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| Get Organized Now! |
Many of us fool ourselves into thinking that when we put the garbage out on the curb and the garbage
man puts it on the truck, that it disappears forever. In a perfect world, this would be true. But
everyone's trash has to go somewhere – and it’s piling up in our landfills, our rivers, and our oceans at
an alarming rate.
Recycling is one of the most important things you can do to help our planet. It’s easy and convenient,
and chances are you do it already. However, you may not know how much of the stuff you use every
day can be recycled: even items that don’t qualify for curbside pickup can be disposed of
conscientiously, with a minimum of effort.
Before disposing of anything, it’s best to check with your local recycling authority for specifics. When
you put non-recyclable items in your bins, it wastes time and energy for the people whose job it is to
sort through them, and makes the recycling process less cost-effective (therefore increasing the price of
recycled goods). Also, non-recyclable items that slip by the sorters may hinder or even damage
machinery. If you can, take a tour of your local recycling facility: it’s a very educational experience.
To help you maximize your recycling power, I’ve classified items by material: Glass, paper and
cardboard, plastics, electronics, and 'other'.
Glass
Here’s a list of plastics by recycling code number. Note that PVC (a.k.a. vinyl), a plastic which is
considered by many to be dangerous to human and animal health, is labeled #3. This makes it easy to
check products before you buy. Also, be on the lookout for polycarbonate plastics that contain BPA
(BisPhenol A), a harmful chemical compound which is linked to, among other things, hormone disruption,
behavioral changes, and compromised immune function.
Read an article on plastics at lifewithoutplastic.com.
If you’re committed to going green, recycling is a good place to begin. Here are some ideas for reusing
and recycling in your own home.
It’s easy to make a positive impact when you practice conscientious recycling. This holiday season – a
time when household waste levels rise dramatically – commit to recycling and reusing whenever
possible, and help keep the world a little greener.
man puts it on the truck, that it disappears forever. In a perfect world, this would be true. But
everyone's trash has to go somewhere – and it’s piling up in our landfills, our rivers, and our oceans at
an alarming rate.
Recycling is one of the most important things you can do to help our planet. It’s easy and convenient,
and chances are you do it already. However, you may not know how much of the stuff you use every
day can be recycled: even items that don’t qualify for curbside pickup can be disposed of
conscientiously, with a minimum of effort.
Before disposing of anything, it’s best to check with your local recycling authority for specifics. When
you put non-recyclable items in your bins, it wastes time and energy for the people whose job it is to
sort through them, and makes the recycling process less cost-effective (therefore increasing the price of
recycled goods). Also, non-recyclable items that slip by the sorters may hinder or even damage
machinery. If you can, take a tour of your local recycling facility: it’s a very educational experience.
To help you maximize your recycling power, I’ve classified items by material: Glass, paper and
cardboard, plastics, electronics, and 'other'.
Glass
- Most glass qualifies for curbside pickup, especially the type used in food jars. Other glass, like
globe light covers, is not recyclable in some areas.
- Most paper, including envelopes, is recyclable. However, shred anything you wouldn’t want the
general public to peruse. Shredded paper can be picked up curbside in some areas, so long as it
is packed inside a paper bag to keep it from blowing away. - Books are recyclable so long as hard covers or plastic covers, and spiral binding, are removed.
- Gift wrap can be picked up curbside after the holidays.
- Cardboard must in most cases be flattened and tied into 3x3 foot packages.
- Pizza boxes, frozen food containers, and other treated cardboard items are not recyclable
- paper towels, tissues, toilet paper, and gift wrap tissue are not recyclable.
- In most areas, #1 and #2 plastics are the only types accepted for curbside pickup.
- Here in Rhode Island, we have a program called 'ReStore' which accepts plastic bags for
recycling. Check with your local authorities for any special programs in your area.
- Computers, cell phones, printers, and other electronics can be recycled. Many computer
manufacturers will pick up your old computer when your new one is delivered. Also, many local
recycling programs have electronics drives a few times a year, so folks can bring their old
gadgets to a drop-off location instead of to the recycling facility itself. Also, there are a number of
independent computer and electronics recyclers in the nation, who will recycle your stuff for free if
you ship it to them. - CDs and jewel cases: many local recycling programs don’t accept them, but you can recycle your
old CDs and cases. Programs like GreenDisk will recycle for free if you ship your CDs to them (see
web page for details).
- Some batteries – like rechargeable batteries, cell phone batteries, and car batteries – can be
recycled, but like electronics they don’t qualify for curbside pickup. You can go to the
Environmental Health and Safety Organization web page to find a recycling location near you.
Some e-waste recyclers (like Greendisk) also accept certain types of batteries. - Hazardous chemicals must be safely disposed of. Paint cans and other containers can be recycled
in many areas. - A search of your local recycler’s web page will turn up all kinds of surprising recyclables. The
Internet Consumer Recycling Guide is another good resource.
Here’s a list of plastics by recycling code number. Note that PVC (a.k.a. vinyl), a plastic which is
considered by many to be dangerous to human and animal health, is labeled #3. This makes it easy to
check products before you buy. Also, be on the lookout for polycarbonate plastics that contain BPA
(BisPhenol A), a harmful chemical compound which is linked to, among other things, hormone disruption,
behavioral changes, and compromised immune function.
- #1: PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate), a type of polyester used in plastic soda and water
bottles, medicine bottles, etc. - #2: Polyethylene, a heavier type of polymer used in the bottles most household products are
packaged in. Also used in some grocery bags and toys. - #3: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), is used in toys, baby bottle nipples, household plumbing, raincoats,
vinyl siding, plastic food wrap, and car dashboards, to name a few. - #4: Low Density Polyethylene is used in grocery bags, sandwich bags, and other filmy-type
plastic products. - #5: Polypropylene can be found in some food containers (like yogurt containers and syrup
bottles), outdoor carpeting, and disposable diapers. - #6: Polystyrene (a.k.a. Styrofoam) is most commonly used in packing ‘peanuts’, as well as in
coffee cups and meat trays. - #7: A 'miscellaneous' category that includes both some of the most dangerous plastics
(polycarbonates, carriers of BPA), and some of the best (recycled and biodegradable varieties).
Read an article on plastics at lifewithoutplastic.com.
If you’re committed to going green, recycling is a good place to begin. Here are some ideas for reusing
and recycling in your own home.
- Use plastic grocery bags as trash can liners, and paper grocery bags to hold your recyclables
until trash day. Currently, Rhode Island is the only state with a comprehensive recycling program
for plastic grocery bags, but you may find options in your own neighborhood through your local
grocery store: many Whole Foods locations have recycling drop-off points. - Reuse glass food jars (like those from spaghetti sauce, baby food, salad dressings, etc.) in place
of food storage containers. Spaghetti sauce jars are great for leftover soups and stews, baby
food jars for olives or sauces. Plus, glass is 100% dishwasher safe - and no BPA! - Use clean, empty cardboard boxes for storage. Shoe boxes are king for this: turn them into
designer organizers with a little paint, ribbon, or fabric. - Use shredded paper to pack delicate objects for mailing or storage.
It’s easy to make a positive impact when you practice conscientious recycling. This holiday season – a
time when household waste levels rise dramatically – commit to recycling and reusing whenever
possible, and help keep the world a little greener.
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| Recycling Basics |
