Recycling is one of those mundane things that seems easy, but the specifics get surprisingly complicated. Putting the wrong object in the recycling bin can do more damage than good, whereas recycling properly keeps our neighborhoods cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable. Let’s take a closer look at what you actually need to know in order to recycle correctly and steer clear of the most frequent pitfalls.
When you recycle properly, you’re not only keeping your own house clean you’re contributing to cleaner air, lower emissions, and healthier communities. When recyclables are contaminated, however, they can end up in the landfill, wasting everyone’s time. Not to mention, the improper disposal of hazardous materials can also have severe health consequences for sanitation workers and the environment.
The vast majority of curbside recycling programs recycle a standard set of materials, but the details differ from place to place. Typically, you can recycle empties and clean plastic bottles and containers (typically #1 and #2 plastics), aluminum cans, glass jars and bottles, dry paper products, newspapers, magazines, junk mail, and flattened cardboard boxes. Metal food cans and clean milk and juice cartons are universally accepted.
Keep these things loose in your recycling bin never bagged. Plastic lids can generally remain on bottles, but check local regulations always. Cardboard can be flattened for space-saving, and pizza boxes are okay so long as they’re not really dirty.
It’s simple to think that whatever plastic or paper, it all goes into the recycling bin, but not so. Plastic bags, packaging wrap, and film are big offenders they clog up sorting equipment and should be brought to grocery store drop-off locations instead. Styrofoam, even though it has a recycling symbol, is only accepted curbside in very few areas.
Other typical errors involve throwing in soiled paper products, shredded paper, tissue, and toilet paper. Hard cover books, ceramics, mirrors, and windows are not acceptable to the recycling bin either. Food scraps, diapers, and yard clippings are not acceptable either these are to be placed in the trash or compost.
There are certain items that need special treatment. Electronics such as computers and televisions tend to have hazardous materials inside and must never be put into curbside bins. Most towns provide drop-off facilities or events for safe disposal. Batteries, light bulbs, and household chemicals are all hazardous waste and must be brought to designated collection points.
Grease and cooking oils must never be poured down the drain or discarded in the recycling. Instead, take them to hazardous waste collection facilities or special drop-off programs. Scrap metal, large appliances, and tires typically need individual drop-off arrangements, and mattresses and clothing might have to be recycled or donated as per local regulations.
Recycling correctly is not only good for the environment it’s also good for public health. Correctly disposing of toxic waste keeps poisons out of the air and water. Rodent-proofing trash and recycling receptacles and keeping them secure avoids pest issues and disease. When everyone does their part, recycling efforts work better, saving money and resources for the entire community.
Have a recycling guide available, either printed or saved on your phone as a bookmark, so that you can easily determine whether or not an item can be recycled. Wash containers prior to recycling in order to avoid contaminating them. Flatten cardboard boxes to make better use of space in your bin. Designate a specific area for items requiring special disposal, such as batteries or electronics, so they won’t inadvertently go into the wrong bin. If you’re unsure about an item, it’s better to leave it out than risk contaminating the whole batch.
Recycling is a small act with big benefits. By paying attention to the details, you’re helping create a healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable world for everyone.