One of the things that keeps those of us that work in the waste management industry so interested in what we do is the constant change we experience. New containers are accepted in recycling programs all the time. The ways recyclables are collected and sorted vary and become more efficient. Add in the fluctuating values of the plastic, paper and metals recyclers are marketing day after day, and evolution is the only constant.

It is estimated that Americans alone use 50 billion (that’s 50,000,000,000!) water bottles every year. It’s great that we are drinking all that water our doctors are telling us is so good for our bodies. But, the recycling rate for water bottles is a measly 23%. Fair1That means that 38 billion water bottles are being thrown away every year in this country. That level of waste is staggering and unnecessary when water bottles are made from a very valuable resource (#1 PET plastic) and are recyclable in virtually every curbside and drop-off recycling program across the country.

Perhaps the notions of delayed gratification, perserverance and accountablity aren't the first ideas that come to mind when you think of a kid and his bike.  But, those are exactly the life skills that the good folks at Freewheelin' Community Bikes in Indianapolis (at...