Talking Trash

Are you starting to feel spooky? It's the season for channeling your inner witch, superhero, or TV character. But don't rush out and buy a costume! Halloween brings lots of ghoulish fun, but it can also generate a significant amount of waste, from costumes worn only...

“Breaking the Plastic Wave: Top Findings for Preventing Plastic Pollution,” a report published several years ago by the Pew Charitable Trusts and SYSTEMIQ, Ltd., predicted that with “business as usual,” ocean plastic pollution would triple by 2040. That would be the...

One bad apple can indeed ruin a whole barrel. It's also true that one contaminant at the curb can spoil an entire load of recyclables. In a new report, Best Practices for Reducing Curbside Recycling Contamination and Code Enforcement, the Solid Waste Association of...

Falling leaves are beautiful and a lovely part of walks this time of year. They light trees afire in colors of yellow, red, orange, and gold and give a delightful crunch underfoot. If raked into a pile, they are fun to jump into and toss about. But eventually, those...

When flushed down the toilet or poured down the drain, medications pollute our water and jeopardize public health by exposing people and wildlife to harmful chemicals. According to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), your unwanted medications could end up lost, stolen,...

Batteries are indispensable in our daily lives, powering everything from our smartphones and laptops to remote controls and children’s toys. These compact energy sources offer the convenience of portable power, enabling us to stay connected and productive on the go....

Do you visit your local library? If so, have you ever thought about the library as a great place to practice the second R — Reuse? Libraries offer a wide range of materials, including books, DVDs, CDs, magazines, and sometimes games, on various topics, as well as...

What's your favorite "R" word? Maybe it's one of these: Resource, Reuse, Recycle, Repair, Rethink, Renew, or Reimagine. If you chose "Reimagine," so did SWANA! This year's annual event has been reimagined to focus on waste as a resource. (There's another "R" word for...

Kids might be heading back to school, but there are still plenty of opportunities for families and friends to head outdoors and enjoy picnics in parks, backyards, and on beaches. While warm-weather gatherings are a time to relax and connect, they can also lead to a...