Let’s talk a little bit about recycling. For some, this task comes super easy — it’s a complete no brainer, as they have a passion for recycling and its impact on the environment. However, for many others, it’s quite a chore! “I have to rinse this out?” or “Can’t I just throw it in the garbage?” Confession: I tend to fall into the second group of people, while my husband falls into the first group. The good news is that we do recycle. It is a small way to give back to the environment, and it does reduce pollution.
I thought today I would share five things you should recycle. While there are probably hundreds of recyclable items, these start with the basics, and they tend to be more commonly used items in homes!
Paper, Envelopes and Newspapers
How much junk mail do you get every. single. day and without even thinking, you toss it into the trash? Those are perfect items to recycle! Set aside a crate or special trash can for those items. The same goes for newspapers, too. Unless you’re saving them for historical purposes, they usually are read and tossed. Take a minute to start tossing them in the recycling pile!
Magazines
Gosh, I have piles of magazines lying around my home. I used to just toss them into the garbage until I realized they were equally as recyclable as many other items. I’ve even sent some of them to work with my husband to be reused first. I know there are great apps out there now, like Next Issue, that allow you to move away from paper magazines and toward reading them digitally. It’s a great concept that I’ve enjoyed, but there are still some magazines that I like to physically thumb through. I’ve just learned to recycle them accordingly now.
Cardboard
From cereal boxes to Amazon boxes to toilet paper rolls, recycle that cardboard. If necessary, cut it into smaller pieces to allow for more space in your recycling container. Keep in mind that cardboard that has been in contact with food (i.e. pizza boxes) is not recyclable due to the bacteria from the food. It’s always important to check with your local recycling center for any specific dos and don’ts.
Other great ways to recycle cardboard is by using it in your compost or lining your flowerbeds with it (comparable to mulch). It’s also a great weed control product in your flowerbed. #yourewelcome {wink}
Cans (aluminum, tin and steel): These items include soup cans, soda cans, etc. Keep in mind that in some states, you can get money back for soda cans, but in other states, they’re thrown into recycling bins along with the other cans. With these items, it’s a good practice to rinse them out before tossing them. Always check with your local recycling center.
Growing up, we got 5¢ for each can, and I remember going into the grocery store and watching them count out all of the cans, then pass over the cash to my parents. It’s the little things. If you have children, involve them in recycling — make it fun and educational!
Plastic Bottles and Bags
Soda bottles, water bottles, milk jugs and more fall into this category. And again, it’s a good practice to rinse the bottles out to avoid sticky messes (and with milk, smelly ones). Crushing bottles with your hands or feet make for more room in your recycling container as well.
Recently, my husband and I were discussing the subject of whether plastic shopping bags were recyclable. They are; your local Walmart most likely has a large container for you to dispose of them. I can’t even remember how many times I’ve thrown them away, not realizing they could be recycled.
Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t recycle! Ask your management if they would consider having a recycling container placed on the property for tenants — or find your local drop-off center. It truly is a great way to give back to the environment.
What recycling tips do you have? We’d love for you to share how you recycle and what you recycle with us here at ForRent.com.