Saving animals and helping the environment are just some of the benefits of recycling!It can be hard to know what is okay to recycle when you have a lot of garbage to throw away.Don't worry, if you're confused about what to do with the pizza box or glass jar, we can help.We will explain to you the basics of what you can put in the bin and how to dispose of things you cannot.
Step 1: The paper products need to be dry and unoiled.
The majority of cardboard mailing boxes and food packages can be recycled.Newspapers, mail, and printer paper are some of the good paper items.You can't recycle food-soiled paper.The pizza box will have to be thrown in the regular trash.It is possible to recycle paper that has gotten wet with plain water, but you have to wait for it to dry.If your paper has food on it, you may be able to compost it.Most forms of mail can be recycled.If you want to recycle envelopes with bubble wrap, you need to remove the padded lining.There are different types of wrapping paper that can be recycled.You may not be able to recycle papers with foil backing.It's a good idea to check with your local recycling service.
Step 2: You can recycle metal cans.
Before putting your cans out for recycling, you should empty them and rinse them to remove any leftover food or liquid.If it is an aerosol can, empty it completely.You can recycle aluminum foil, but it has to be clean and free of grease.It is possible to remove the plastic lids from aerosol cans.Remove the metal food can's lid and put it inside.Some centers ask that you don't crush cans.You can check with your local facility to find out what they recommend.
Step 3: Check that your local service takes glass.
Glass containers are accepted in most curbside recycling programs.Not all facilities can process glass.If your local recycling service takes glass, it's a good idea to find out if you need to sort it out or if it can all go in the same container.Before putting glass containers out for recycling, empty them and rinse them out.Don't put broken glass out to be recycled.A form of hazardous waste is broken glass.You should check with your local waste disposal authority or environmental agency to find out what to do with it.
Step 4: Your facility can not accept every type of plastic.
Many plastic containers have numbers in the middle of them.The numbers show what type of plastic the container is made of.Check with your local curbside recycling service to find out if they will recycle plastic.The most accepted plastics for recycling are #1 and #2, both of which are used for water bottles and transparent food jars.Other types of plastic, such as LDPE, PP, and Polyst, are less likely to be accepted by your local recycling company.Some of these forms of plastic can be accepted at special facilities in your community.Plastic bags can be recycled at some grocery stores.
Step 5: Most jar lids and caps are made from recycled metal.
The average mixed recycling facility might not have the proper equipment to process them.Unless your local recycling service says otherwise, it's a good idea to remove metal lid and caps.Many communities have metal recycling facilities that accept metal pull-tabs.Some facilities will pay you for lids made of valuable materials, like steel or aluminum.Some facilities will accept bottle caps that are still attached to the bottle.
Step 6: Cleaning guidelines can be checked with your local service.
Some facilities only need a light rinse, while others want their trash to be clean.It is a general rule to empty the contents of containers and rinse them.Don't try to recycle dirty paper towels.If only a few of the items in the bin are dirty, many recycling facilities will reject the entire bin.
Step 7: There are multi-stream facilities that need to be separated.
With single-stream recycling, you can put all your materials into a single bin.Check the website of your local curbside recycling service to find out if they are single or multi-stream.
Step 8: Many types of batteries can be recycled.
You can't put them in the recycling bin.If your community has any recycling centers that accept batteries, you should check with your local waste authority.Batteries can be recycled at many electronics stores.Special drop-off locations can be found at your local public library or community center.Some types of batteries are considered hazardous waste.You may need to take them to a hazardous waste facility if there are no retailers or recycling facilities in your area.Check the Earth911 recycling database to find out where you can recycle batteries in your area.
Step 9: You can recycle tires in the curbside.
If there are any local recycling facilities in your area, you should check with tire retailers.Do a search using terms like "tire recycling near me" or use a database like Earth911's Recycling Search.
Step 10: The motor oil can be used again.
It's bad for the environment to dump used motor oil.Call the automotive stores or service centers in your area to find out if they can recycle it.Do a search for "recycle motor oil near me" or use the Earth911 database to find a facility in your area.
Step 11: The wood can be used to make mulch or chips.
Your local curbside recycling program probably won't accept it.There are other facilities in your area that can take wood waste off your hands.There are wood recyclers near you.Wood can be turned into paper products.Large pieces of lumber can be used in construction projects.Large pieces of used wood can be taken by local construction companies or lumber retailers.
Step 12: Garbage and liquid cannot be recycled.
Since food can ruin equipment at the recycling facility, it's a good idea to separate out food from your recyclables.Compost some of your food waste if you don't want to throw it away.Fruits and vegetables, eggshells, coffee grounds, and nut shells are compostable food items.
Step 13: They can hurt employees or damage equipment.
Don't try to recycle broken glass, shattered lightbulbs, or sewing needles.The "do-not-recycle" list includes propane tanks, partially filled aerosol cans, and hazardous household chemicals.Many of these items should not end up in the regular garbage.You can find information on how to safely dispose of hazardous materials on the waste management website of your local government.Most recycling centers do not accept wires, electrical cords, or garden hoses.
Step 14: Many items can be recycled or used again.
Gift bags and wrapping paper can be recycled.You can flatten aluminum foil, rinse it, and use it again.You can reuse scrap wood in a craft or construction project.You can sell or donate items, like gently used clothing.Try to reduce the amount of waste you create in the first place.Buy things used when possible, purchase items with minimal packaging, and repair broken stuff instead of replacing it.
Step 15: There is an international symbol with 3 arrows.
In the U.S., recyclable items may show this symbol with the word "recyclable" printed under it.There is no guarantee that an item will be accepted for recycling in your area.Make sure that your local recycling program accepts items that you want to recycle.Some countries have their own symbols for recycling.In the U.K., many recycles have a circular arrow with the word "Recycle" printed under it.There is no universal symbol for non-recyclable items.A label that looks like a trash bin with an X through it is often displayed on items that are considered Universal Waste.This means that hazardous waste needs to be dealt with in a specialized facility.