Recycling isn’t as simple as throwing things into a blue bin and hoping for the best. It’s a little, day-to-day action that can make a big difference in your community, in your health, and on the planet. And with all the various rules and exceptions, it’s understandable to feel a bit lost or uncertain. That’s alright. Let’s go through it together so you can feel certain you’re doing it correctly.
Let’s begin with what goes in your recycling bin. Empty and clean plastic containers and bottles are certainly in—in other words, make sure there is no food or liquid left in them, and leave the lids on. Aluminum cans, such as soda or seltzer water cans, can be recycled as well, provided that they are drained. Glass bottles and jars are fine too, but simply take off the lids and give them a quick rinse. Paper is also a big group—newspapers, magazines, office paper, envelopes (even ones with the little plastic windows), and paperback books are all fine so long as they are clean and dry. Cardboard boxes are fine too, even pizza boxes, so long as they’re not greasy. Just flatten them out and make sure they’re dry. And don’t forget those juice or milk cartons—they can be recycled when they’re empty and rinsed out.
Some of us want to recycle everything, but adding materials we suspect may be recyclable—so-called “wish-cycling”—can taint the entire process. They do not fit into your home bin, but most supermarkets have a point where you can leave them. The same goes for things like electronics, batteries, and light bulbs. These usually contain materials that need special disposal and should be brought to a suitable collection facility. And anything that’s a household hazardous waste—like paint, motor oil, pesticides, and certain cleaners—never put in the trash or recycling. They’re poisonous and need to be taken to the correct location to be disposed of safely.
Some things may come as a shock. Clothing, shoes, and other fabrics can’t be put in your household recycling bin, but if they’re in decent condition, consider donating them. Old pots, pans, and utensils? If they are still serviceable, give them away. If not, they’ll have to be discarded. And food scraps aren’t for your recycling bin, but are ideal for composting—either in your yard or through a community compost program if you have access to one.
Sorting garbage at home may seem to be a hassle, but with a system, it is not. Create individual bins for recycling, compost, and garbage. Identify them with labels or colors so everyone in the house knows what to put where. If living in an apartment or condominium, speak with your property management office about recycling possibilities—or drop your recyclables at a neighborhood drop-off center as necessary.
Recycling properly isn’t really about a lot of rules. It’s about taking care of our communities by making them nice and clean. Recycling each nice bottle, can, or piece of cardboard you do makes a difference and helps cut down on landfill waste, keep our air cleaner, and help preserve the environment. And if you’re ever not sure what to do with something, just ask your local waste and recycling agency. They will direct you in the right way and assist you in making the best decision for your home and your community.
Related
