I received a great response to my recent post about recycling paper. Recycling always seems to be a great mystery, as so many cities and municipalities have varying rules. When you consider that the average American produces 4.5 pounds of trash DAILY (75% of that IS 
recyclable), we certainly want to make the right decisions.
It’s often hard to compile a “grand list” of everything you can and cannot do, but the best resource I can provide is earth911. Simply enter your area code on the homepage and you will (hopefully) find your city or recycling resource to answer specific questions.
But, in the broad sense, I hope to help dispel some myths about the “real” answers for recycling… some may be a big surprise…
- Paper – refer to my prior post… I think I covered it all!
- Glass – rinse out the original contents as best you can. Don’t worry about labels since they’ll be removed in processing. You CAN recycle the metal caps(!)… most recyclers will accept them. Do NOT attempt to recycle treated glass, like plates, drinking glasses, windows, etc. This glass is, unfortunately, contaminated due to the special “treatment” they have received.
- Metals – every can should be hitting the recycling can! Soup, soda, veggie cans (even the top you’ve removed)… they’re all recyclable. Even wire coat hangers, aluminum foil, pie tins… include them all! And a new revelation to me… aerosol cans, as long as they have not contained a hazardous waste. I sincerely never knew they could be recycled, but just be sure they are EMPTY. That is the key. If your recycler does not accept them, they will be quickly weeded-out, but it’s worth a try!
- Plastic – most plastic bottles and jugs (with necks narrower than the body) can be recycled, just be sure to remove the plastic caps. They are a different type of plastic and can cause contamination in the recycling process. Number 5 plastics are often questionable. This is one where you should definitely refer to your local recycler, but remember that there is a use for Number 5’s!… don’t count them out and send them to the trash can too quickly! They are also good candidates for the reuse category, although maybe not for food items, due to the plastic-leaching issues.
Take these tips, memorize them and soon your 75% of daily trash will find its way to the proper destination… the cherished land of “Recycleville!”
NEW!!! - Take My FREE Class "How To Go Green"
Disclosure Policy
|
EBOOK SPECIAL ($14.95):
Go Green, Live Rich
From driving the right car to making your home energy smart, Bach offers ways to improve the environment while you spend less, save more, earn more, and pay fewer taxes. Download your copy today. |
I just saw another useful article on recycling here: http://tinyurl.com/ybjojj3. One thing they said that I hadn’t heard before was that you should leave caps on things like shampoo bottles (and similar items) after rinsing them out, in case there is any liquid left inside– when everything’s in the recycling truck, shampoo could contaminate other things like paper.
While visiting a friend recently, they asked me about the dos and don’ts of recycling. I’m definitely passing this along to her. I think she’ll appreciate it. I’ll tweet this too – great info.
Jeanne
http://www.ecolabelfundraising.com
Twitter: EcolabelFund
Kirsten – thanks for the link. The bottle caps “on” contradict what I have always understood but that must be the preference of that recycler. I always rinse bottles thoroughly and just make sure there is nothing left inside! Thanks!
Green Fundraising – Great! Glad it helped!
[...] we DO recycle, we save the resources needed to create new products and the energy needed for their production, [...]
[...] Recycle – that should go without saying, but just remember to make it happen. Cans, jars, containers, bottles, anything and everything possible. [...]
[...] your way. Q – Quit procrastinating and take the next step! R – Recycle, Reusable Bags – NOT recycling is inexcusable. Recyclables should never be thrown in the trash. Invest in reusable shopping [...]
Add A Comment