Green Tips

5 ways to be a better recycler

1) Revisit your local rules. Fact is recycling can be tricky; mixed paper, plastic, where does that burger wrapper go?  Check with your local community and see how it works.

2) Know your codes. Some types of materials, like plastic, take a little extra examination before you toss them into the bin. As we learned from the epic example of recycling pizza boxes, contamination in the recycling stream is a big problem.If your community collects plastics with rules that use wording such as “all containers and tubs,” then you may have lucked out on this tip. But, if you use a recycling program that has guides that read closer to “#1 and #2 plastic, no bags or film,” you’ll probably have to keep an eye out.

3) Get off the curb. You’ve probably mastered your curbside pickup collection, but what about the rest of the waste your home generates? No doubt there are items like electronics, wine corks, plastic containers, CDs, candy wrappers and the like that could actually be recycled if you just did a bit of homework.  Check with earth911.org to find where you can recycle questionable items locally.

 

4) Buy recycled. Buying recycled keeps the cycle in motion.

5) Make some money. Programs that reward you for recycling are springing up around the country.  Why not get rewarded for your effort? Check with earth911.org where these locations and companies are.