Trash

Throwing away an item meant for the garbage may not seem like a big deal. However, when waste integrates with reusable items, it can contaminate the supply. The Ecology Action Center (EAC) of McLean County is warning residents about the long-term damage this can cause. Executive Director Michael Brown explains why this is harmful for the community. “It becomes the dominant material going down the conveyer belt at the sorting facility. So, it takes a lot more time and efforts, and more expensive technology to pull that,” he said. Contamination can directly affect the local trash and recycling services for people living nearby. “It really drives up the cost of recycling services making it less feasible. This is theoretically driving up the costs for residents through their rent, or through their services in family households,” said Brown. He goes by the slogan “when in doubt, throw it out,” when it comes t...