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What Are Some Things You Can Recycle?

Recycling goes far beyond just aluminum cans and plastic bottles; it’s a cornerstone of environmental stewardship. Embracing a broader understanding of recyclable materials allows us to significantly reduce landfill waste, conserve precious resources, and combat climate change.

Beyond the Basics: Expanding Your Recycling Horizons

While awareness of commonly recycled items like aluminum and some plastics is widespread, the spectrum of recyclable materials is much broader than many realize. Understanding these less obvious candidates can dramatically increase your positive impact.

Paper Products: More Than Just Newspaper

Many paper products are recyclable, often depending on the specific programs in your area.

Newspaper and Magazines: These are generally accepted in most recycling programs, as are catalogs and phone books.
Cardboard: Flattened cardboard boxes are a staple of recycling efforts. Ensure they’re free of food residue and excessive tape.
Paperboard: Cereal boxes, shoe boxes, and other similar containers can be recycled, but remove any plastic liners first.
Junk Mail and Envelopes: These can usually be recycled, even those with plastic windows. However, check your local guidelines.
Shredded Paper: While some programs accept shredded paper loose, it’s best to bag it in a clear plastic bag to prevent it from clogging the sorting machines.

Plastic: Navigating the Numbers

Plastic recycling can be complex due to the diverse range of plastic resins used. The resin identification code (the number inside the chasing arrows) indicates the type of plastic.

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) – #1: Water bottles, soda bottles, and some food containers. Widely recycled.
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) – #2: Milk jugs, detergent bottles, shampoo bottles. Also commonly recycled.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – #3: Pipes, siding. Less commonly recycled.
LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) – #4: Plastic bags, cling wrap. Often recyclable at specific drop-off locations.
PP (Polypropylene) – #5: Yogurt containers, margarine tubs, bottle caps. Recycling rates vary.
PS (Polystyrene) – #6: Styrofoam, disposable cups. Recycling can be challenging and less common.
Other – #7: A catch-all category that includes mixed plastics and polycarbonate. Recycling is generally limited.

Metal: From Cans to Appliances

Metal recycling is highly efficient, conserving energy and resources.

Aluminum Cans: A cornerstone of recycling programs. Ensure they are empty and rinsed.
Steel and Tin Cans: Food cans, paint cans (empty and dry).
Scrap Metal: Old appliances, metal furniture, car parts. Often accepted at scrap metal yards. Check with your local sanitation department for large item disposal.
Aerosol Cans: Empty aerosol cans are often recyclable, but check local guidelines. Ensure they are completely empty.

Glass: Clear, Brown, and Green

Glass is infinitely recyclable without losing quality.

Glass Bottles and Jars: Clear, brown, and green glass bottles and jars used for food and beverages. Rinse them before recycling.

Electronics: E-Waste Solutions

Electronic waste (e-waste) contains valuable materials but also hazardous substances, making proper recycling crucial.

Computers, Laptops, and Tablets: These devices contain valuable metals and components that can be recovered.
Cell Phones: Similar to computers, cell phones contain precious metals and require specialized recycling.
Televisions and Monitors: Older CRT televisions contain lead, making responsible disposal essential.
Printers and Scanners: These peripherals can also be recycled.
Batteries: Rechargeable and single-use batteries require separate handling due to their chemical composition. Many retailers offer battery recycling programs.

Other Recyclable Items

Beyond the common categories, many other items can be recycled or repurposed.

Textiles: Clothing, shoes, and linens can be donated or recycled through textile recycling programs.
Ink Cartridges: Many office supply stores offer recycling programs for ink and toner cartridges.
Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs): Contain mercury and require proper disposal.
Cooking Oil: Some communities offer collection programs for used cooking oil.
Tires: Tire recycling is often available at tire retailers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Recycling

FAQ 1: What is the difference between recycling and upcycling?

Recycling involves processing used materials into new products, often of a similar nature (e.g., turning plastic bottles into new plastic bottles). Upcycling, on the other hand, transforms waste materials into new products of higher quality or value (e.g., turning old tires into planters). Upcycling generally requires more creativity and manual effort.

FAQ 2: Why is it important to rinse out containers before recycling them?

Food residue and other contaminants can contaminate an entire batch of recyclables, making them unsuitable for processing. This can lead to the whole batch being sent to a landfill. Rinsing removes food residue, ensuring a higher quality of recycled materials.

FAQ 3: What are “wish-cycled” items, and why should I avoid them?

“Wish-cycling” refers to placing items in the recycling bin that are not actually recyclable in your local program, hoping they will be recycled. This can contaminate the recycling stream, slowing down the sorting process and even damaging equipment. Check your local guidelines before recycling an unfamiliar item.

FAQ 4: Where can I find information about my local recycling guidelines?

Your local municipal government website is the best place to start. Search for terms like “recycling,” “waste management,” or “environmental services.” Many communities also have printable guides or apps that provide detailed information. You can also call your local waste management company directly.

FAQ 5: Can plastic bags be recycled with other plastics in my curbside bin?

Generally, no. Plastic bags often require specialized recycling processes and can clog sorting machines at recycling facilities. Many grocery stores and retailers offer plastic bag drop-off programs. Look for designated collection bins.

FAQ 6: What is composting, and how does it relate to recycling?

Composting is a natural recycling process that decomposes organic matter, such as food scraps and yard waste, into a nutrient-rich soil amendment called compost. Composting reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and creates a valuable resource for gardening.

FAQ 7: What are some creative ways to reduce waste and recycle at home?

Use reusable shopping bags, water bottles, and coffee cups.
Buy products in bulk to reduce packaging.
Start a compost bin for food scraps and yard waste.
Repair broken items instead of replacing them.
Donate unwanted items to charity.
Repurpose containers for storage.

FAQ 8: What is the difference between pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled content?

Pre-consumer recycled content comes from manufacturing waste, such as scraps and trimmings, that are diverted from the waste stream. Post-consumer recycled content comes from materials that have been used by consumers and then recycled. Products with higher percentages of post-consumer recycled content are generally considered more environmentally friendly.

FAQ 9: Are all types of paper recyclable?

No. Paper products contaminated with food residue, grease, or plastic coatings are generally not recyclable. Examples include greasy pizza boxes, wax paper, and some types of laminated paper.

FAQ 10: What are some common mistakes people make when recycling?

Not rinsing containers.
Bagging recyclables (unless specifically instructed by your local program).
Recycling plastic bags in curbside bins.
“Wish-cycling” items that are not recyclable.
Recycling styrofoam without checking local guidelines.

FAQ 11: How can I encourage others to recycle more effectively?

Lead by example and recycle consistently.
Educate friends and family about local recycling guidelines.
Place recycling bins in convenient locations.
Organize community recycling events.
Advocate for improved recycling programs in your community.

FAQ 12: What are the long-term benefits of recycling?

Recycling conserves natural resources, reduces landfill waste, saves energy, decreases pollution, creates jobs in the recycling industry, and helps combat climate change. By making recycling a habit, we can contribute to a more sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come.