4 Tips for the 4th

As you plan your July 4th picnics and barbeques, here are four tips from Republic Services to help you make your holiday celebration more sustainable:

1. The safest way to dispose of both used and unused fireworks is to submerge them in water before disposal. Disposing of your soaked firework debris, including used matches, also helps to prevent littering.
    
2. After your cookout, be sure to allow charcoal ashes to safely cool. Then, carefully pour water over the charcoal to accelerate the cooling process. Once completely cool, wrap charcoal in aluminum foil. Now it is ready to be safely disposed of in a trash bin. You might also consider using petroleum-free charcoal starters as alternative for your cookout.
    
3. Careful meal planning and grocery shopping can help to curb food waste. In addition to making a shopping list, send leftovers home with guests to further reduce food waste.
    
4. Consider using washable serveware whenever possible. If that’s not possible, try to buy environmentally friendly, disposable serveware, such as products made from renewable, biodegradable, or recycled material.

And always make sure your recyclables are EMPTY, CLEAN and DRY before tossing them in the blue recycling bin. Help make this Fourth of July safe, fun and sustainable!