In the United States, voting has been a fundamental part of the nation’s identity since the very first presidential election in 1789, which brought George Washington to the presidency. Since then, each election cycle has seen an increase in participation and an evolution in campaign materials—from newspaper articles and flyers to the ubiquitous yard signs. Today, elections worldwide utilize various voting methods and materials, contributing to a rich, global diversity in how we express democratic choice. For example, Australia practices compulsory voting, while in Brazil, electronic voting has been in place since the 1990s, demonstrating how countries constantly innovate to enhance electoral processes.
With another recent election season in the books, America’s streets and yards have once again been decorated with a familiar sight: campaign yard signs. These signs are an effective tool for candidates to reach the community visually, but they come at an environmental cost. Post-election, countless yard signs are often discarded in landfills, adding to the waste burden and increasing plastic pollution. The good news? With recycling options available, these signs can be repurposed or responsibly disposed of instead.
Yard Signs: Why Recycling Matters
Yard signs, usually made of corrugated plastic or cardboard, have an unfortunate environmental impact if left to decay in landfills. Many of the materials are not biodegradable, meaning they remain in the environment for hundreds of years, contributing to plastic waste and harming ecosystems. Recycling these signs is essential not only for reducing waste but also for conserving resources and reducing emissions associated with manufacturing new materials.
Thankfully, there are several options for recycling election yard signs. Many local waste management facilities accept corrugated plastic signs, while some campaign offices and environmental organizations organize collection drives specifically to gather and recycle them.
Steps to Recycle Your Yard Signs
Check with Local Authorities: Some cities and counties offer special recycling programs for yard signs, especially after elections. They often have designated drop-off points for these materials. To find a facility near you, visit Earth911 and search for recycling options by zip code.
Separate Materials: If a sign includes both plastic and metal, separate the plastic portion from any metal stakes. Metal stakes are typically recyclable in metal bins, while the plastic sign itself can go into plastic recycling, depending on local rules.
Repurpose and Upcycle: Many individuals find creative ways to reuse yard signs. These durable signs can serve as makeshift tarps, garden labels, or even reusable art canvases. Platforms like Pinterest offer hundreds of DIY ideas for repurposing yard signs at home.
Contact Environmental Groups: Some non-profit environmental organizations run yard sign recycling programs, especially during election years. Groups like Keep America Beautiful offer resources on recycling and may even coordinate post-election recycling events.
Fun Facts About Elections Around the World
Switzerland: Swiss citizens vote up to four times a year on various issues, giving them one of the most active democratic processes in the world.
Australia: Voting is mandatory, and failure to vote can result in a fine.
India: The world’s largest democracy with over 900 million eligible voters, India conducts elections in phases across several weeks.
Brazil: Known for its electronic voting system, which has been used nationwide since 2000, Brazil is recognized as a pioneer in digital voting technology.
As we celebrate democratic participation, let’s not forget the impact of election materials on our environment. Recycling and repurposing campaign yard signs help us turn political enthusiasm into environmental responsibility.
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