Tag: Industrial Recycling

Some Plastics Become Trash as They Are No Longer Profitably Recycled

Some Plastics End Up in Trash if They Are Not Properly Recycled
Some Plastics End Up in Trash if They Are Not Properly Recycled

Americans have long been educated about the importance of recycling as a means of preserving the environment, but many don’t realize that it’s also a lucrative commodities business. Today, though, companies are seeing their profits dry up due to low crude oil and natural gas prices.

Falling Fuel Prices Cause Dwindling Recycling Profits

Fracking in Texas and other shale-rich parts of the country has resulted in significantly lower fuel prices. Over the past two years, crude oil has dropped nearly 60 percent while natural gas has dropped just over 40 percent. The cost of raw materials is now competitive with recycled materials, and even less expensive in some cases.

Effects on Recyclers and Municipal Clients

Most recycling is done for environmental reasons, so that segment sees no drop-off due to the price changes. Municipalities that count on recycling profits to pay their trash removal costs are bearing the brunt of the downturn.

The second-quarter report from Waste Management, the country’s largest trash collecting company, revealed a $5 million loss in recycling revenues largely caused by lost or renegotiated contracts in several cities. In order to remain profitable, recycling companies are being forced to reduce paybacks to contracted municipalities or even begin charging fees.

Improve Efficiency with a WasteCaddy Dumpster Mover from DJ Products

Recycling and trash removal are cumbersome but necessary tasks for every business. Our WasteCaddy dumpster mover lets a single employee easily maneuver waste bins, even up and down inclines or across snow and ice. Visit our website and chat with our sales engineers to find the best solution for your dumpster and material handling needs.

 

Americans Embrace Recycling

Hope Outshines Fear
Embracing Recycling

Recycling has become second nature to more Americans than ever. The EPA reports that the percentage of waste recycled increased from just 10 percent in 1980 to 34.5 percent in 2012. We’re recycling more now than even just a few years ago.

Recycling habits reflect a change in public opinion. People expect your organization to go green and take steps to reduce waste.

In the material handling industry, we have seen how automated solutions can streamline recycling efforts. With the right equipment, like our motorized dump hopper, workers can contribute to your company’s green initiatives while also handling trash more efficiently.

Highlights of recent EPA recycling data reveal that Americans recycle large percentages of many kinds of waste:

  • 65 percent of paper and cardboard
  • 68 percent of soda cans
  • 57 percent of yard waste
  • 18 percent of rubber and leather
  • 16 percent of textiles

As you can see, there’s a demand for recycling various types of materials besides paper, aluminum, and glass. Businesses are expected to minimize their landfill contribution in every way possible.

Eco-Friendly Trash and Recycling for Your Business

The first step toward handling trash responsibly is a system that makes it easy for people to recycle. Factories, schools, and other facilities that produce tons of waste can use a motorized dump hopper to provide an easy drop-off location for each kind of recyclable. An employee can then easily maneuver and move the waste to the appropriate recycling point when the hopper gets full.

Get more info about the motorized dump hopper and dumpster movers from DJProducts.com to jumpstart a recycling program at your organization.