A Few Simple Steps for Going Green . . .

OK, so let's be honest, going green is quite the fad these days and we all know some of the reasons why this concept has become front page in our culture.  Landfills are overflowing, plants and animals are losing habitat space, and many scientists feel that humans have caused the earth to start running a fever.  But, it's not too late or too difficult for you to reverse some of these patterns. 

In the kitchen and around the house:
  • Try to only run the dishwasher when it is totally full and use re-usable dishes and utensils instead of paper.
  • Buy local foods to reduce transportation related pollution and encourage the sustainability of local farms (many of which create great habitats for insects, birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles).
  • Collect green waste and compost it in your yard.
  • Use cleansers and soaps made without toxic chemicals
  • Try to buy products that are produced in socially responsible ways and are packaged in environmentally friendly packaging
  • Reduce the amount of electricity, water and gas you use by purchasing "Energy Star" appliances and turning things off when you are not needing to use them!
When you leave the house:
  • Try to take the bus, ride your bike, walk or carpool!
  • Support eco-friendly vehicle production by buying an environmentally friendly vehicle or supporting organizations that produce these types of vehicles!
  • Shop at stores that provide organic groceries, natural fiber clothing, environmentally friendly appliances, etc.
  • Take a cloth bag with you to hold your groceries (many stores now have these for sale...you have to spend a little, but they last a long time and help control our landfills!)

Going Green Resources

Check out these websites for more ideas and resources to help you Go Green!

www.cabq.gov/sustainability

www.idealbite.com

Know a great website or have a suggestion?  Leave a comment in the guestbook or on the forum by clicking on the little icons up top!  Just close any windows that may pop up in your way.

Recycling Rules!

From the city's website:

Each Albuquerque resident throws away nearly five pounds of trash every day, or almost one ton each year! Recycling, along with reducing and reusing the trash we produce, is an important component in the effort to preserve our natural resources and reduce environmental pollution.

To ensure best service, safety, and health, please:

  • place all materials on curb no later than 7 am on your scheduled trash pick-up day.
  • make sure recyclables are clearly recognizable and accessible at the curb.
  • ensure that each bundle or bag weighs less than 50 pounds.
  • put recyclables at the curb, 5 feet away from your automated trash cart.
  • avoid overloading plastic bags to prevent tearing.

The following materials CAN NOT be recycled:

  • We DO NOT recycle styrofoam
  • We DO NOT recycle chipboard (cereal boxes)
  • We DO NOT service any recycle bin larger than 19-gallons.
  • Glass containers: Because of the potential for worker injury, glass IS NOT collected curbside.

The following materials CAN be recycled:

  • newspapers, magazines, & shopping catalogues
  • junk mail and home office paper
  • tin/steel (small pieces/containers), aluminum cans
  • All plastic bottles and jugs, any number, with a neck or screw top.
  • Plastics #1 and #2
  • corrugated cardboard (flattened)

How to Recycle

Plastic, Tin, Steel, or Aluminum Cans:

  • Use clear, plastic recycling bags (see below), small plastic shopping bags (double bag to avoid spilling or tie in a bundle) or a 19-gallon plastic bin to collect aluminum, tin, aerosol cans, and all plastic bottles and jugs
  • Containers should be cleaned and rinsed, with lids and caps removed. Labels need not be removed.
  • It is helpful, but not necessary, to separate plastics and metals.

Newspaper, Magazines, Miscellaneous Paper Products:

  • Use strong twine or rope, recycling bags, or small plastic shopping bags (double bag to avoid spilling or tie in a bundle) to contain newspaper.
  • Place remaining paper products in recycling bags. Clean out and remove all contents and flatten.

Corrugated Cardboard
Flatten or fold clean corrugated cardboard and tie with strong twine or rope into bundles weighing less than 50 pounds. Bundles should be no more than 4x2 feet.

Glass
Because of the potential for worker injury, glass is not collected curbside. You may take glass to one of 22 city-wide Recycling Drop-Off sites.

Other Materials
See a guide to nonresidential recycling, which lists options for recycling materials not currently included in Albuquerque's recycling program.

Recycling Bags

Many larger grocery stores and retail outlets sell clear plastic recycling bags. Any clear, sturdy plastic bag may be used for containing recyclables. Coupons for free recycling bags are mailed to Albuquerque residents in city water bills once per year in June, July, or August. Coupons are redeemable at the Solid Waste Management Department's main facility at 4600 Edith NE, at senior centers, and at some independent grocery stores. Recycling bags can also be purchased for $5.25 (tax included) for a roll of 30 bags
at various locations throughout the city.

What if I live in an apartment?

If you live in an apartment or do not receive curbside service, you can bring any of the above recyclables to one of 22 city-wide Recycling Drop-off Sites.

Missed Pick-ups

If your recyclables are not picked up on your regular collection day, call the Missed Pick-up Hotline at 505 761-8100. Pick- up will be made within 24 hours.