Trash Talk With Amber

24 Things Your Garbage Collector Wants You to Know https://share.google/PRZRhQcWtIlHUWaUo

If you dump your recycling off and we catch you we will press charges. There's no excuse for this, especially when the Centerville Fire Department has a bin for aluminum cans thats accessible 24/7. Cant meet the hours? Go somewhere else and STOP DUMPING!!!

We have to have an entire bin just for the things we pull out of the ones designated "Aluminum Drink Cans Only". Two things are going on here. Well maybe three things, lack of attention/apathy but lets explain the first two:

#1 we use a can crusher that will get jammed if theres anything a different consistency then standard soda/b**r cans shape (think: metal sunscreen bottle). Even the odd long neck and stout can shapes that have been put into circulation by the large b**r companies (Coors, Miller, etc.) have to be removed and hand added to the holding bin. (They bring a better price than if they went into the mixed metal bin). So please pay attention to your segregation. Some standard contamination includes metal/plastic lids, metal pop tops, metal caps, sunscreen bottles, peanut cans, aluminum bakeware, food cans, and aerosol cans
#2 some of these are not even aluminum and are, in fact, made of steel or mostly tin. These also jam the machine and throws off weight and dimishes the value of segregation.

Its extremely important that you follow rules specific to your local recycling center. In fact, get intimate with them. Get to know their rules and why things are done just so. It will make you think about your trash. Items that are not "standard" should be asked about.

There is no communication between manufacturers and recycling coalitions/operations/municipalities. Meaning new things are being made that has no way of being conveniently recycled or recyclable at all NO MATTER WHAT THE PACKAGING SAYS.

Celebrate Waste and Recycling Workers Week 2025 from June 16-24!

All things that can't go in the plastic bin for one reason or another.

I have mixed feelings about these "compostable plastics" because it's misleading. The average person would assume these bags will easily decompose if it's kept from the landill.

Nope...

The fine print actually posted on the bag states these are meant for commercial/industrial compost sites. Why? Because commercial composting facilities control the temperature and their piles get HOT, they want it hot, well over 140°F. Meabing, your average backyard compost bin just won't cut it and unless there's a facility near you (none in middle, GA) these need to go in the trash and definitely NOT your recycling bin. Don't "trash up" your recycling bin with these.

So with all these tariffs in the news, all I can think about is how Americans need to spruce up our recycling game. Implement standardized procedures, stop tiptoeing around manufacturers, end "One Stream" recycling, build more facilities, and ultimately create more jobs/money.

Also, I am back in the game everyone! Stayed tune and bear with me as I get Trash Talk with Amber rolling again. Coming back strong!

Gotta love this R2D2 trash can!

Let's all think, "Closed Circuit". Things end up places. There's no trash fairy.

This is a photo of a fox found dead last week. There were no signs of any injuries, so an autopsy was done, only to discover a balloon lodged in his digestive system. Pretty horrible way to go. I know people miss their loved ones, but releasing balloons into the sky does nothing but kill innocent wildlife, on land and in the sea. Just sayin’.