What to do with all that TRASH!

We've always burned our paper trash. Not sure why, its just what we've always done. A few years ago I began recycling everything. There is a place in Lancaster that recycles all kinds of paper. I was working in a town 30 min away at the time so it was no biggie to take the paper there and be done with it, but I don't work in Lancaster anymore. And paper builds up fast around here.

Plastic, tin, metal, glass, aluminum all get recycled. Our township does not come around and collect it, though. We have to haul it to the recycling dumpster. This was one of those projects that I got away from because I felt too busy to keep up with it. But my husband has since picked up the ball and run with it.

The only thing we can't seem to recycle is paper. We don't buy newspapers usually...at least not on subscription. We do get a weekly community paper that does not require a subscription. In the winter we use it for kindling in the woodstove. But other than that, most of what we have comes in the way of mail and packaging.

So, now what to do with it all? Apparently, although burning wood is clean and ok for the environment, burning cardboard and other kinds of trash is not. Tomorrow (later today...it is 3am already!) I am going to call the township about what I can do with recycling paper. I wonder if there is anywhere that is closer than that town 30 min away that will take all of this stuff. I'm also going to try and cut down on the amount of paper that comes in the mail, etc by writing (again) and getting off of the direct mail listings. I did that a long time ago, but I think there's a time limit on that, and then you have to do it again.

I may also opt for e-bills instead of paper ones. I already opt for e-bank statements.

I have one 32gal trashcan to collect all the paper in, but then it will be too heavy to move, so I am probably going to have to use something smaller that needs transported more frequently.

Any ideas from anyone would be helpful!