There are some overarching themes that most everyone will share when it comes to waste and recycling so all of us can get on the same page and increase our recycling rates as a nation!
1. Aluminum cans and tins 2. Rigid plastic #1 3. Rigid plastic #2 4. Paper 5. Cardboard 6. Glass - know your local guidelines
Your recycling needs to be clean and dry. Now, your recyclables don’t have to be absolutely spotless, but they need to be relatively clean so when all of those products are turned back into raw materials the businesses who buy them will be buying a quality product.
If you’re out taking your trash out, strike up a conversation with your neighbor. Most people want to recycle properly they just aren’t very educated. Or if they just don't seem to care, one of the best ways to activate people who don’t care is to gamify the system.
When we look at the recycling slogan or hierarchy of waste we have reduce-reuse-recycle. Many of us skip reduce and reuse altogether and jump straight to recycling. We need to make sure we are buying recycled products too!
– Recyclables should be clean. Give them a quick rinse before placing in the bin. – Recyclables should be dry. Make sure to tap out any excess liquid. – Recyclables should be loose in the bin. Do NOT put them in plastic bags!