Recycling has become a normal part of our lives now. Unfortunately, many items that we intended for the recycling center have also ended up in the landfill due to contamination. To ensure that our recycled items are being used to create other materials, we need to keep our recycle bins free from contaminants. Have you made any of the following mistakes?
1. Separating The Recycling And Trash Cans
When people only see one can, they are more likely to put items in the can that do not belong there. With both a recycling and trash can present, people are more likely to put their items in the appropriate containers minimizing the risk of contaminating the recyclables.
2. Being Unaware Of The Guidelines For Their County’s Recycling Program
Do you know if your county uses a single stream or dual stream program? With single stream recycling, you are allowed to combine your county’s approved items in your home recycling container. For example, you can place glass, paper, plastic, cardboard, and other acceptable items together in one container. Conversely, with dual stream recycling, glass items are put in separate containers from cardboard. It is important that you know which method your county uses. Improper recycling methods can cause issues for the workers at the recycling facility.
3.Not Cleaning Recyclable Items
Another common mistake people make when recycling is failing to remove the liquid from containers. Keeping liquid in containers increases the risk of it spillage and contaminating your other items like paper waste. Please try to avoid contaminating your whole load by throwing away items that have food or grease on them like to-go containers or pizza boxes.
4. Keeping The Caps On Bottles
Caps are usually too small to be recyclable, and if left on bottles can trap liquid which has a risk of spilling and contaminating the load. Throw away the plastic caps, but make sure to check the local guidelines about metal caps to see what your county allows.
5.Taking The Labels Off Of Cans And Bottles
While this isn’t a typical recycling mistake, it’s good to know that you do not need to remove labels from bottles before recycling them.
6.Putting Non-recyclable Glass In Your Recycling Container
Mirrors, light bulbs, and Ceramic dishes are not recyclable ,but jars and bottles are. As always, check with your local guidelines as on the proper way to dispose of these type of materials.
7.Trashing Juice and Milk Cartons
Did you know that most people throw away their milk cartons? But these products can definitely be recycled.
8.Only Recycling White Paper
You’re not the only one who made this mistake! While it is true that bright or dark colored papers are not recyclable, you are able to recycle light colored paper as well.
9.Recycling Plastic Bags
Including these bags among your other items can cause a lot of issues with the equipment at the recycling center. If you want to recycle these bags, look and see if your local recycling center or grocery store are collecting them directly.
10. You Don’t Buy Products In Eco Friendly Packaging
One way to avoid the question of an item’s recyclability is to buy products that come in eco friendly packaging. These products are made out of sustainable materials and are usually recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable.
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