City & Government

Garbage Guru’ helps Lane County residents recycle it right

Lane County Waste Management has recently released a new online tool called the ”Garbage Guru.” 
The Garbage Guru is an online tool that allows Lane County residents to enter items into a search bar and find out if it is recyclable and, if so, where it can be recycled. 
”With recent changes in recycling, it is imperative that people have resources to help them recycle right,” said Lane County Waste Reduction Specialist Sarah Grimm. ”Wishful recycling – throwing something in the recycle bin because you want it to be recyclable – contaminates the recycling stream, damages equipment and causes more pollution as it is transported hundreds or thousands of miles to be landfilled by another facility.” 
When an item is searched in the Garbage Guru, it will supply a drop-down list of options to help the user narrow down his or her search. Once an item is selected, the Garbage Guru will list whether the item should go in curbside garbage, curbside recycling, or be taken to another location for recycling or safe disposal. Search results also provide location, hours of operation and other information. 
If an item isn’t available, users will have the ability to suggest it be included in search results – ensuring the tool can adjust and grow based on community needs. 
The Garbage Guru is available at www.lanecounty.org/garbageguru. 
The Garbage Guru webpage also includes downloadable education signs for use on recycling containers at schools and businesses. The signs are customized to rural communities, commercial collection rules, transfer station services and more. The webpage also offers community education materials and the option to order instructional stickers. 
”Especially in the face of current challenges in recycling, we really want to encourage people to first reduce and reuse. Reducing the amount of waste we purchase in the first place, repairing and reusing things are the best ways to save money and reduce pollution,” said Grimm.

Instagram

 

View this profile on Instagram

 

The Chronicle (@thechronicle1909) • Instagram photos and videos