The 411 on Waste Disposal and Types of Waste Recycling household products is one way to save our landfills from growing, but recycling only targets a small percentage of the waste we as humans produce. For example, every time you flush the toilet, you’re contributing to organic hazardous waste that must be disposed of in a very specific way. New technologies are making this process more efficient and better for the environment. Using what is known as “anaerobic digestion,” new-generation waste processing plants can break down organic waste and wastewater using microorganisms in an oxygen-free environment. The resulting product can be used as fertilizer while the gasses produced can be burned and converted into energy. Another process that helps to break down the waste we do not recycle, reuse or repurpose is to incinerate that waste at extremely high temperatures. This method, known as Waste to Energy or Energy from Waste, breaks down the molecular structure of all waste into the simplest elemental forms that can be manipulated to create synthetic gas. This gas can than be ignited in a controlled environment to create steam that rotates turbines to create electricity. Another interesting philosophy that is gaining popularity is known as the Zero Waste movement. In short, this is a way to keep waste from being generated by designing and managing products and process to keep hazardous waste from being produced and to reuse or recycle everything else as opposed to burying it in a landfill. Reducing the amount of waste that gets into landfills will have a significant impact on the environment, especially when considering how much methane landfills produce. This is a theory that will require every person on the planet to be knowledgeable and conscientious about the products that use and how they dispose of them. The bottom line is, everything we can do to eliminate waste and its byproducts from polluting our land, water and air, the better the future of our planet will be for us and for future generations.

Traditional residential recycling is a great way to keep waste from building in our landfills but artists and other crafty people are finding ways to re-purpose previously discarded items to create jewelry, art and even furniture. The process is known as “upcycling,” which means to reuse discarded objects to create something that has a higher quality or value than the original materials. For the most part, the discarded objects are free to collect, so they offer artists an almost unlimited resource without great expense. But the results are often quite stunning, so these artists are not only keeping trash from accumulating, they are adding more beauty to the world in the process. Upcycling Ideas One example of upcycling is using sea glass for jewelry. Sea glass is created when glass beverage bottles are carelessly discarded into the ocean, break apart, then are churned by the sea and sand until they are smooth and etched. These fragments of glass give the appearance of unpolished gems that glimmer in the light when used for making earrings, necklaces, rings and even bracelets. Wooden pallets can also be used to create creative furniture. With a little creativity, some paint and a few cushions added, these often-discarded objects are turned into functional pieces that can be used inside or out. Artists also use bottle caps to create sculptures. When flattened and sorted by color, a creative mind can create beautiful “painting sculptures” that resemble anything from a majestic marlin to a serene country still life. Take a look at the objects around you and flex your creative muscles to see what you can envision. You might be surprised at what was once one person’s trash can be turned into another person’s treasure.

Waste Disposal & Recycling Tips for Peninsula Residents The Virginia Peninsula includes four independent cities (Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson and Williamsburg) and two counties (York and James City County). Obviously each city and county operate under their own regulations, but when it comes to curbside pickup guidelines for solid waste disposal and recyclables, and what constitutes hazardous waste and how it should be disposed of in a proper manner, there are many common areas. The guidelines include garbage tips and trash advice on what constitutes solid waste versus recyclable materials, how to properly bag yard waste such as leaves and grass, bulk waste pickup (for the record, bulk waste is generally described as individual items that are not suitable because of size or weight to be placed in approved refuse containers, to include but not limited to appliances, sofas, mattresses, furniture and tree limbs or trunks that must be cut to a certain size for pickup), what to do with old tires and what constitutes hazardous waste such as recycling motor oil, fluorescent bulbs, batteries of all sizes and what to do with old electronics (TVs, computers, monitors, etc). Also, each municipality’s website solid waste website will help you to identify what will and will not be picked up, and if there are drop-off centers for household chemicals (such as paint buckets), eWaste (electronics) and yard waste. No matter where you live don’t forget those plastic bags you get from the grocery store. Although your municipality may not have specific guidelines about these, many of the stores where they were received will take them back for recycling. Stores like Target also often have bins for recycling plastic bags and ink cartridges from printers. To find out more about the rules and regulations for your city or county, here are the links to each municipality’s waste management website: Hampton Newport News Poquoson Williamsburg York County James City County

As consumers, we all generate waste. Whether it be the daily trash and recyclables we accumulate in our homes and businesses, or special home improvement project materials (like adding a new roof or remodeling a room) and commercial work site refuse, it all need to be properly removed and transferred to a recycling center or approved dump site. Roll Off Dumpster Rentals Call Toll Free . For residential properties, there are 18-gallon containers, 35-gallon carts or a 95-gallon carts for weekly curbside pickup of garbage or bi-weekly pickup of recyclables. For businesses, metal dumpsters are available for both garbage and recyclables in sizes ranging from 2 cubic yards (72” wide, 36” deep, 40” tall) to 8 cubic yards (72” wide, 66” deep, 80” tall). 2- and 4-cubic yard plastic containers on casters are also available. For larger remodeling projects and commercial applications, Bay Disposal & Recycling offers rolls off containers ranging from 12 cubic yards (8’ wide, 14’ long, 4’ tall) all the way up to 40 cubic yards (8’ wide, 22’ long, 8’ tall). These can be picked up on-demand as needed. Roll-off containers are also available for recyclable materials including brick, wood, block, concrete, and ferrous (steel, iron) and nonferrous (aluminum, copper) metals. Which one is right for your specific needs? Give us a call at 888-204-4728 or email us at team@arwoodwaste.com and let’s talk about it. We’ll be happy to discuss your average weekly usage for regular pickup applications, or what you may need for a remodeling project based on the size of the room or rooms being remodeled and the amount of materials that may potentially be removed from your home or office.

If you’re just planning on doing a light whole-house cleanout that will take more room than your current curbside container can handle, you may only need on additional waste container rental to tackle the overflow. For larger projects, you may need a roll off container (dumpster) that can handle everything from a deep cleaning or home organizing project to a full property cleanup or replacing your roof. Now, as for the cleaning project itself, it’s best to set a schedule so you know exactly what needs to get done in the time you are allotting for it to happen. This is especially important if you are planning a move and need to be out of your current space on a specific date. Otherwise, take your time (if you have that luxury) and don’t burn yourself out immediately by going gung ho, then losing complete interest. If a move is in your scenario, target one room in the house at time before moving on. Wrap and box what you know you are taking, set aside what you’d like to donate to charity (especially when it comes to clothing) and throw out or recycle everything else that won’t be going with you. It may take some hard decisions, but if you haven’t used something in the last six months, chances are it can go (unless it’s a treasured keep-sake). Over time, we all tend to accumulate “stuff.” Whether you’re in the process of moving in or moving out, you need to clear out a space for a remodeling project, or your attic and/or garage are just too full, We can provide you with the perfect container or dumpster rental to take care of it all. Good luck and good cleaning.

John D. Arwood is President of Arwood Waste, a local waste disposal and demolition company in Jacksonville, FL and Arwood Waste National, a nationwide waste management and portable sanitation provider. Getting his start at a young age collecting, reusing, and recycling glass bottles, scrap metals and wood while working alongside his father, John Arwood learned the foundations that have led to over 30 years of success in the waste disposal and sanitation industry. Arwood has always been a forward thinker, an innovator, an entrepreneur who cares about the environment and the people around him. In 1978, Arwood was at work with his father, John C. Arwood, at a steel tank manufacturing factory when he realized that much of the scrap metal laying around as trash could be cleaned up and reused. With permission, he started collecting the small pieces in five gallon buckets to take home, clean, and sell back to be used again. Experiencing success through hard work to accomplish a unique vision sparked something in John Arwood that would drive him from that point forward. He continued to expand his business into collecting used glass and plastic bottles to sell or barter for re-use and in 1984 landed his first large customer hauling construction waste for a major residential construction company in Jacksonville, Florida. What set him apart from others in his industry at the time was his extra concern for quality and service. When he was finished with a residential clean up job, he would rake the yard and do all he could to leave the site better than when he arrived. He purchased his first roll off garbage truck in 1988 and along with his father continued their business expansion through residential and commercial waste management services. Keeping with his strong belief in reusable waste, many of his advertising signs were made with repurposed wood and paint he had collected. Arwood has built his life and business on the foundation of hard work, biblical principles, honesty, and humility. This is a foundation he attributes directly to his father, who is an American Indian, and to his family upbringing. As a result he is known as a dependable, plain spoken guy, whose innovative ideas have driven positive change within the industry. In 1997, seeing the potential of the internet as a tool for future business growth, Arwood launched his company’s first website. In 2004 he began establishing a nationwide network of waste management and portable sanitation companies underArwood Waste National. Today he oversees locally delivered waste disposal, demolition, portable sanitation, and storage rental services across the United States. Caring for his community has always been a priority for John D. Arwood. Through personally funded and inspired initiatives like National Garbage Man Day, Space Waste Solutions, and The Recycle Guide, he continues to seek opportunities to raise awareness and educate about the waste management industry, garbage workers, and environmental conservation. In 2014 alone, National Garbage Man Day received recognition and proclamations from hundreds of state governors, mayors, and city councils across the United States. For Arwood, his joy comes from seeing more and more garbage collectors celebrated and appreciated in their communities for the hard work they daily accomplish. Continuing to look forward at ways to solve future waste management needs, John D. Arwood has launched Space Waste Solutions to explore potential solutions to the growing problem of orbiting space trash around the Earth. Admittedly, Arwood agrees that running a waste management company is one of the most challenging jobs in America. Managing their unique personnel, dealing with the many job hazards of handling trash everyday, and serving such a wide customer base regularly presents issues that would make a hilarious reality television show but he loves it. “I don’t care about making hundreds of millions of dollars because I would just give it away. What I care most about is doing what I can to make it better for everyone,” says Arwood. Commitment to family, caring for the community, and taking care of the environment have marked his life and continue to drive this visionary forward.

Good Samaritans Serving our Communities John C. Arwood – Founder of Sanitation Workers for Jesus Some call him “Papa Arwood” while others call him “Jack” but all who know him attest to his character and unwavering faith. John Arwood is an ordained minister and heads Arwood Waste, America’s Family Owned Waste Company, along with his son John D. Arwood. As a follower of Jesus since 1976 and full time sanitation worker since 1984, he knows what it means to serve the needs of others with humility and a commitment to honesty that reflects his faith in Jesus. This commitment applies to business, personal relationships and all areas of life. While he is proud of the family and business God has blessed him with, it doesn’t take long when talking to Jack Arwood to know that ministry comes first and God is at the center of how he approaches life. In fact, he may not even talk about his business but you will quickly know what he believes by his actions. Sanitation Workers for Jesus The purpose of this site is simple: to be a place of inspiration and support for the sanitation workers who are tirelessly serving every day. Sanitation workers face many unique challenges and dangers every day. By sharing in the teaching of the Gospel and encouraging each other in our faith, we stand together as Christian brothers and sisters. Share in fellowship with other Christ-followers through the devotionals and send any prayer requests you may have through our Contact page. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. – John 13:34-35 21

The week of June 17th is quickly approaching! During this special week of celebration for National Garbage Man Day, starting on June 17th, we will join together to thank the women and men who daily work to keep our neighborhoods and streets safe and clean! Some important changes to note for this year are the new Garbage Man Day logo and slogan. New Logo NGMD-Logo The redesigned logo honors both the women and men who are vital members of the waste management industry. Sure, the name says Garbage Man Day but we all know there are many dedicated women working in this industry too. This logo represents the achievements of everyone in the industry working together towards a better environment. Without the work of all these individuals our communities would not only be more dangerous…but much stinkier! New Slogan: Keeping You and the Environment Safe The new National Garbage Man Day slogan “Keeping You and the Environment Safe” captures the true mission of these individuals. It also strikes at the heart of why we celebrate the women and men in the waste management industry. Performing their jobs day in and day out with excellence keeps our local communities and the world at large safe and clean. Many people may not realize the enormous environmental impacts of recycling programs or how their local sanitation workers are positively impacting the world’s environment. Why do you Love Your Garbage Man? Because they are “Keeping You and the Environment Safe”! Join with us the week of June 17th to celebrate these hard-working women and men for National Garbage Man Day!