Diverse Recycling Solutions, LLC

Not only is recycling important to sustainability, it's important to financial sustainability too. Samsung has developed a new recycling process to increase their efficiency and decrease waste in their manufacturing processes. Not only does this mean that they're discarding less material, it means that their productions cost decrease too - meaning that they can pass those savings on to consumers! https://lnkd.in/eyig8Hja

In sustainability we talk a lot about plastic waste, and about food waste, but what about when the two are combined? Chewing gum, in its modern form, is made of synthetic materials that are functionally plastic. Most people spit it out in the trash, where it gets sent to landfill, but we've all stepped in enough gum to know that a fair amount ends up loose in the environment. Is there a better alternative? There might be! Some companies are working to create a biodegradable gum base, and others collect and recycle gum polymer into new plastics. https://lnkd.in/eHiz5TEZ

Flexible plastics are ubiquitous in food packaging for humans AND pets. They are nearly unavoidable, making it hard for consumers to reduce consumption, and they aren't really reusable. They're not even recyclable! Fortunately, PetSmart has launched a recycling program for plastic petfood packaging. Pet owners in Arizona and New Jersey can leave plastic litter, treat, and food packaging in special bins inside of PetSmart stores for specialized recycling. With nearly 74 million pet cats and approximately 90 million pet dogs in the US, that's a LOT of packaging! https://lnkd.in/e38Q97iW

From parks to green space, from the Sunset Park Materials Recovery Facility to the urban farming compost tours, this weekend is PACKED with fun and interesting ways to learn what happens to your waste after the bin. Check out Open House New York's lineup for more information! Of special note are the MRF tour on Saturday and the Sure We Can tour on Sunday! https://lnkd.in/dtFxH33

It's happened to all of us - you're standing in the kitchen, staring at the date printed on your food packaging wondering if your food is still good for a few more days or if it needs to go in the trash today. More often than not, caution wins and we throw it out, because human health is paramount. While that is the right choice because human health IS the most important consideration, there is also a better option. Once again, California is leading the charge in reducing waste by increasing clarity and communication in their sell by dates. By clearly establishing what the dates on the packaging actually mean we can remove the guess work and plan accordingly. Hopefully this clarity will help keep food out of landfills. Remember though! If you cannot reduce your waste, you can always recycle it by placing it in your compost bin. #reducereuserecycle https://lnkd.in/eQ-p_WEg

From businesses to event management to community design, one of the most critical parts of managing a group of people is figuring out a quick, easy, and efficient way to manage their waste. Big or small, any project requires clear communication about waste management expectations from generator to collector and vice versa. That's why at Diverse Recycling Solutions we emphasize the importance of clear, consistent, and concise communication and ongoing waste and recycling education. https://lnkd.in/eCDv9ifq

The NJ DEP has released a handout urging businesses to educate their employees about recycling, and to reduce contamination in recyclables. It may feel like a simple task, but everyone comes to the table with their own ideas. Recycling systems can vary by county, and can be different between businesses and residences. And that's not counting people who commute from out-of-state! Clear signage, consistent education, and a comprehensive setup are critical components of a successful recycling program. If you need help navigating program setup or ongoing education, Diverse can help! https://lnkd.in/epxdiYxP

Once again, California is leading the charge towards increasing the definition of what can be recyclable - they have passed the first #textilerecycling law in the US that requires clothing companies to take back and recycle old textiles. This won't take effect for a few more years, to give companies time to plan their solutions. Some are already ahead of the game, having voluntary limited take-back programs for things like down from winter coats and bedding. It will be interesting to see how effective this is. While people DO want to do the right thing, drop-offs are harder to use than curbside pickup plans. How well will this work? What new markets will this create? We're excited to find out! https://lnkd.in/gV2r_z7p

Big news - Keurig has reached a settlement with the SEC over misleading claims about the recyclability of their K-Cups. While Keurig neither confirms nor denies any of the allegations, they have paid a $1.5 million settlement. It will be interesting to see what this changes overall about their messaging, and how that is conveyed to consumers. https://lnkd.in/em6hC7tK

A recent study found that Gen Z, the youngest generation of adults, is the worst at recycling. This isn't a surprise. Raising a generation on "when in doubt, throw it out" and a flood of articles about how recycling isn't worth the effort has only created confusion and doubt. 53% of Gen Z respondents admitted that they are confused about what can and cannot be recycled. We have to step up recycling education and messaging, and present a clear and consistent message. https://lnkd.in/eJ9CSy49