Selective sorting of waste in Virginia
In Virginia for waste to be recyclable, it must meet specific criteria, benefit from a certain thickness or a certain composition. As a result, even materials considered recyclable have their own limits.
Cardboard or paper can be recycled very well, for example, but on condition that it is not too dirty, too humid, too thin and has not undergone special treatment.
This is the reason why paper towels or wallpaper are not among the recyclable products.
Recyclable materials
Same thing for glass, known to be 100% recyclable but which excludes crystal, mirrors, Pyrex dishes and even glass tableware, which must all be thrown away with conventional garbage.
As for the sorting symbols, they are apparently not as clear as they should be since the green dot, known to be the most famous of all, does not in any way mean that a product is recyclable but simply that the The company that put it up for sale participates financially in the collection and recycling of packaging.
Based on these details, we will begin our selective sorting by installing 3 different bins. One for ordinary waste, the other for recyclable waste and the third for glass. As for special waste, it will be necessary to make a very small effort to direct it towards the appropriate treatment method.
For example, there is no question of throwing away medicines with other household waste. Tablets, syrups, ointments and other aerosols contain polluting substances which must not come into contact with soil or water. Many medications are still thrown down the toilet when they can simply be returned to the pharmacy.
This also applies to batteries, which must be placed in the sorting bins available in supermarkets and specialist stores. This allows the material to be recovered while avoiding possible risks of pollution, including water pollution, knowing that a single battery thrown into nature could contaminate a thousand tonnes of water for around fifty years.
Many other collection points in Richmond or other places in Virgina are also scattered throughout the municipalities to enable the recycling and recovery of small household appliances, low-energy light bulbs and clothing.
Larger waste of scrap metal or materials will be transported to the nearest recycling center in Virginia.
The limits of recycling
But sorting errors aren’t everything. The low proportion of recycling in Virginia can also be explained by the very nature of the packaging, generally made up of a mixture of different materials.
A simple aluminum soda can, for example, has an interior plastic coating and is decorated with a thin layer of varnish on the exterior. Plastic packaging, for its part, is often made up of an amalgam of different plastics, practically impossible to separate from each other during the sorting phase.
Currently, only PET plastic can be recycled 100% without losing quality. Unfortunately, it still only represents a small percentage of plastics consumed.
How to rent a dumpster in Richmond, VA
The cost of renting a dumpster in Richmond, Virginia can vary widely depending on several factors. Dumpster rental prices are influenced by the size of the dumpster, the duration of the rental, the type of waste you’re disposing of, and the specific dumpster rental company you choose.
On average, for a standard 10-yard dumpster rental, you can expect to pay between $250 and $350 for a week-long rental. However, larger dumpsters, such as 20 or 30 yards, will naturally cost more, ranging from $350 to $550 or more for the same duration.
The type of waste you’re disposing of can also impact the cost. General household and construction debris is usually less expensive to dispose of compared to hazardous or special waste materials, which may require additional fees and compliance with local regulations.
The choice of dumpster rental company can be crucial in determining the cost. Prices may vary from one provider to another, so it’s a good idea to obtain multiple quotes and compare services to find the best deal (here is more info).
In Richmond, VA, some rental companies may offer additional services like same-day delivery, pick-up, and recycling options, which can affect the overall cost. It’s essential to communicate your specific needs with the rental company to get an accurate quote.
In conclusion, when considering the cost of renting a dumpster in Richmond, VA, it’s important to factor in the size of the dumpster, rental duration, waste type, and the specific rental company’s pricing structure. Shopping around and understanding your requirements can help you find the most cost-effective solution for your waste disposal needs.
