I made an honest mistake in my recycling habits and included dry cleaning bags along with grocery bags for recycling in the "blue bin". Anyways, the recycling people put the entire bag of plastic into the trash bin. The only way I was alerted to this was because I opened the can to see if they had taken it yet. I'm really sad that they would throw it out rather than leave it in the bin so I could see that it isn't recyclable. Wegmans takes back plastic bags so I would have continued to bring it there. Luckily I savaged the bags and will bring them there.
My other problem is that I left a cardboard egg carton to be recycled and they left it in the bin. Buffalorecycles.com which is supported by the Mayor, Byron Brown, clearly states that it accepts them. I assumed that they won't take the styrofoam ones, but was shocked that they won't take a cardboard one. So why does there website say that they will recycle them?
Does anyone else have problems with their recycling? I would like to contact the mayor with as much info as possible. Why does Buffalo make recycling so hard when as Joel Giambra clearly states
"Recycling is a matter of importance, not just in Buffalo, but throughout Erie County. Your efforts reduce our reliance on area landfills, which cuts expenses and creates local jobs, and you'll be helping to preserve our beautiful landscape.
Remember that a commitment to our recycling program is a promise made to this region's future. Recycling-it's easy and it's necessary. Together we can make it work.
Buffalo needs more education on recycling. I would love my full-time job to be on community recycling education.
I found a recycling hot-line number that I am going to call with my questions. Their number is 858-6996 and is good for Erie County. I suggest you call them (e:tinypliny). My good friend next door lives in an apt complex and has the exact same problem. This program needs to be accessible to everyone. In addition, everyone needs to know what is recyclable. I do everything, including separating paper and cardboard in separate bins to have my recyclables included, but somehow I still have a problem. I'll update when I get a response from the recycling hotline.
Did anyone watch the video? It's so cute! I'm glad that (e:leetee) hasn't had any problems, but what about the rest of you? I really am curious about Buffalo's program. It seems like it could be so much more successful if everyone knew the details. So many people just get frustrated and give up.
btw. my mother said she brought reusable bags for grocery shopping. That is great, I haven't even done that yet. As soon as I can, I will.
We don't have problems with our recycling. We separate all the paper type things (newspaper, egg cartons, food boxes, scrap papers and doodles) in a paper bag, and then all the other things loose on the other side. i don't think we have ever had anything left in it or thrown into our trash bin.
I have a huge problem. My dear building - the Mayflower, doesn't recycle at all. It has 90 odd households and doesn't have a recycle bin!
They have a grey bin right by the elevator in the basement where people put in their newspapers and things which are supposed to be recycled, but an inside source told me that they just have the things put in this grey bin "taken away". I am not sure having it "taken away" by some random agency is equivalent to recycling.
I have been hoarding my recycling for nearly a month now. Paul and many others suggested that I get a bin from the city office and put down the recycling bin near the trash can, on garbage days.
There are two problems in carrying this out.
1. I work the whole week and the office where I am supposed to get the recycle bins isn't open on weekends.
2. If there is no recycling in my bulding - how can I be sure that the contents of the recycling bin I put out will be taken by the recycling chaps? What if its taken away by the garbage chaps? That will defeat the whole purpose. :/
I am somewhat annoyed by the whole non-recycling mentality of my building. I feel so guilty throwing away recycle-able things in the garbage, so I have been collecting them and the corner of my apartment where its all been piling up, looks awful. :/