During the 1970 s, rising energy costs and the oil embargo forced companies and governments to heavily invest in recycling initiatives. The idea of placing a recycling trailer behind the back of a waste management vehicle allowed for the easy collection of garbage and recyclable materials in most US cities. Some US states are already far ahead of the rest when it comes to implementing recycling programs. In Portland, Oregon for example, recycling bins are in every street corner, while in Albuquerque, New Mexico, there is a clear lack of curbside recycling programs and facilities. Some US states are also offering used electronics recycling programs. Most US states require that you place a CFL bulb in two plastic bags, so that it s mercury content won t seep out if the bulb gets broken. Find out if there s a retailer in your town or city who accepts the trade-in of old CFL bulbs. Some retailers like Ikea, have major recycling programs for CFL s, however they may levy a small fee for disposal. You may also need to break cardboard down, depending on your town or city s recycling program, so that it easily fits in a brown paper bag. You may also bring it along with your mixed paper wastes. Cal or notify your local community recycling facility, and find out whether they accept corrugated and flat cardboard. Consumers may return the empty can or bottle to a collection facility, and redeem the deposit, which usually goes from one to five cents. Buy-Back Centers These recycling centers operate in the same way as drop-off centers. However, these pay homeowners or consumers a price that s based on the market value of their items. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that there are over 10,000 municipal landfills, and more than 3,000 active urban landfills. Because most of today s modern landfills are tightly sealed, to protect the environment from possible contamination, they actually inhibit the natural degradation of organic waste materials.