Wicked Magazine Your Breaking News Reference 2024-09-26T18:40:51Z https://wickedmagazine.org/feed/atom/ WordPress johnreporter <![CDATA[The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976]]> https://wickedmagazine.org/?p=1693 2024-09-26T18:40:51Z 2024-09-26T17:03:00Z The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA, pronounced RIK-rah) is a federal law that governs the care of hazardous waste to protect human health and the environment. October 21, 1976 – RCRA established a structure for the regulation of hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste. It was an answer to concerns about the environmental and health impacts of growing waste generation.

Historical Context

During the late 1960s and early 1970s, a new kind of environmental consciousness emerged in the U.S. with widespread public concern about water pollution, oil spills (including Santa Barbara) and air quality issues like smokestack emissions in major American cities like Charleston.

Not until 1970, when Rachel Carson published Silent Spring and the first Earth Day was held in response to growing public concern over pollution and waste management, did our day-to-day lives change. The environmental movement worked closely over a short period of time, establishing key regulatory bodies like the EPA in 1970. It was increasingly evident by the mid-1970s that current legislation could not deal with emanated waste study cradle-to-grave, and implementation of the RCRA ensued.

Key Provisions of the RCRA

The RCRA codified a wide variety of statutes aimed at managing waste from the time it is generated until its ultimate disposal. Key components include:

Cradle-to-Grave Management: RCRA created a comprehensive “cradle-to-grave” system of hazardous waste management. This entails tracking hazardous wastes all the way from production (generation) to treatment and containment, and culminates in their ultimate disposal. Regulations governing the handling and documentation are very strict and all generators of hazardo us waste must have their own regulations to follow.

Classification of waste as hazardous waste: The act establishes criteria for classifying a waste as hazardous. It also contains lists of specific hazardous wastes and characteristics such as ignitibility, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity. This system classifies wastes that need to be managed in special ways.

Permits & Standards: RCRA requires hazardous waste TSDFs to obtain permits from the EPA or authorized state authorities. These permits are designed to ensure these facilities meet strict environmental standards to prevent air, water and soil pollution.

Solid Waste Management: Along with hazardous waste, RCRA also controls non-hazardous solid waste. In addition, it urges states to make comprehensive litter control plans and initiates programs to reduce waste and encourage recycling.

State Flexibility and Authority: In the same way that RCRA authorizes state initiatives, it allows states to implement their own hazardous waste management program as long as they are consistent with federal regulations. It allows states to adopt approaches that are adapted to suit local needs and conditions.

Citizen Involvement: This act recognizes that the public participation is paramount to waste management decisions. Right to information about the activities of hazardous waste law and citizen involvement in permitting

Impact and Achievements

RCRA has been instrumental in shaping the way wastes are managed across the U.S. and waste management practices since its enactment. The legislation also paved the road for national standards regarding mismanaged hazardous waste, which in turn had safer practices and a lowered health risk in its wake. RCRA created a structure of resource conservation programs that provides guidance for states to improve local waste management infrastructure, and to promote best management practices for the environment.

RCRA has also been a stimulus for many innovations in waste management, such as recycling and waste minimization. It has generated measures to encourage the thinking about waste as a resource. Expand on that philosophy, and you have the EPA’s “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” hierarchy that was instigated as a reflection of RCRA.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite its reputation for success and a voluminous corpus of dense regulations RCRA has been proven as an ongoing challenge. Although the act was an important piece of progressive legislation focusing on solid and hazardous waste management, new types of waste such as electronic waste and pharmaceutical waste pose emerging issues that demand fresh regulations and potential programmatic changes.

In addition, the application of RCRA can differ greatly from state to state. Other states may have very well-designed programs on the books, but limited resources and direct service capacity. This mismatch can drive holes in waste management and enforcement.

Moreover, the legislation is regulation-driven and compliance-centric which could impede original waste management solutions. The impact would have gone too far, some critics argue, with a more flexible approach that permits creative solutions able to improve waste-reduction efforts.

Future Directions

Beyond the immediate horizon, RCRA will have to accommodate changes in the waste management landscape. This includes tackling emerging waste streams, increasing recycling, and driving sustainable practices across sectors. The promotion of circular economy (CE), in which waste is minimized by reusing resources at each stage, is essentially linked to the original model expressed by RCRA and at the same time an innovation opportunity.

Given the rising environmental awareness, RCRA still serves as a crucial instrument in the U.S. government’s trash stewardship efforts. By promoting cooperation on a federal, state and local level as well as by bringing the public into waste management decisions, RCRA will keep on safeguarding human health and the surroundings for some years more.

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 is a cornerstone of US environmental law that set out the write to control created into hazardous waste by open dumping, treatment or storage before disposal. Thus, RCRA has contributed handsomely through the framework it sets out for hazardous and solid waste management in protecting public health and the environment. RCRA will continue to be an important tool in the realm of waste management and sustainability even as the landscape of waste management grows and changes.

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johnreporter <![CDATA[Effective waste management in Texas]]> https://wickedmagazine.org/?p=1688 2024-08-16T15:49:56Z 2024-08-16T15:42:05Z Proper waste management in Texas has become increasingly important to all Texan individuals, businesses and communities.

By following sustainable practices such as reduce, reuse and recycle, not only can we minimize our environmental footprint, but also make the most of available resources. So let’s cover practical steps to applying these principles into your life and work.

Reduce Waste

Waste reduction at the source is an essential first phase of achieving a sustainable waste management. so do the following:

  • Opt for Sustainable and Minimal Items.
  • Choose products with minimal or no packaging also helps, as well as zero waste alternatives.
  • Buy in Bulk, the less packaging the better, and buying in bulk will help you avoid throwing away products that have not yet been consumed.
  • Avoid Disposable Products.
  • Choose to reuse: Stainless steel water bottles, cloth bags and metal straws instead of plastic.
  • Find out more about such effective rubbish removal; cutting down strategies and their significant role in environmental improvement.

Reuse existing materials

Keeping useful products in circulation longer and avoiding the need to make new ones accomplishes a similar goal with REUSE.

  • Repair and reuse.
  • Don’t throw away – repair. This extends their lifetime and wastes less.
  • Donate and exchange.
  • Clothing, furniture and electronics can be donated or traded rather than being discarded. There are many platforms and other organizations making these exchanges possible.
  • Upcycling: take used items and re-invent them into fresh, new objects or works of art. It can ensure that materials remain useful and creative in the way they are re-used.

Recycle correctly

This lowers the consumption of natural resources, as recycling creates new raw materials from waste.

Know the sorting rules

In each municipality in Texas such as Dallas or Lubbock, waste sorting rules can vary. They are things which need to be understood and followed for a successful recycling.

Before being thrown into the sorting bin or a dumpster rental, recyclable materials must be clean and dry. This action will help prevent contamination of the other recyclables and increase the quality of the recycling. Recyclable materials must also be brought to the dedicated centers. For example, batteries or other electronic devices and even some chemicals must be taken to specialized centers for appropriate treatment. Other strategies to optimize waste management include the following:

  • Awareness and education: It is important to inform and educate people on the need for reducing, reusing, and recycling.
  • Implementing waste management programs: Businesses and communities can implement programs to effectively manage waste. For example, composting residual organic waste or selective collection is a good example.
  • Collaborate with local partners: organizations specialized in recycling and waste management can present innovative ideas and make an initiative more effective.
  • Reduce Choose sustainable products, buy in bulk and avoid disposable items.
  • Reuse: Repair and use items, donate and exchange goods, do upcycling.
  • Recycle: Know the sorting protocols, have clean recyclable materials, bring specific waste to recycling centers.

All these actions have benefits for the environment:

  • Reducing the carbon footprint.
  • Improving waste management helps decrease emissions from the landfilling and incinerating.
  • Preserving natural resources: reusing and recycling reduces the necessity of the extraction of new raw materials.
  • Financial benefit: reducing and recycling waste presents a significant cost saving in terms of buying materials and managing waste.

Working with the reduce, reuse and recycle principles will permit all of Texas residents to help in a greater sustainable surroundings. For these reasons, responsible waste management isn’t just about the environment but also improving our well-being and having a more efficient use of resources that can help to save money.

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johnreporter <![CDATA[Waste Not, Want Not: Unveiling the AI Revolution in Waste Recognition]]> https://wickedmagazine.org/?p=1683 2024-01-20T16:24:04Z 2024-01-20T16:12:06Z AI and waste recognition – Why it works so well

In urban environments such as large cities like Akron, OH, one of the biggest problems is waste management. The combination of businesses and residential areas creates a lot of waste to manage. And it’s only getting worse – according to the World Bank, global waste generation is expected to increase by 70% by 2035. So how can we deal with all this trash?

One solution is to use artificial intelligence (AI) for waste recognition. AI can help us not only recognize different types of waste, but also sort them for recycling or reuse. Let’s take a look at how AI is being used for smarter waste management and why it works so well.

What is AI-powered waste management

The term “AI-powered waste management” simply refers to the use of artificial intelligence in relation to waste management. We might associate AI with computer chips, luxury cars and Big Data, but, in reality, AI is already being used in a variety of ways to manage the infrastructure around us – and that includes waste management.

For example, smart bins can be used to notify waste management companies when bins are full, meaning collection routes can be optimized, labor reduced and fuel saved. Alternatively, AI can be used to match people with nearby services and waste sites, ensuring that more waste is sent to recycling centers rather than landfills.

While there are different ways to use AI in the waste management industry, it is AI-powered garbage sorting that can truly revolutionize the industry and transform our environment.

What is AI-powered garbage sorting

When waste is thrown away, it must be sorted before valuable items can be recycled. This happens at a materials recovery facility, or sorting center, and the increasing value of recyclable materials means that there is a stronger economic case than ever for sorting and recovering materials that would have already been put away in landfills.

However, before waste can be recycled, it must be sorted and treated. This means that different types of waste must be separated. Separating paper from plastics or eliminating hazardous waste ensures that each type can be treated safely and appropriately, with the maximum amount of waste then sent for recycling. Recycled materials avoid being sent to landfill, with the resulting harmful environmental impact.

Until recently, garbage sorting was done by a combination of human workers and mechanical sorting and mindless machines. Now, intelligent waste sorting using artificial intelligence, combined with robotics, can streamline the task and increase the speed and accuracy with which waste can be sorted. It can even differentiate between food and non-food grade plastics, creating new markets with higher value yields due to increased purity.

Dumpster HQ Akron provides the equipment necessary for intelligent waste sorting. Our cutting-edge AI computer vision system scans waste and identifies materials into 28 different classes. With real-time data, plant managers can see exactly what the waste is and take appropriate action to ensure the efficiency of the waste sorting facility. Additionally, robotics can be used in combination to further automate the sorting process, using robotic technology to reach 33,000 picks in just 10 hours.

AI-driven robots are capable of working for long hours at a constant speed, allowing waste sorting to continue for an extended period of time, with AI-powered waste detection capability that is as accurate than the human eye.

For recycling facilities, this means improved yields, increased productivity and reduced costs, as well as an increase in the number of valuable materials sent for recycling.

How can AI help the environment

Artificial intelligence is changing the way we live and there is no doubt that it can have a positive impact on the environment. In the waste management industry, the potential impact of AI on the environment should not be overlooked.

Currently, a significant proportion of waste is sent to landfills (around 34% in the USA in 2022), sometimes even when the person throwing away the waste intends to recycle it. If waste is placed in the wrong recycling bin or if waste is mixed, for example, the added burden of sorting and separating waste may be considered excessive in terms of cost and time. In such cases, potentially recyclable materials may be unnecessarily recycled into landfills, where they produce greenhouse gases (GHGs), release toxins into the surrounding area and disrupt natural biodiversity.

However, when artificial intelligence is used for waste segregation, material recovery facilities can separate waste with the added benefits of AI robots capable of working for long periods of time consistently. This naturally increases the economic case for facilities undertaking this task and, in turn, reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills.

So the installation of AI garbage sorting technology has a direct and beneficial impact on the environment, as well as financial, operational and commercial benefits for waste management companies.

AI and circular economy

A circular economy promotes economic development through the reuse, repair, recycling and refurbishment of existing materials. When all materials are reused or recycled, waste is eradicated along with its negative impact on the environment.

It is often believed that transitioning to a circular economy and drastically reducing or eradicating waste is the ultimate way to protect the environment and this can certainly have a positive impact on our natural environment. Of course, how we treat waste and how much waste we recycle is a key tenant of a circular economy and making sustainable waste management profitable via AI garbage sorting takes us one step closer to this reality .

Use of advanced technologies in the waste management industry

Cutting-edge technologies, such as AI, computer vision and machine learning, are already used in our daily lives. From businesses using AI to do more sustainable business to homeowners in Ohio using artificial intelligence to reduce their energy consumption, there are countless ways technology can reduce our environmental impact.

However, when we apply AI to waste management on an industrial scale, we can see the greatest environmental and financial savings, which is why AI garbage sorting is such an important development.

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johnreporter <![CDATA[Moving Waves: Navigating the Shifting Currents of the U.S. Moving Market]]> https://wickedmagazine.org/?p=1671 2023-09-19T17:45:24Z 2023-09-19T17:34:04Z The moving market in the United States is known as one of the most favorable during the 1950s. In fact, nearly one in five Americans moves every year. However, the moving market in the United States has seen a major decline. Currently, according to the latest census, less than one in ten Americans moved last year. This represents half as much compared to the 1950s.

The moving market in the United States has therefore lost its historic frenzy and has given way to monotony. Between March 2018 and March 2019, only 9.8% of Americans moved. In addition, the country remains one of the most popular living destinations, so expatriates are still there in the United States. Thus, the moving market in the United States is in full reconstruction and is full of opportunities.

The causes of the collapse of the moving market in the United States

According to the New York Times, data collected regarding the moving market in the United States shows a decline in activity. This is due to the change in the economy and the housing market, which represents the causes of Americans’ sedentary lifestyle. However, the moving market in the United States was for a long time the most mobile in the developed world.

The moving market in the United States: rising rents

One of the main causes of the decline in activity in the moving market in the United States is linked to the real estate market. Indeed, rent prices have soared in large cities. This hampers the moves of young people, who are looking for new employment, study or other opportunities.

But not only that, historically Americans are known as travelers, many families move regularly for work. They settle in cities where work is most abundant and the salary is most attractive. These days, families can no longer move as easily as they once did. On the other hand, salaries are almost all the same depending on the city and region.

What is the profile of Americans who move

The moving market in the United States is generally driven by young adults. Indeed, we notice that older people are much less likely to move than young people. This is explained by the search for a job offer on the part of young people or by the desire to study in major schools. In addition, in recent years, many households have decided to move to the suburbs. In fact, they are looking for a larger and often less expensive house.

This is why more and more people are leaving the center and settling in the outskirts so as not to lose their proximity to their jobs and schools. Finally, with regard to the elderly, we note that the main concentration is on the coasts of Cape Cod or towards Miami in the south. As for the north, retirees are moving closer to spas in Georgia or the state of Arkansas.

Where are Americans moving

When it comes to moves by Americans within their own country, 60% of them are moves within the same county. The moving market in the United States therefore mainly concerns Americans. However, a new trend is taking place. People in the USA are now deciding to move to states and regions that agree with their political opinions.

Additionally, this therefore acknowledges that Americans move to states where they feel safest and freest. Because certain laws vary depending on the State, such as the right to abortion or the right to own weapons. There are therefore regions which are becoming more and more Republican, such as Texas or Georgia. And on the other side, there are regions which are strengthening their democratic political opinions such as California or Colorado.

The moving market in the United States: employment and education

The United States has always been considered the country of diverse opportunities, whether professional or educational. Indeed, people who move to the United States come to look for work to improve their skills and enrich their experience. Likewise, for many, moving to a new country means a new beginning. Some will take the plunge into entrepreneurship by creating a company.

As for students, going to study in the United States brings a huge plus to their CV and also broadens their skills. Higher education schools, however, are fee-paying and expensive for the majority but are particularly recognized throughout the world. Additionally, it is very common in the country for students to find part-time or seasonal employment. International job opportunities are one of the main reasons expats move to the country. In fact, the moving market in the United States has always been a great source of income.

The moving market in the United States: cultural discovery

In addition to the country’s great geography, the United States is also known for its cultural diversification. Indeed, the country measures almost 10 million km² and brings together a large part of the world’s ethnic groups. The national language is English for 32 of the states, followed by Spanish.

You will have understood, the country welcomes people from all over the world and their language with it. Regarding gastronomy, here too we find the diversification of cultures present in the territory. In addition, the country has many traditional dishes, such as American spare ribs or Thanksgiving turkey. Likewise, festivals and celebrations are also present and specific to the country. For example, Thanksgiving, Halloween or even Martin Luther King Day. The multicultural aspect of the country attracts many people, who will be able to find a part of their old home in their new country of residence.

The moving market in the United States: quality of life

To begin with, the United States is known for the quality of its health care system. There are many doctors, surgeons, nurses and dentists recognized in the region. On the other hand, unlike Europe, health services are not covered by social security. You will therefore have to pay them out of your pocket. Likewise, you will be subject to specific laws depending on the state you are moving to. You will therefore be able to find out about the laws applied in all states and choose those that best suit you.

The moving market in the United States: moving prices

The average price of a move to the United States is $1,000 to $8,000. In addition, it will depend on the company you use, but also on the volume of goods to be transported. In addition, the United States has a vast area, the price of your move will also depend on the region to which you are going.

Indeed, everything will depend on whether you want to live in Massachusetts, or in the state of Florida, for example. Finally, to ensure that your move goes smoothly, consider using a local moving company, like EasyMoving if you are moving in or from Boston. They know the moving market in the United States perfectly and will therefore be able to help you best.

The moving market in the United States: choosing the right mover

We therefore advise you to call a professional like EasyMoving. First, you will need to choose a few moving companies that have good online reviews. Then find out about the reliability of the company by looking at customer reviews and the legal existence of the company. You will then need to contact the professionals who interest you the most and request a quote.

You can then compare them according to the services they offer (administrative assistance, materials suitable for moving) and the prices charged.

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johnreporter <![CDATA[How A US Recycling Facility Works]]> https://wickedmagazine.org/?p=1647 2022-05-21T17:16:50Z 2022-05-21T16:45:27Z What Are Recycling Facilities Industry In The USA

The recycling facilities industry in the USA is where dumpster rental companies bring waste to be recycled.

These are organizations who provide storage and collection services for waste products. Almost everyone who is aware of the existence of dumpster rental companies has come across them in their daily lives. For instance, if you have ever been to a construction site, you have seen dumpster rental companies in action.

When a company is renovating its facilities or rebuilding houses, dumpster rental companies are at work, too. Plus, they play significant roles in transporting and disposing of solid waste products. This industry does not include government bodies that directly serve services to the public.

How Does A Recycling Facility Work

Factories such as recycling facilities take in recyclable waste and classify it into specified categories before processing and refining it to become raw materials for other industries.

For example, small businesses sort and package recyclables by hand in their local communities, while larger businesses transform recyclables into raw resources and resell them on the global market. There are many municipal trash management programmes that include recycling, and the business grows as a result of consumer expenditure and the packaging materials it generates (paper, plastics, etc…).

What Are E-Waste Recycling Facilities

There are many e waste recycling facilities in US. There are many eco-friendly methods for disposing of e-waste junk.

You can repair your own e-waste and sell it. If the broken devices are beyond repair, then you can scrap the e-waste. E-waste recycling facilities have bought the technology which allows them to dispose of the waste in an environment-friendly way.

If you have e-waste, you can sell this to these recycling facilities. They will fix the devices and then recycle it. There are many other companies which will buy e-waste directly from the person who has this type of waste materials. You can also use dumpster rental service in Albuquerque to dispose of your waste. You can also look for e-waste recycling companies in your area and contact them.

How Recycling Facilities Sort Waste

There are three main methods for sorting recyclables in the US waste management system: manual sorting, mechanical sorting and optical sorting.

Manual sorting involves trained personnel manually sorting the recyclable waste. The first stage of sorting is to sort the materials by hand or by hand and forklift. Materials are placed in different containers, depending on their type, grade or color. In manual sorting, the workers have to manually remove the non-recyclable materials to ensure the quality of recyclable material.

Mechanical sorting is a process whereby the material is passed through a machine that will sort out the different types of material. Optical sorting is a process where material is either sorted using an optical sorter or using a human operator. The optical sorter uses an optical sensor to detect the different colours of the material. The human operator classifies the material into different piles manually. Dumpster rental services are an important part of supporting recycling facilities.

Why Is It Important To Recycle E-Waste

When you throw your electronic waste (e-waste) in the trash, it often ends up in landfills or worse, in the oceans. Trash like this can pollute the water and the surrounding environment and can cause both human health and environmental issues.

Recycling e-waste is important because it keeps toxic materials out of water and landfills and reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. It also reduces the amount of energy required to produce new electronic products, thus reducing pollution from power plants.

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) recommends that you keep your e-waste out of the trash and instead recycle it through local e-waste recycling facilities or through a waste management company.

Why Recycling Facilities Are Important

In this world, there will be many kinds of waste and recycling is the best way for us to get rid of these wastes in the cleanest possible way.

When people dispose of their waste in a recycling facility, it will be reused and made into new products. This will keep it from going into a landfill where it will take up space and pollute the surrounding environment.

Another reason why recycling is important is that can helps save energy and preserve landfills’ space. Recycling not only helps our planet, it also helps our economy. If we recycle, we can save money and help our economy grow in a greener way.

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johnreporter <![CDATA[How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Dumpster]]> https://wickedmagazine.org/?p=1633 2022-04-30T20:22:36Z 2022-04-30T20:01:08Z Residential Vs Commercial Dumpsters

EPA regulates waste management in the USA, and this includes dumpster rentals. Most dumpster rental businesses cater to both commercial and residential customers. However, even though both sorts of trash can be hauled away, their costs and usage may vary depending on the types of waste you are disposing of.

Anyone who has a lot of waste to dispose of can use a commercial dumpster. They can also be rented by construction companies to store demolition waste, including wood, siding, drywall and other building debris. The cost of renting a business dumpster can go up if you have to dispose of these goods.

Commercial dumpsters often have greater weight and volume restrictions than residential dumpsters, and they can handle food waste too.

Residential containers tend to be smaller and lighter in weight than their commercial counterparts. Even if the volume of a dumpster is the same, the weight capacity of a commercial one may be higher at 20,000 lbs than a residential one at 6,000 lbs.

Commercial dumpsters, on the other hand, are more expensive than residential dumpsters. In contrast to residential dumpsters, many business dumpsters have long-term goals, which might have an impact on expenses.

Dumpster Rental Prices By Rental Period

Temporary dumpster rental rates can range from $25 per day to $1,200 per month depending on the type of project and how long you need the dumpster on site.

Renting a dumpster for a month at a time is less expensive than renting a dumpster for the day. Many dumpster firms like Dumpster HQ Simpsonville provide a discount on additional days after the first week of renting a dumpster. A dumpster may cost $350 for the first week, and only $5 per day for each day after that.

Although hiring a dumpster every week is the most usual, several companies now offer daily and monthly choices. Because the drop-off and pick-up method for the rental company is the same no matter how small the rental term, the cost of renting one for the day is not usually decreased. An all-week rental might be a better option than a one-day rental, especially if you’re not sure how long your job will take or prefer to take your time.

Small Dumpster Rental Cost By Size

Costs for renting a two-cubic-yard, 400-pound dumpster in a residential neighborhood start at $75 a week.

The weekly cost of debris removal might range from $100 for smaller options to $300 for bigger ones. A small dumpster should be adequate for a modest-scale operation, such as a room renovation or spring cleaning. Construction waste can be stored in roll-off dumpsters that have a wider opening and shorter sidewalls. Even small trash containers, with taller sides & fewer apertures, might be used for this purpose.

What Size Roll-Off Dumpster Do People Need

For a 10-yard dumpster that can contain 2 to 3 tonnes of debris, you could expect to pay approximately $200 each week, while for a 40-yard dumpster that can carry 5 to 6 tonnes of debris, you could expect to pay around $800 per week.

It is best to use the commercial roll-off dumpster when you require a container that can accommodate at least 10 cubic yards of waste. A flatbed truck is what gives them their name because that’s how they’re often transported to a dump site. Renting a roll-off dumpster is priced based on how many cubic yards it can hold and how much trash it can carry.

There is normally no weight restriction on the size of the dumpsters provided by rental businesses, so you can fill them with anything you want to get rid of.

The cost of renting a container is based on the dimensions of the container. Unless you go above the weight limit, there will be no further fees. Weight restrictions vary depending on the area and the landfill.

Road safety regulations and landfill weight fees vary from city to city and county to county. When renting a roll-off container, be sure to explain the scope of your project to the dumpster rental provider. They can help you determine the best size and weight capacity for your vehicle.

Recycling Dumpster Cost

According to the size of the container, the weekly rental fee for a recycling dumpster can range from $250 to $550, depending on the unit. Mixed-use (general) trash bins and recycling bins are physically identical.

Most rental firms provide both recycling and landfill services, and both are available in the same general sizes. The content of one vs the other is what sets them apart. The following are examples of common waste products that can be disposed of in a rented dumpster: yard waste, asphalt and cardboard.

When ordering your dumpster, be sure to specify whether or not you need a recycling dumpster, as these are less expensive than standard dumpsters. It is imperative that you “cleanfill” the dumpster, that means that you only load it with one sort of recyclable waste, in order to take advantage of these benefits.

A recycle processing company often charges a lower “tipping fee” than landfills if you have cleanfill your container. The difference in weight between the empty dumpster and a full one is used to calculate the tipping cost (also known as a dump fee). The lower tipping fee means your rental costs will be lower.

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johnreporter <![CDATA[2021 trends for solar energy]]> https://wickedmagazine.org/?p=1616 2021-07-05T15:42:37Z 2021-07-05T15:11:19Z Renewable energy experts say 2021 will be the year of the Green New Deal. In other words, the energy sector can expect its transition to accelerate. This boost should logically benefit solar energy. And now is the time to diversify into the field of photovoltaics, windows and solar roads, solar cadastres… In 2021, solar energy intends to be talked about.

We do not believe in a single solution in renewable energies. We have experienced this with nuclear power. We must not make the same mistake again. Even if everyone defends their store, there is a global reflection to be carried out. And we have to adapt the best response to each territory according to local specificities. The energy transition implies greater agility in terms of production levers. And for 2021, solar energy is the renewable energy sector that offers the greatest diversity.

Sharing solar energy production

It takes on average 5 to 10 years to amortize a solar installation at a private home. But you still have to be able to equip yourself. The entry budget and the possibilities inherent in housing sometimes hamper the project. The alternative? Shared solar energy production.

The trend was born in 2016 in the United States. In New York, a shared solar energy network has already emerged. And the trend is now gaining momentum in Europe. Energy experts say solar production sharing is an opportunity that is set to grow. There are many countries for which such a local community project would be interesting for areas where power generation is not optimal. This is a growing trend that would make solar power even more interesting.

Solar integrated into the building

Solar windows, solar tiles … Now is the time for positive energy buildings. And for construction, the options are multiplying to integrate solar solutions from the construction materials.

Still confidential in recent years, solar roofs are set to develop. They produce solar energy by integrating a photovoltaic system, and with connection to an inverter. Their asset? A lower cost than an a posteriori solar installation for a higher energy potential because the production surface is larger.

Solar glazing is also a growing subject. The integration of solar windows is still rare, but several companies are interested in this future market. Solar glazing could also be of interest to traders for future windows capable of producing the energy necessary for the store.

The solar cadastre: an educational and incentive tool

How to effectively convince individuals to adhere to photovoltaicism?

By doing educational work. In recent years, local authorities have started to establish a solar cadastre on their territories. An initiative called to take more place in the years to come. Some counties have already put their solar cadastre online in 2020. They have developed it as part of their energy policy.

The detailed map is available free of charge for professionals and individuals. It is of particular interest to condominium managers to assess the photovoltaic potential of their buildings. For experts in sustainable development of large metropolis, the objective is to encourage the population to pass the step of photovoltaicism. The solar cadastre is intended as an educational and incentive tool. And some metropolis have an average of 2,500 hours of sunshine per year, solar is a very attractive energy.

The future of energy

Solar energy is clearly the future of energy, both for household, business and cities. Let’s embrace this technology which does not add to greenhouse gases. Not just that, but you can also realize significant solar panel savings, as installation costs are going down, fossil fuel traditional energy solutions keep on getting more expensive.

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johnreporter <![CDATA[Food Waste in the European Union]]> http://wickedmagazine.org/?p=1606 2021-02-04T13:14:26Z 2021-02-04T12:58:47Z The increasing problem of food waste is of high importance on the EU commissions agenda.

The EU environment commissioner Karmenu Vella recently spoke of a strategy to address this growing problem. Figures show an estimated 89 million tonnes of food were wasted in 2010 and could grow to an estimated 126 million tonnes by 2020.

These figures expose the potential problem if a strategy is not put in place at this present time. The commissioner labelled the problem as “shocking and crazy” and went on to say a sustainable approach is needed and can only be achieved through a global solution.

The EU commision is planning to release it’s Circular Economy Package this Autumn with priority focusing on avoiding waste before recycling. More points brought to attention by Vella included the following:

30% of food is wasted.

Food problems are not down to scarcity but over production. Land is overfarmed, over utilised and over exploited. Land in other countries is hardly used.

The Commissioner confirmed in his speech at the European Business Summit that the European commission is to launch an online public consultation. The idea behind the consultation is to gather the views of people and businesses who want to speak up with their ideas.

The original plans to adopt a 70% recycling target for municipal waste and specific marine and food waste targets were originally dropped from the plan but have since been reinstated by Commissioner Vella. More ambitious plans have been promised to be introduced by the end of 2020.

An ambitious waste management initiative

Vella announced that the commission initiative will be significantly ambitious but to be successful will require support from all of society. The successful engagement of all sectors will ensure production of this ambitious proposal will be implemented by the end of the year.

A new Europe-wide campaign titled ‘iFreeze’ is set to educate consumers across the continent on the benefits of freezing food to help cut down on food waste.

Developed and backed by the Iglo Group – best known in the UK for being the parent company of popular frozen food brand Birdseye – iFreeze is aiming to educate more people on how freezing food and leftovers can not only help cut down on waste, but save consumers money, too.

Estimated to be costing in region of €5 million (£3.7 million), iFreeze will be using print media and television commercials in all of the Iglo Group’s key territories, making it a truly international effort.

Backing in the UK will be the Waste Action Resources Programme (WRAP) organisation, with corporate partners Hotpoint and the British Food Federation (BFFF) also contributing to the iFreeze push in the UK when it launches in April.

WRAP’s latest figures suggest that upwards of 850,000 tonnes of food that could have been frozen is thrown away in the UK every year, with the food itself worth up to £3bn – not factoring the cost of food waste disposal.

Research conducted by the Iglo Group also enforce WRAP’s figures, with surveys revealing that over 20% of households still throw away food because they have too much, or because it has been left to go bad.

Andy Weston-Webb, UK MD, Iglo Group, said he believed the company “should and can” help educate European consumers in the fight against food waste, and was “delighted” that Birds Eye would be the first brand to launch iFreeze.

Important of freezing to reduce wastage

WRAP chief executive Dr Liz Goodwin said the partnership with would “highlight the important role freezing can play in reducing food waste” and help support WRAP’s ambition to halve avoidable UK household food waste by 2025.

A new pilot scheme in Germany aims to remove the middle man in industrial food waste collections by shipping food waste from high-traffic industrial locations directly to plants where they can be converted to energy.

Food waste from the catering and hospitality sector at a recycling centre is large. Dubbed ‘BioSuck’, the new scheme aims to revolutionise food waste management in the industrial sector by using vacuum pipes to make it easier and more effective for food waste to be implemented.

A German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) funded effort, the aim us to take the non-edible by products of food production – such as the scales from fish, peel from citrus fruit or blood from meat – and turn it in to energy.

Normally these byproducts are not treated as food waste and, along with water from washing and processing food, contribute to a huge amount of wastewater.

By working with the Fraunhofer UMSICHT applied research institute, the BMBF hopes that Biosuck can not only offset that waste water by allowing it specialist treatment, but also slash transportation costs and the associated carbon footprint; less waste trucks on the road means less CO2 emissions.

According to BioSuck, the installation of vacuum lines to transport wastes can save up to 50% on average – and up to 80% depending on the sector of industry.

By centralising the waste source, it also allows research initiatives from the government and universities to be able to monitor waste patterns in the waste stream, allowing for more efficient food production and waste management in the future.

A new report from the London Assembly Environment Committee has called for an immediate refocus on the capital’s food waste management efforts as landfill space is starting to run out.

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johnreporter <![CDATA[EPA, the Little Known Name behind Pollution Regulation]]> http://wickedmagazine.org/?p=1474 2020-08-13T13:47:36Z 2020-07-21T23:21:17Z As humanity has grown to recognize the dangers that pollution poses to humans, animals, and the environment world governments have taken steps to try and mitigate the dangers. 

This is done through rules and regulations passed and enforced by government agencies.  In the United States the agency in charge of pollution control is the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA for short.

Now, what does it mean to be an Environmental Protection Agency?  Well, there are reasons why the EPA was established, and the EPA has certain areas of responsibility and oversight that it is in charge of.  We will explore below the history of the EPA, its duties and responsibilities, and its perceived effectiveness in the United States compared to other agencies worldwide.

The history of the EPA

The EPA was established in 1970 as the American public became aware of the growing dangers that pollution was causing both worldwide, and more specifically, in the United States. 

It was established to both control the effects of pollution, and reverse as much as possible the damage that had already been done. 

Before the inception of the EPA there were multiple agencies dealing with multiple aspects of pollution.  These included the Department of Agriculture, The Department of the Interior, and the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. 

Since its creation in 1970 one of the EPA’s original mandates has been to ensure clean air throughout the country through the passing of the Clean Air Act.  As time has passed, the responsibilities of the EPA have grown. 

In 1977 and 1974, the Clean Water Act, and Safe Drinking Water Act gave the EPA the authority to regulate the nation’s water supplies, and in 1990 the oil industry was added to the growing list of responsibilities of the EPA. 

The important thing to take away from the history of the EPA is that even though it was established by President Nixon, and the Congress it was done so because the American People demanded that something be done.  The EPA is a living memorial to the power of people to positively change the world around us for the better to ensure that we have a world that we want to call home.

The responsibilities of the EPA

The EPA is in charge of many aspects of pollution control and environmental protection, but how do they go about controlling pollution? 

It’s actually quite simple. 

The way that pollution regulation works is that laws are passed in Congress that give the EPA, or another agency, the broad authority to regulate and make rules for specific areas of concern.  

The EPA then issues rules and regulations that apply at the local, state, and federal levels. As pollution is an ever evolving issue, the EPA must have the ability to adjust and adapt to those issues. 

Let’s look at oil waste removal for an example of how the EPA regulates. 

The EPA classifies oil as a hazardous waste, and breaks down the different companies that use oil into three categories: conditionally exempt, small generator, and large generator. 

Then, depending on which category you fall into you need to meet certain requirements.  These can include training in specific waste removal techniques, weekly inspections, the length of time waste can remain on your premises, how materials need to be transported, and keeping an accurate manifest of your supply of wastes.

The EPA makes rules such as these for every industry which it is required to regulate.  To ensure compliance with its rules and regulations the EPA has several things it can do to enforce its rulings. 

For the most minor of infractions a simple warning letter is sent to whatever individual or business is violating the rules.  For the next level of infraction the EPA gets a court order requiring the business to bring its activities in line with current regulations. 

If a problem persists the EPA initiates a lawsuit against the offender, sends another letter demanding that offender’s compliance with the regulations, and fines them. 

Finally, for the worst of offenders the EPA has the authority to bring criminal charges which can lead to massive fines, and even jail time. 

As you can see, the EPA is an agency that does seek to work with people, and has a well tiered system for ensuring compliance.

The rest of the world

In terms of the rest of the world the United States is ahead of the game in terms of trying to regulate pollution. 

The U.S. began with regulating air quality in 1970.  Most developing nations, such as Pakistan and most other Middle Eastern countries, do not seek to regulate air quality at all.

Even major countries like China who do have national regulations for air pollution do not enforce those regulations, or as in the case of Thailand, their regulations are more than 30 years old.

Despite the fact that the U.S. is leading the way in pollution regulation, there are still many who criticize the U.S. for not doing enough.  Part of the reason for this criticism is the lobbying of Congress done by the different industries, such as oil and coal that fall under the regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency. 

The main purpose of most businesses is to make money, and the EPA regulations, while good for the environment and human health, are affecting businesses’ profits.  In 1982, the Noise Control Act was passed, which gave the EPA the right to regulate noise pollution.  Due to heavy lobbying by many business groups, the act was left with very little teeth to it. 

If the United States wants to continue to ensure the health and long life of its people more needs to be done.

The future of the EPA

Ultimately, the EPA is not the panacea to pollution. 

It is only one agency that effects only a single country.  Pollution is worldwide.  The air that we breathe today could be in Canada, Brazil, Germany, or China in just a few days, and the reverse is true. 

The true value of the EPA lies in the fact that it was created at the behest of a populace that was truly alarmed by the dangers of pollution that they saw building.  It is a testament to the fact that if we want to change the world we can. 

Together, there are no limits to what the human race can accomplish. 

So, for the health and well being of ourselves, and our planet we must once more, as we did in 1970, come together to tell the not just the United States Government, but the world that we want to see real solutions to the problems that pollution is forcing upon us every day.

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johnreporter <![CDATA[Best tips for choosing the right floor coatings]]> http://wickedmagazine.org/?p=1493 2020-07-23T19:44:57Z 2020-05-23T19:32:00Z Paints and resins for floors must be precisely defined, according to the intended use, from the service staircase to the balcony, passing through the parking space of your car.

The family of “floor paints” includes products of very different composition and use, depending on the intended use. Each support is a special case, the quality of its preparation strongly conditions the durability of the system implemented.

A first classification can be made by thickness. The standards define paints and floor resins in three categories, depending on the thickness. “Thin” films, with a maximum thickness of 1 mm, are the most used for private use.

Semi-thick or thick coatings?

“Semi-thick” coatings, whose thickness is between 1 and 3 mm, can also be used for private use, when the support has appearance defects incompatible with a “thin film” type finish.

The so-called “thick” coatings, from 3 to 10 mm, are rather reserved for industrial uses. The composition of the products and systems determines a second selection criterion. There are resin-based products. Acrylic and metacrylic resins should be reserved for common uses and pedestrian traffic, epoxy and polyurethane resins are the only ones really suitable for traffic areas.

Beware of harmful products.

What problem can the application of paints and floor resins pose?

It can pose two problems: the composition of the resins and the presence of formulation solvents. Regarding the composition of the products, acrylic and metacrylic resins do not present any particular constraints.

On the other hand, epoxy, polyurethane and polyester resins are classified as irritants and / or harmful, which can generate skin and / or respiratory allergies.

Are solvents still so dangerous?

Solvents are still present in many products but their concentration and harmfulness have decreased. The most dangerous products, benzene and toluene, are no longer used for these applications. Nevertheless, solvents remain irritating and / or harmful products which must be protected.

How to protect yourself from it?

Depending on the risk associated with the product applied, personnel must be equipped, as appropriate, with single-use suits, respiratory masks adapted to the products used, gloves and glasses.

Depending on the type of site (interior / confined) and the mode of application (manual / mechanical), a ventilation system must be provided, on the one hand to protect against toxic fumes, but also to limit the risks of accumulation of solvent vapors, which may cause explosions. Finally, it is necessary to seek advice from your occupational doctor for the medical follow-up of the exposed employees.

Pedestrian traffic is the simplest to treat, products compatible with this use are generally economical and easy to use.

These are one-component paints, most often made up of acrylic or metacrylic resins. These products, easy to use and generally not very toxic, do not require special protection.

They are suitable for all applications that are not subject to mechanical or chemical constraints: service stairs, balconies, loggias, laundry rooms, even all “pedestrian” areas of garages or car parks. Who can do more can do less. For specific situations: heavy traffic, severe use, risk of degradation … paints based on polyurethane or epoxy resins may also be suitable, in return for a higher cost and specific installation constraints.

Floor paints are products that can be relatively slippery, especially when the floor is damp or wet. Several methods can reduce this slipperiness. The most classic consists in spreading, at cost and with refusal, grains of silica or glass beads.

The excess is removed after drying and the grains are then covered with a top coat. Another method is to look for products that already contain premixed aggregates and which are distributed as the paint is applied.

Some paints or floor resins can exhibit relatively high slippage. The integration of silica or glass micro-beads solves the problem.

Benefits: ease of implementation, reduced drying times, economic products

Limits: reserved for non-traffic areas.

The application of paint or resin intended for vehicular traffic is subject to two constraints, one chemical and the other mechanical.

Chemical reactions

A normal chemical reaction between the tires and the paint can cause the paint film to peel. This effect occurs at the tire / ground contact surface when the vehicle is left stationary for a long time in one place.

This phenomenon is practically systematic with acrylic and metacrylic paints, but it can also occur with epoxies and polyurethanes, when the adhesion to the support is insufficient. The second constraint is mechanical.

The power steering systems subject the floor paints to very high shear forces, because the drivers turn the wheels on the spot. All of these parameters involve choosing paints or resins suitable for this use: epoxy or polyurethane resins, with or without mineral fillers depending on the flatness of the ground.

Epoxy resins

The best epoxy resins have for them to be very hard and very adherent to the support, the polyurethane resins are more flexible, the setting is faster.

Technically, there is a development of two-component systems, first initiated by manufacturers of epoxy resins and followed since by polyurethane resins. These products, which contain less and less solvents, are less harmful to the applicator, but require, on the other hand, a certain technicality, we do not improvise applicator of resins.

They also impose a minimum temperature at the level of the treated soil, around 10 ° C, which can cause difficulties in winter on unheated sites.

Interests: very resistant products; compatible with vehicle traffic and parking. Limits: technical implementation; cost of supply; environmental constraints for certain products.

The application of paint or floor resin over an old substrate should be given a lot of care. An existing floor is always more or less clogged with dust, traces of oil or corrosive products.

The problem is exacerbated when the room was previously used for “mechanical” activities.

Depending on the extent of the fouling, the surface to be treated but also the future use, several approaches are possible. The safest method, especially for a garage floor, is to perform shot blasting of the surface.

This operation remains economical for large areas, it is proportionately more expensive for smaller areas, since companies specializing in shot blasting often apply flat rates which penalize small areas.

When the room is only intended for pedestrian use, deep cleaning: detergent, high-pressure machine, cleaning, ginning of the old paint… depending on the case, may be enough to guarantee the staying power of the paint coating, subject also the prior application of a suitable primer.

The support

Whoever says old support also often says “cracks”. The general principle is to open them manually or ideally using a grinder, then fill the cavity with a mortar. It will most often be composed of mineral fillers and resins, identical to those used to cover the ground.

When the application concerns living rooms, only a quality preparation can achieve the desired surface appearance.

New screeds: pay attention to the preparation

Above all, you shouldn’t trust the appealing appearance of new concrete. Even perfectly dry and clean, it is not always able to receive paint or resin, everything depends on its porosity.

Depending on the method and the materials used to make the concrete floor, usually a screed, the surface can be relatively closed, or even almost “frozen”.

This scenario is particularly true with screeds made with a “helicopter”. In these conditions, it is necessary to make a shot peening, the only way to “break” the too closed surface film. Shot blasting will reveal a more porous area, which will “hang” more securely with the paint or resin film.

DTU 59.3 gives all the necessary information to define the standard absorption of concrete. The second point to watch to avoid loosening of the coating is the humidity of the screed, which should ideally be less than 3%.

Only the use of a carbide bomb, commonly used by parquet, laminate and plastic coaters, can accurately measure the residual moisture level of the screed.

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