Name _____TEACHER KEY
Period _______ Date ______________
Chapter 19.2 Environmental Science – REDUCING SOLID WASTE Chart
Directions: Fill in the information from the classroom or online chart.
Environmental Science Standard and element:
SEV5. Students will recognize that human beings are part of the global ecosystem and will evaluate the
effects of human activities and technology on ecosystems.
e.) Describe the effects and potential implications of pollution and resource depletion on the environment at the
local and global levels (e.g. air and water pollution, solid waste disposal, depletion of the stratospheric ozone, global
warming, and land uses).
STUDENT CHECKLIST
1.) Put the chart in your Science Notebook behind the Chapter 19 Word Study after it has
been checked.
____yes
____no
2.) The CHART was accurate and complete with no abbreviated information.
____yes
____no
3.) The Information was written neatly and large and dark enough to be easily seen.
____yes
____no
4.) All information was complete with no grammar or spelling errors.
____yes
____no
TOO MUCH TRASH: REDUCING SOLID WASTE
Each year, Americans generate millions of tons of trash in the form of wrappings, bottles, boxes,
cans, grass clippings, furniture, clothing, phone books, and much, much, more.
Durable goods (tires, appliances, furniture) and nondurable goods (paper, certain disposable
products, clothing) account for several million tons of the solid waste stream. Container and
packaging waste is a significant component of the nation's waste stream as well. This material
includes glass, aluminum, plastics, steel and other metals, and paper and paperboard. Yard
trimmings such as grass clippings and tree limbs are also a substantial part of what we throw away.
In addition, many relatively small components of the national solid waste stream add up to millions
of tons. For example, one percent of the nation's waste stream can amount to about two million
tons of trash each year.
GOING GREEN
Going green means implementing certain lifestyle changes designed to help you live in a more ecofriendly way. It means becoming more environmentally aware and changing your behavior and
lifestyle to reduce the amount of pollution and waste you generate.
The recycling symbol has three arrows which chase each other showing how the three actions
together will help us take better care of our planet.
BENEFITS OF RECYCLING
Recycling is the process of collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be thrown
away as trash and turning them into new products. Recycling can benefit your community and the
environment.
Benefits of Recycling
 Reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators;
 Conserves natural resources such as timber, water, and minerals;
 Prevents pollution by reducing the need to collect new raw materials;
 Saves energy;
 Reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change;
 Helps sustain the environment for future generations;
 Helps create new well-paying jobs in the recycling and manufacturing industries in the
United States.
PURCHASE NEW PRODUCTS MADE FROM RECYCLED MATERIALS
By buying new products made from recycled materials you help close the recycling loop. There are
thousands of products that contain recycled content. When you go shopping, look for:
 Products that can be easily recycled, and
 Products that contain recycled content.
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START RECYCLING IDEAS
Start small: Pick one or two items that you want to recycle and find a place that takes them. Choosing
too many items to recycle in the beginning will cause you to become discouraged as items begin to pile
up. Find out which stores take your recycled items.
Reduce Your Packaging: Buy bulk or concentrated products when you can.
Reduce Toxicity or Learn How: Recycle your batteries and use batteries with reduced mercury.
Select Reusable Products: Sturdy, washable utensils, tableware, cloth napkins, and dishcloths can be
used many times.
Use Durable Products: Choose furniture, sports equipment, toys, and tools that will stand the test of
time.
Reuse Products: Reuse newspaper, boxes, shipping "peanuts," and "bubble wrap" to ship packages.
Recycle Automotive Products: Take car batteries, antifreeze, and motor oil to participating recycling
centers.
Buy Products Made From Recycled Material: Many bottles, cans, cereal boxes, containers, and
cartons are made from recycled material.
Compost or Learn How: Food scraps and yard waste can become natural soil conditioners.
WHERE IS OUR LOCAL RECYCLING CENTER
HENRY COUNTY RECYCLING CENTER
65 West Asbury Road
McDonough, GA 30253
770-957-8073
RECYCLING ITEMS ACCEPTED:
We no longer accept plastics #3, 4, 5, and 7, which includes such items as yogurt and margarine
tubs, cooking oil bottles, PVC pipes, plastic shower curtains and other plastics.
Accepted Items must be separated as follows:
 Clear glass
 Brown glass
 Green glass
 Plastics #1, such as juice, soda and water bottles
 Plastics #2 such as milk jugs and liquid detergent bottles
 Cardboard
 Office paper
 Newspaper and magazines
 Acid-based batteries, such as those from a car or lawnmower
 Motor oil
 Residential cooking oil
 Scrap metal, such as appliances, lawn mowers and tin cans
 Please see the Recycle Center attendant for assistance with Yard waste
 Live Christmas Trees
The Recycling Center will also take appliances, such as washers, dryers and any appliance where
scrap metal can be salvaged, all free of charge. However, the facility is strictly a recycling center
and will no longer accept any trash, bulk items that can’t be recycled, or tires.
As of November 4, 2013, our hours have changed from Monday-Friday 8:00-7:00 to Monday-Friday
8:00-6:00. Saturdays remain 8:00-2:00.