Did you know that, according to the EPA, 75% of the waste stream in America could be recycled? Despite this, only about 30% actually gets recycled. That leaves a lot of missed potential to help the environment and reduce landfill waste. Read on for tips to improve your recycling habits with trash and recycling services.
Set up a Recycling Station at Home
One of the best things you can do is set up a proper recycling area in your home. Have a bin or two designated just for recyclables like plastic, paper, cardboard, glass, and metals. Position the recycling bins in an easy-to-access spot like your kitchen or garage so everyone in your home can conveniently use them. Make sure to have clear labels indicating what can and cannot be recycled. Educate everyone in your household about what items belong in the recycling bins. This streamlines the process and prevents non-recyclables from contaminating the recycling stream.
Learn Your Local Recycling Rules
Recycling programs can vary by region, so it’s important to learn the specific rules in your area. Check with your city or trash and recycling services to find out the details. They can provide recycling schedules, acceptable materials, how to prepare items, and other guidelines. For example, some programs require you to clean food residue from containers while others don’t. You may be asked to sort paper from bottles and cans. Knowing the requirements makes recycling easier.
Recycle Beyond the Basics
Many people just recycle paper, plastic bottles, and aluminum cans. But there are other items you can and should recycle too! Dive deeper by also recycling glass bottles and jars, steel cans, cardboard, cartons, and even electronics. Check for local recycling options beyond your curbside pickup. E-waste recycling events accept electronics. The more you can recycle, the better.
With some simple habit changes and education on local programs, we can all significantly increase how much we recycle. If every household made an effort to follow these best practices for recycling, just think of the combined impact! More recycling reduces landfill waste, saves energy and resources, and helps protect the planet. So do your part by improving your recycling habits. Reach out to us at Opdenaker to get professional help with our trash and recycling services.