Celebrate America Recycles Day!
2 minute read
Recycling is one simple way we can do our part to conserve our natural resources
Sometimes recycling can be confusing, so here’s a guide to what can and cannot be recycled and how
To avoid contaminating recycling systems: when in doubt, throw it out!
We know that recycling can be confusing, so we’ve put together this guide to help you feel more sure of your recycling habits. Remember that recycling systems vary by city, county, state, and country, so be sure to check what is and isn’t recyclable in your area when you’re unsure.
Plastic
Did you know that 91 percent of plastic isn’t recycled? With a little collective effort, we can change that.
Most plastic products will have a small triangle with a number (1-7) inside it, usually on the bottom of the product. Check where you live to see which numbers of plastics are recyclable.
Source: Method Recycling
TerraCycle is a recycling company that specializes in hard-to-recycle materials, such as toothpaste tubes. They have drop-off locations, mail-in programs, and more that you can check out on their website.
Plastic bags, wrap and film cannot be recycled in most curbside programs. They can however be recycled at grocery stores. You can find participating locations near you using the Wrap Recycling Action Program’s (WRAP) drop-off location finder.
Glass
The amazing thing about glass is that it can be recycled over and over again essentially forever! Glass from food and beverage containers is 100 percent recyclable, but other glass from things like window panes and products usually aren’t. So look into what your local municipality asks you to do with non-food and beverage container glass before you recycle it.
Paper
Paper recycling is a great way to save energy and natural resources. Recycling one ton of paper saves 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, and 463 gallons of oil. Remember to make sure that all paper products are clean, dry, and empty before recycling! Here’s a (non-exhaustive) list of common paper products that can be recycled:
Printer paper
Newspaper
Toilet paper/paper towel rolls
Cardboard boxes (cereal/other food boxes)
Mail
Paper shopping bags
Cartons
Electronics
While electronics can’t be recycled through curbside programs, there’s a good chance you have an electronic recycling center near you! You can search Earth911 or use the EPA’s webpage to find retailers like Best Buy and Samsung that have recycling programs.
Recycling one ink cartridge saves over two pounds of metal and plastic from entering landfills, and it also saves a half gallon of water.
In encouraging news, about 99 percent of batteries are recycled! Never recycle batteries through curbside recycling, instead you can find battery drop-off locations through Earth911 and often offices, schools, and libraries also have these programs.
Clothing
It’s always best to donate usable clothes to local thrift stores or charitable organizations first. However, sometimes clothes just aren’t in good enough condition to donate. Don’t throw them away! You can search for textile recycling programs on Earth911.
Some brands also recycle textiles. Some will accept any brand of clothing, others will only accept their own, make sure to check first.
Things you should NOT recycle
Now that we’ve discussed all of the things you can recycle, here’s a list of things that often end up contaminating recycling batches:
Receipts on glossy paper
Styrofoam
Clothing hangers
Paper towels
Treated wood
Aerosol cans
Brightly dyed paper
Ceramics and pottery
Diapers
Glossy gift wrap
If you’re really unsure if you should recycle something, and you don’t have the time to find the answer online, remember this motto: “When in doubt, throw it out.” It’s better for one recyclable thing to enter the landfill than one non-recyclable thing entering the recycling system and contaminating a whole batch. Then, the whole batch would end up in the landfill.
Remember, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about making an effort to do your small part in conserving our natural resources to help our planet.
