Post by tphase on Apr 3, 2012 11:14:27 GMT -5
Some ideas for managing waste which doesn't involve filling a wheelie bin and/or spending money ....
1) Compost. If you have the space, composting will deal with most of your food and garden waste and quite a bit of paper waste too
2) Recycle. Obvious I know, but be aware of your options.
Check what your local recycling centre will take without charge. If there are charges, what are they - it may well be cheaper than putting out a bin or a bag. eg there is a centre in Athlone which charges E2 per car for domestic recyclables so a lot cheaper than buying bags. If you get magazines regularly, would your local GP/dentist/barber be interested in them?
3) Offload. OK, so this is really putting the onus on someone else but if it's justifiable then I have no problem with it.
If you get a lot of work-related stuff delivered to your home (eg journals an the like), dispose of them at work. Leave excess packaging behind at shops and supermarkets. Return packaging for large items to the shop (you're entitled to do this and the shop is obliged to take it). I know someone who always disposes her car rubbish in the forecourt bin when she fills up with petrol (part of the service in service station, I guess)
4) Burning. No, I am not advocating backyard-burning, However some people will not burn ANY waste. If it's timber, I cut it up and use it as fuel. Plain paper burns too though I prefer to compost as much as I can (glossy stuff gets recycled). If you have time on your hands, make paper briquettes. Dried citrus peel makes excellent firelighters.
5) Smelly stuff. Since I end up storing my "landfill' waste for long periods, I don't put anything smelly in there. Anything in contact with fresh meat goes in the fire, fat also burns well, edible food goes into the cat, fish/crustacean remains go back to the sea if possible, otherwise into the fire. Dog poo is not an issue for me but if it were, I'd be flushing it down the loo - definitely not into the compost.
Should probably add some definite no-no's as well:
Flushing waste food down the loo is just dumb.
Equally so with sanitary items, baby wipes, kitchen roll or heavy tissue
Even worse, disposing of paint, solvents or other nasty liquids into the domestic sewerage system.
Anyone else got ideas worth sharing?
1) Compost. If you have the space, composting will deal with most of your food and garden waste and quite a bit of paper waste too
2) Recycle. Obvious I know, but be aware of your options.
Check what your local recycling centre will take without charge. If there are charges, what are they - it may well be cheaper than putting out a bin or a bag. eg there is a centre in Athlone which charges E2 per car for domestic recyclables so a lot cheaper than buying bags. If you get magazines regularly, would your local GP/dentist/barber be interested in them?
3) Offload. OK, so this is really putting the onus on someone else but if it's justifiable then I have no problem with it.
If you get a lot of work-related stuff delivered to your home (eg journals an the like), dispose of them at work. Leave excess packaging behind at shops and supermarkets. Return packaging for large items to the shop (you're entitled to do this and the shop is obliged to take it). I know someone who always disposes her car rubbish in the forecourt bin when she fills up with petrol (part of the service in service station, I guess)
4) Burning. No, I am not advocating backyard-burning, However some people will not burn ANY waste. If it's timber, I cut it up and use it as fuel. Plain paper burns too though I prefer to compost as much as I can (glossy stuff gets recycled). If you have time on your hands, make paper briquettes. Dried citrus peel makes excellent firelighters.
5) Smelly stuff. Since I end up storing my "landfill' waste for long periods, I don't put anything smelly in there. Anything in contact with fresh meat goes in the fire, fat also burns well, edible food goes into the cat, fish/crustacean remains go back to the sea if possible, otherwise into the fire. Dog poo is not an issue for me but if it were, I'd be flushing it down the loo - definitely not into the compost.
Should probably add some definite no-no's as well:
Flushing waste food down the loo is just dumb.
Equally so with sanitary items, baby wipes, kitchen roll or heavy tissue
Even worse, disposing of paint, solvents or other nasty liquids into the domestic sewerage system.
Anyone else got ideas worth sharing?