Recycling is the act of taking a product at the end of its lifetime and reusing some or all of it to make a new product. Many different types of products can be recycled, from paper and cardboard, to plastics, aluminum, and glass. These products can usually be recycled curbside with your trash and other compost, or can be taken to a recycling center, depending on your location. Other items, such as electronics, batteries, and CFL light bulbs, need to be recycled at the end of their lifetime because they are hazardous to the environment if they are not.

 

Curbside Recycling

Curbside recycling usually encompasses what is known as The Big Five.

 

The Big Five:

1. Aluminum
2. Glass
3. Paper
4. Plastic
5. Steel

 

Products made from these materials can be recycled in most curbside recycling programs. However, each curbside program differs. Some allow for a wider range of recycling than others, and some differ in the recycling program itself.

 

There are three different types of recycling programs in use: dual-stream, single-stream, and Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT). Dual-stream recycling requires the individual to separate recyclables into two bins: one for papers and cardboard, one for aluminum, glass, and plastics. Single-stream recycling allows individuals to place all recycled goods in a single bin, which are later sorted by the recycling facility. PAYT is a trash program that encourages recycling by charging per bag of garbage a household dispenses, offering recycling for a lesser cost, or for free.

 

For a list of items that are recyclable in your neighborhood curbside recycling program, visit earth911.com. There you can also find a recycling program near you so you can drop off goods not recyclable in your curbside program.

 

 

Recycling Tips

--Most plastic bottles are made of Plastics 1 and 2--these can be recycled in most curbside recycling programs. For bottles marked 4-6, check your curbside program first before tossing them in the bin--chances are these need to be taken to the recycling center. Type 7, which is made of mixed, layered plastic, can almost never be recycled.

--ONLY recycle plastics that are accepted by your recycling program--others will ruin the melt when the plastics are combined into a new recycled material.

--Remove the cap! Unless marked with a number, most plastic bottle caps aren't recyclable, at least not curbside. However, programs are emerging to recycle these pesky caps, such as Aveda's new program--save up your bottle caps and bring them into any Aveda store and they'll recycle them for you!

--Paper and cardboard that have food stains on them, such as pizza boxes, are not recyclable.

--Laminated cardboard containers, such as milk and juice cartons, cannot be recycled.

--Styrofoam is also not recyclable.

--DO NOT recycle or throw away house hold cleaners. Water will seep into them and pollute the ground, water, and air. These need to be taken to local drop off centers.

--Plastic grocery bags often are not accepted because their light weight can damage the machines. Instead return them to your local grocery store--they often have a recycling program just for these bags.

 

--This website is a good resource for a list of commonly recycled goods, and this site also provides helpful information on what can and cannot be recycled.

--Be sure to check your area's curbside program to specify which items you can and cannot recycle.

--Save items that can't be recycled in your curbside program for a trip to the recycling center!