FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sarah Huoh, Public Relations Manager
(714) 685-6487 / (949) 283-8486 (mobile)
This Spring, Add a Little Used Drywall to Your Tulips
Waste Management urges customers to think about recycling, re-use
during spring clean-ups, renovations
EL CAJON, March 17, 2006 - As spring approaches and people are eager to start on remodeling and clean-up projects, Waste Management of San Diego encourages local customers to reuse and recycle their waste to save natural resources, landfill space and money on renovation and disposal costs.
“There are a number of great ways for people to reduce the amount of construction and demolition waste, since a lot of it like drywall, metal, concrete and lumber can be recycled,” said Carl Scherbaum, District Manager of Waste Management of San Diego. “With a little extra effort, people can improve not only their immediate environments, but also the environment that we all share.”
Waste Management suggests that residents consider these ideas to help the environment – and their pocketbooks:
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You can... |
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Drywall scraps |
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Have them ground down for use as soil amendment for your flowerbeds or lawn. There are a number of Web sites that discuss re-using drywall as a soil supplement – check to see what options are available in your area. |
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Quality used and surplus building materials |
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Donate to Habitat for Humanity ReStores, which re-sells items at a fraction of normal prices. Proceeds from ReStores help local affiliates fund the construction of Habitat for Humanity houses within the community. More information is available at www.habitat.org/env/restores.aspx |
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Old fixtures and hardware |
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Check with stores that specialize in the resale of used fixtures and hardware, including the Habitat for Humanity ReStores. You never know – your pink toilet might be someone else’s treasure. |
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Old carpet pads |
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Recycle your used carpet pads. Some recyclers even pay for used carpet and pads. |
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Wood waste |
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Recycle through wood waste processors. Some accept only clean wood that is untreated or unpainted while others take a mixture of waste woods. Disposal fees vary with each facility and some facilities may pick up loads and supply drop-off boxes for collection. |
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Insulation and floor and ceiling tiles |
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Remember to seek professional assistance when removing and disposing of building materials that could contain asbestos. For information about asbestos, contact your local air district at www.epa.gov/asbestos/index.html |
“It’s important that we recognize the recycling opportunities available for construction and demolition materials, since it often unnecessarily takes up space in our landfills,” said Scherbaum. “Home remodeling and clean-up can be a win-win situation for the environment, as well as for homeowners, builders and contractors."
Waste Management, Inc. is the leading provider of comprehensive waste and environmental services in North America. For more information about recycling, log onto www.wm.com.
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