healthy living
Recycling for the health of our planet Separate, remanufacture or convert used or waste products LEA HANSON
Learn More
Garbage Garage www.larimer.org/SolidWaste/GG/GarGar.htm
W
aste has a huge negative impact on the natural environment. Even when waste is properly disposed of in safe, community landfills, harmful chemicals and greenhouse gasses are released from garbage. One of the simplest ways to contribute to reducing waste and the harmful side effects is recycling. By definition, recycling is the process of separating, collecting and remanufacturing or converting used or waste products into new materials. It helps extend the life and usefulness of something that has already served its initial purpose by producing something that is useable. Few people today are surprised by the option and importance of recycling and most northern Colorado families already do it. Yet, most families are not aware of the full breath of items that can be recycled rather than thrown into the trash. Recyclable materials commonly include biodegradable waste, clothing, glass, metals, paper, and plastics. Additional items that are often overlooked include yard waste, furniture, batteries, electronics, 16
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and even household appliances. The majority of us in northern Colorado are fortunate enough to live in communities that offer curbside recycling services. Meaning, we simply place recyclable materials into a separate bin and the sanitation service of our choice collects it, sorts it, and manufactures and/or repurposes it on our behalf. All of this for a fee that is affordable to most households. For those who choose to do the work themselves, there are a number of easily accessible locations in our communities to drop off your recyclable materials. Northern Colorado Recycling Drop-off Centers: ■ Larimer County Recycling Center
www.co.larimer.co.us/solidwaste/ recycle.htm 5887 South Taft Hill Road, Fort Collins ■ Fort Collins City Drop-off Facility www. fcgov.com/recycling/dropoff.php 1702 Riverside Avenue ■ Loveland Recycling Center www.cityofloveland.org/index.aspx?page=188 400 N. Wilson Avenue, Loveland
Located at the Larimer County Landfill in southern Fort Collins, the center had its grand opening in April 2003 and continues to host scheduled tour groups as well as drop-in visitors. The Larimer County Garbage Garage center features educational and interactive displays about the problems associated with an overabundance of trash. “Patty Packrat” directs visitors, starting with the Mountain of Trash and from there you can choose from a variety of exits into areas depicting various methods of handling waste: reducing, reusing and recycling or landfilling. Then enter the kitchen/garage area to learn what household hazardous wastes are and how to safely handle them. Tours include methods of handling waste. Garbage Garage is a popular educational destination for all ages ranging from pre-school-aged kids to senior citizens. They even offer scavenger hunts for kids’ groups.
Gallegos Sanitation, Inc. (GSI) Green Services & Education http://gsiwaste.com/green-services/ green-services-and-education/
GSI provides green solutions in all areas they serve including Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, Wellington, and Greeley. They provide education to children at schools, customers, and area business owners on the topics of resource reduction, recycling, composting and landfilling. ■ Brush Recycling Center
www.windsorgov.com/index.aspx?NID=619 801 Diamond Valley Drive, Windsor ■ Northern Colorado Disposal www.northerncoloradodisposal.com/ recycling.html 14902 WCR 64, Greeley