for recycling in the available facilities with findings from the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation (LCI) report showing that most of the plastic waste in LA is not recycled.Sorting and disposal of materials: Sorting recyclable materials and non-recyclable ones can take a toll on you. For instance, materials like metals, glass, and plastics need proper sorting, separate bins for storage, proper handling, and transportation, which can sometimes be time-consuming and costly.Existence of non-recyclable materials: Materials like Styrofoam which are non-recyclable have limited disposal options since they can't be placed in regular recycling bins. As a result, this can cause harm to the environment because if the non-recyclable materials are improperly disposed they may end up in waterways posing risks to marine life.Proper Ways of Recycling Different Materials After a Move to Los AngelesRecycling of materials like plastics is not just about reducing waste. It is also about dealing with the energy footprints of such materials and working on reducing them. Moreover a survey by the UCLA Engineering Extension reveals that Los Angeles has the highest recycling rate out of the 10 largest United States cities.1. Cardboard BoxesThe Waste Reduction Model by the Environment Protection Agency highlights that cardboard box recycling saves over 24% of the total energy needed for virgin production. That said, to recycle cardboard boxes, you can do the following:Break the boxes into pieces and flatten them, ensuring you remove labels and tapes.Take the cardboard boxes to a nearby recycling center or place them in a curbside recycling bin.However, to save on the cost of transportation that you may incur while transporting the boxes to a local recycling facility and to also save on time, you can consider re-using them in the following ways:Offer them to your neighbors, friends or family planning to move and they can use them to pack their items.Use the boxes as storage and organization options for items that don't need immediate access. This will save you the cost of buying new storage containers for your belongings.Use them for kids' personal or school creative DIY projects such as cardboard decorating or painting.2. Packing Peanuts, Plastic Materials and Bubble WrapSince most recycling centers don’t accept contaminated materials it is essential to ensure that your bubble wraps are not contaminated by oil, dirt or other substances. To do so, look for stains on the materials or run your fingers over it to confirm if it is sticky and oily.On the other hand, packing peanuts are more likely to accumulate dust and moisture. They may also pick up contaminants from the items being moved, which can compromise the protection of fragile items during shipping. Thus, ensure you do a color inspection and water test on the packing peanuts before disposing of them responsibly. Here is how to recycle:Find a local recycling center that accepts clean bubble wrap or a retailer like shipping stores and supermarkets with an active plastic recycling program and take them there.As for the packing peanuts, find a drop-off location or a dedicated collection bin for clean packing peanuts.Otherwise, you can keep them safe and reuse them to protect your fragile items during a future move or shipment. You can also donate the materials to local entrepreneurs and businesses for packaging purposes.Furthermore, re-using is a more ideal option mostly for foam blocks and packing peanuts which are made from Styrofoam (polystyrene) because they are not easily recycled as they are mostly air. According to Reddit user discussions one can download an app like Buy Nothing and post a picture of the packing peanuts for those interested to get it.

https://images.pexels.com/photos/7512846/pexels-photo-7512846.jpegEco-Friendly Alternative Tips to Help Reduce Waste Recycling Challenges After a MoveBelow are some of the best tips to use:Instead of using cardboard boxes use reusable containers and bins since they can serve as storage solutions after a move and reduce waste.Use recyclable packing peanuts that are made from natural materials or cornstarch to cushion your fragile items during a move.Opt for cloth or paper to wrap your delicate items rather than using the traditional bubble wrap. This will help reduce the use of unbiodegradable plastics. According to Torrance Recycles, packing peanuts made from plastic #6 is not biodegradable; therefore, instead of buying them, people should use eco-friendly options like newspapers or standard paper.Store your moving materials in a safe and well-conditioned environment for future use if you move again.Since plastic tape may hinder cardboard boxes from being recycled, it is advisable to use safer options like adhesive tape made from paper or natural fibers, which are readily biodegradable.Final ThoughtsTo sum up, instead of disposing your materials like cardboard boxes anywhere in the landfills consider using Materials Recovery Facilities (MRF) or drop-off and recycling centers committed to recycling waste.