subject: Basics Of Recycling At Home [print this page] You've learned all about it on how to reduce, reuse, and recycle. But, are you doing it the right way? Know that many cities have programs and guidelines to follow - and resources that you can use to make sure you're doing it right.
First is by doing your research. Check with the city and your local recycling center to see which items are accepted. It is because it may vary from place to place. You can find a facility near you by visiting www.Earth911.com.
Here are a few of the most common items you should reuse or recycle:
Cardboard and paper - Mostly it would be old mail, newspapers, or discarded cardboard boxes, make sure you separate them in piles to be recycled. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, many of these paper substances are recycled to make other products like masking tape, bandages, coffee filters, notebooks, and more.
Plastic - Plastic is another big one that is accepted as recycled material in most communities. Since it does not break down in the landfill, recycling it is important and you make every effort to recycle plastic waste. Plastic products are usually marked by a number that classifies them. Common grades are #4 which is for bags, #7 for mixed plastics, #1 and #2 for containers, etc.
You can also reuse plastic products in your house - especially plastic bags. Save these for use around the house so they can be used for transporting goods, other shopping outings, and more. Plastic water bottles are another good one to reuse. Instead of continually buying 24-packs of water, reuse them as much as possible.
Glass - Many glass products can be taken to your local recycling facility or use them around the house for decoration purposes like vases or maybe containers of pencils or other school stuff.
Electronics - This is a common one that many people forget. After you're done using certain electronics, they can be recycled or even better, passed onto others for their use. Popular items include computers, printers, cell phones, and rechargeable batteries.
So, now that you know some of the most common items that should be recycled, it's time to get organized. Head out to your local store and purchase bins, then label them with a piece of paper that states what should go in each one. You'll be amazed at how much this helps - and, it keeps it at the top of your mind because you'll see it right in front of you every day.
Keep in mind the following tips and you'll be on your way to a greener house in no time!
