recycle made easy

Some plastic containers can be recycled but plastic bags and plastic wrap including bubble wrap aren’t typically accepted in curbside recycling bins, especially when to be tossed with other recycling items, unless your county specifically states that they are. This is because the lightweight plastic in this material can actually damage the machines used in recycling centers. So, while you can still re-use plastic bags, they’re probably not a good item to recycle. And when it’s time to be recycled, return them to participating drop-off location such as retail stores or grocery stores that have special collection bins for plastic wraps and the like. So be sure to ask the store manager or look it up HERE.

All containers, even if they are recyclable, cannot be recycled if they contain food. This is why it’s recommended that people rinse out items before placing them in a recycling bin. You probably don’t need to scrub out your containers but large chunks of food are going to make the item unable to break down or potentially cause contamination and other problems. The biggest offenders in this category are items which actually absorb foods. Pizza and pastry boxes may be a recyclable material but if they’ve absorbed grease or oil, it become contaminated, then they CAN’T be recycled. You can, however, tear off portions of pizza boxes that are not stained to recycle.

While most glass jars & liquor bottles can be thrown in recycling bin, it won’t necessarily apply to all glass made items. For example, drinking glasses are made with lead glass, which isn’t a kind that can be recycled curbside. Mirrors, window glass, light bulbs, eye glasses, vases, glass art pieces, and the like, should be think twice before tossing them in the curbside bin. Check out EARTH911’s extensive database of recycling solutions near you.

This is also an area that’s a common problem. After all, books are made out of paper, right? They are, but the sturdy cover of hardcover books also contains non-paper materials that have to be removed before putting them into your recycling bin. Another option is to contact your local library and see if they accept donation of old books so it can be once again enjoyed by others.

This is an area which surprises many people. After all, clothing often does break down easily. However, curbside recycling is not the way to go for this item. It will clog up recycling machines so instead of putting clothing into your recycling bins, try running it down to the local Goodwill or other clothing donation center. Not only will this be a usable option, you may be giving someone else the chance to enjoy clothing that you no longer wear. This is just one element of green living that can help both you and others live more sustainably.

Most household cleaning products are now come in a recyclable container. While the container would be acceptable to recycle for its plastic element, it has to be emptied and rinse before throwing them into recycling bin. Since cleaning products are potentially hazardous, especially when mixed, you only want to dispose of them appropriately. Most water-soluble formulas can be diluted and poured down the drain. However, use up what you can to avoid waste. For cleaners that you may not know what is best, contact the manufacturer for directions or consider calling a hazardous waste disposal center for any special instructions.

Although it may seem quite obvious that these items cannot be recycled, it is very important to dispose them in a safely manner.

Medical sharps (Needles, Syringes, Lancets, EpiPens, etc) and medical waste including prescriptions containers and unused / expired medicines are classified as biohazards and therefore should always be disposed of in a hazardous waste box. With the potential for blood-borne pathogens, medical waste is not accepted and also discouraged in curbside bins since it could be dangerous to others. Needles are the biggest offenders but any medical waste could lead to problems. If you need to discard them, reach out to your doctor’s office or local health department to direct you to a designated collection site and discard them safely.

Electronic equipment (including cords, wires, cables and the like) often contains metals, batteries, and other materials which may make it dangerous to recycle. Donation centers may also not accept electronics that aren’t in working order. The good news is that some electronic stores such as Best Buy will take and recycle e-waste appropriately.

Although aerosol cans made of recyclable material, the pressurized air and its hazardous contents could pose a huge fire and explosion risk in the recycling center if you simply toss them in your curbside recycle bin. Contact your local county for hazardous collection program, or check out the designated disposal site to safely recycle your aerosol cans.