I wash out break down and sort my recycling and saw today that all the recycling from the bins are just tossed in giant plastic bags (which I’ve checked, our council doesn’t process bagged recycling) before being dumped in the recycling dumpster. Who should I contact and what should I say without coming across as rude and preachy?

All responses are anonymous. 6 short questions. See link here: https://s.surveyplanet.com/noy6d3mb

I have friends who work in various places around where I live, and I've receive multiple reports that the recycling bins they display are merely for show. Both the garbage and recycling get dumped them into the same place. Is there anything I can do to to fight this?

Cringecycle / Cringecycling

The act of poorly recycling an item or using planned obsolescence stuff made for landfill with the careless consideration for future generations and the problems we create.

"I have heard of Hopecycling and Wishcycling before, but I have never been called out for Cringecycling. I lived my entire life under the belief that it is someone else's problem to deal with my waste, from my first single use diaper, every toothbrush I ever owned, to last nights takeout containers."

These are paper tubes with 60cm wide and 8cm diameter. Any ideas what to do?

Should I just chuck it in the recycle bin or what would be the best way to dispose of it? None of the broken glass actually fell off of it and it can still get a meager amount of charge (like, 25W), but it's not really worth it, I think... it sucks that I can't easily mount it tightly to anything in my available space, as my balcony setup isn't that great. Man...

Compostable cup that contains plastic. Looks like paper, inside seems like plastic and cup says compostable..

The egg tray manufacturing industry has undergone significant advancements in recent decades, evolving from manual processes to sophisticated automation. Central to this evolution is the shift in raw materials, which has led to improved sustainability, product quality, and cost-efficiency. This article will explore the raw materials used in egg tray production, highlighting their role in shaping the industry.

https://preview.redd.it/qofyb9v7juxd1.jpg?width=573&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ee7bfed35aafeeda3721e627e6d39921449348fa

1. The Foundation of Pulp-Based Products

At its core, the egg tray is a simple yet effective molded pulp product, designed to safely store and transport eggs. Traditionally, molded pulp products were made from discarded paper. Today, manufacturers are opting for a broader range of sustainable, eco-friendly raw materials that offer durability while reducing environmental impact. The following primary materials are commonly used in modern egg tray production:

• Recycled Paper and Cardboard: Most egg trays are manufactured using waste paper or cardboard, which is ground, mixed with water, and transformed into a pulp. Recycled paper is still the most widely used raw material due to its accessibility, low cost, and compatibility with most molding machinery.
• Newsprint and Mixed Office Paper: In some regions, newsprint or mixed office paper is utilized due to its softness and malleability. It also helps to create trays with a smoother finish, enhancing the appearance and texture of the final product.
• Natural Fibers (Bamboo, Bagasse, Straw): With a focus on sustainability, some manufacturers have transitioned to alternative natural fibers like bamboo, bagasse (sugarcane residue), and straw. These fibers decompose more quickly and are seen as a greener alternative to traditional recycled paper.

2. Why Raw Material Choice Matters

The choice of raw material can influence nearly every aspect of egg tray production, from durability to cost. Manufacturers need to weigh these factors carefully:

• Durability and Protection: Materials like recycled paper provide sufficient rigidity and cushioning for eggs, ensuring safe transport. Meanwhile, stronger natural fibers can offer enhanced structural integrity, making them suitable for trays exposed to humid or rough conditions.
• Cost and Availability: Recycled paper remains a cost-effective option, with ample availability worldwide. However, materials like bamboo and bagasse may be limited in supply, affecting pricing and feasibility in certain regions.
• Environmental Impact: Sustainability is now a priority across the industry. Using materials like bagasse and bamboo reduces reliance on virgin wood pulp, contributing to a smaller carbon footprint and appealing to eco-conscious consumers.

3. The Evolution of Egg Tray Production Methods

Alongside raw material diversification, production methods have advanced, allowing for more efficient manufacturing processes. Modern egg tray-making machines, especially rotary pulp molding systems, allow for faster and more consistent production, which is critical for large-scale manufacturing.

• Traditional vs. Modern Pulp Molding: In early egg tray production, batch molding techniques were common, with significant manual labor involved. Today’s rotary molding machines, however, offer high-speed production and greater consistency in shape and quality.
• Drying and Finishing Techniques: Once molded, egg trays require drying and finishing, which can be energy-intensive. The shift toward energy-efficient drying methods, such as solar drying or hot pressing, reduces production costs and supports sustainability goals.

4. Looking Forward: Innovations in Raw Materials and Design

The future of egg tray manufacturing will likely include continued exploration of new materials and advanced production techniques. Research into biodegradable and compostable additives could soon make trays even more eco-friendly, addressing the end-of-life disposal concerns that consumers and regulatory bodies are increasingly prioritizing.

Additionally, companies are exploring designs that reduce material usage without compromising strength, thereby minimizing raw material costs and waste. For instance, lightweight trays with ribbed structures may soon become more common, combining durability with reduced material consumption.

Information from : https://www.hghyeggtraymachine.com/what-are-the-raw-materials-for-egg-trays/

Fairlife milk bottles have this plastic wrap on them, and no label from how2recycle. My city doesn’t give information about whether these are accepted, with or without the label on. Any ideas? I can contact my city next if nobody knows.

i am i guess a newbie recycler, the place i live doesn’t have anything that makes it easy to recycle. the only thing i’ve ever seen is in my walmart there’s bins for aluminum and plastic- but they’re filled with trash because people don’t care. i’ve tried researching but i literally don’t know how to find a place where i can take my things to recycle. any tips?

Keep your pets safe!

In 2023, ATRenew (NYSE: RERE) Group reported total revenue of 12.97 billion yuan for the full year, a year-on-year increase of 31.4%. In the second quarter of 2024, the group's adjusted operating profit increased by 81% year-on-year to 94.07 million yuan, setting a new record high; the operating profit margin increased from 1.8% last year to 2.5%, marking eight consecutive quarters of profitability.

Good news: I have a nearby facility that recycle almost everything, as long as it's clean and sorted. All the types of plastic, as well as metal, aluminum, glass, fabric, styrofoam, cardboard, electronics, etc.

Bad news: It has to be sorted. All of it.

So far I've been tossing all my recycling into a big bin, and when it's full sorting it into about 12 reusable bags. This is so time consuming. I'd love to see other's systems or ideas for convenient sorting!

Edit for clarity.