Waste Reduction

Waste Reduction

Waste Reduction Polystyrene and Single-Use Plastic Reduction The City of Hollywood recognizes that strong and environmentally sensitive litter ordinances protect Hollywood's environment and wildlife and promote the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens. Plastics are especially pernicious as they break up into smaller and smaller pieces. Particles of plastic are ingested by wildlife such as shorebirds, sea turtles, and fish. By regulating disposable plastic food service packaging, we can reduce the amount of single-use plastic and polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam, that becomes litter, degrades our beaches and ocean waters, and harms sea life. These ordinances drive the City to lead by example by reducing its own solid waste, and they advance the goals in the Sustainability Action Plan. Business Resources Reusables calculator This tool from Debris Free Oceans calculates the estimated cost savings and environmental benefits that businesses will obtain by using reusable instead of disposable products. Savings estimates can be calculated for a variety of disposable products, including straws, cutlery, cups, plates, and bowls. Responsible products catalog Debris Free Oceans created this easily searchable database that provides sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic and polystyrene disposable products. Most of these items are backyard/cold-compostable and will break down in the environment. All products in this catalog are from southeast Florida businesses to support the local economy and reduce our carbon footprint. Anyone can apply to be part of the guide at this link. "Compostable" bioplastics are not featured because these materials must be processed in industrial composting facilities, which do not exist in Florida, and because they behave similarly to traditional oil-based plastics in the environment. Aluminum-canned still and sparkling water options are featured because aluminum is the most efficiently recycled material. Boxed water options are not featured because they are often lined with plastic PLA. Ban on Intentional Release of Balloons The City also recognizes that the release of balloons poses a threat to the environment and wildlife. Thus, in 2020, the City Commission approved a ban on the intentional release of balloons in the City of Hollywood. These ordinances are in Chapter 97. Composting With Worms (Vermicomposting) Composting is an easy way you can turn food scraps and other organic waste material into a soil amendment that is full of nutrients, and you can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the same time. Food waste breaking down in landfills produces methane, which has almost 25 times the heat-trapping power of carbon dioxide. Compost is an excellent soil amendment in your landscape or garden. You can save money by producing it at home. Vermicomposting uses worms in a contained system to produce compost. It makes composting feasible for people in apartments and condominiums or who have limited or no outdoor space. To learn more about vermicomposting, see the presentation slides from the joint vermicomposting workshop held on June 1, 2019, for residents of the Cities of Hollywood and Hallandale Beach. Go Zero Waste! On November 14, 2017, in honor of America Recycles Day, the City of Hollywood and the City of Hallandale Beach teamed up to host a workshop aimed at empowering residents of the two cities to reduce waste. Check out the resources below to learn: - why zero waste should be a goal - what impact waste has on the environment, particularly marine systems - how to recycle right - why recycling isn't always the answer - how to determine where you can reduce waste by conducting a home waste audit - real strategies to reduce waste - do-it-yourself recipes for commonly purchased items to reduce waste from packaging, save money, and be healthy Workshop resources: - Workshop Presentation - The presentation goes through the reasons to go zero waste, the impact of marine debris, the pros and cons of recycling, instructions for how to recycle right, and some inspiring leaders in the zero waste world. - At Home Waste Audit - Grab your trash bins, a tarp, a pencil and get your hands dirty to figure out the best ways you can reduce waste. After all, you can't manage what you don't measure! - Zero Waste Pledge - Commit to going zero waste. Take the pledge and choose from the ideas listed to get yourself started. - DIY Instruction Book - Learn how to reduce waste, save money, and improve your health by making your own commonly purchased cleaning supplies, toiletries, and food items. Read advice on how to take your own containers to buy dry goods in bulk. Hollywood Recycling Resources - Residential Recycling. Residents who are Hollywood Sanitation customers can use this site to learn their collection schedule and understand acceptable materials. - Disposal and Recycling Directory. Learn how to properly recycle or dispose of any item. - Recycle Plastic Bags and Plastic Film. Participating drop-off locations will take a wide variety of plastic film like zip-top bags, bubble wrap and bread bags along with plastic shopping bags. Have you implemented some of the actions or ideas from the Zero Waste workshop? Share your efforts on social media and tag with #seenbeinggreen!