Thanksgiving

 

It's estimated that Americans throw away 25% more trash during the Thanksgiving to New Year's holiday period than any other time of year. And more specifically, millions of pounds of food are typically wasted after Thanksgiving dinner. So what can we do?

Thanksgiving is a great time to focus on waste reduction, especially as we're thinking about what to be thankful for. Here are a few tips to help reduce Thanksgiving waste:

  • Plan dishes in advance to avoid excessive amounts of food
  • Save scraps for future cooking or add them to the compost pile
  • Avoid purchasing single-use table decorations
  • Stray from using disposable cutlery, napkins, etc.
  • Freeze or give away leftover food
  • Donate unused canned goods to a local food bank
  • Bring any inedible food waste to the Food2Energy facility

Did you know that refrigerated or frozen food boxes are actually garbage?

This means those pesky pie crust boxes, soda and beer boxes, and frozen pizza boxes should NOT be placed in your recycling bin! These boxes are treated with a wet-strength chemical to protect them from condensation. This chemical prevents recycling at recycling mills and can not be washed off or removed. Please place these boxes in the garbage! Think before you toss – don't be a wish-cycler.

With all your hard work to reduce waste this Thanksgiving, here are some tips on how to better prepare your recyclables before putting them in your bin:

  • Cardboard boxes – break down large boxes into smaller pieces to be able to fit more recyclables in your bin

  • Metal cans – rinse and include the lid as it can be recycled too

  • Bottles, jars, and containers – rinse out with a bit of soap to remove any food residue

  • Aluminum foil, plates, and trays – remove any food residue; foil can be balled and put in your bin

Whether it's being thankful for food or other possessions this Thanksgiving, let's do our part to minimize waste!

 

 

EcoDrop Utica

824 Sewage Plant Road, Utica, NY

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Saturday: 7:00 am – 2:00 pm

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Saturday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm




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