This article was co-authored by Kathryn Kellogg and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Kathryn Kellogg is the founder of goingzerowaste.com, a lifestyle website dedicated to breaking eco-friendly living down into a simple step-by-step process with lots of positivity and love. She's the author of 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste and spokesperson for plastic-free living for National Geographic.
There are 25 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Recycling is one of the easiest and most productive ways that you can help make the planet a better place. While it may feel overwhelming at first, recycling is easy, and it’s not hard to make it a part of your normal routine. Keep in mind, if you’re not sure if something is recyclable or not, you can always contact your local government to ask if you’re allowed to toss something in your recycling bin. Alternatively, you can always reach out to a local recycling facility directly to see if you can drop something off on your own.
Steps
Community Q&A
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QuestionHow can a middle school student help with recycling?Community AnswerAsk a teacher to set up a program where there are recycling boxes in all rooms. On certain days, have the students empty the boxes into the correct recycling bins. Consider setting up a competition for the different classes to see who recycles the most.
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QuestionHow can I recycle at home?Community AnswerYou could use old jars as tooth brush holders and reuse plastic grocery bags for bathroom trash can liners.
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QuestionCan colored cans be recycled?Community AnswerYes as long as they are aluminum.
References
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/recycle/how-do-i-recycle-common-recyclables
- ↑ https://pw.lacounty.gov/general/faq/index.cfm?8707=8707&Action=getAnswers&FaqID=JCFdIzRSMCAgCg%3D%3D&Keywords=1
- ↑ https://earth911.com/business-policy/business/paper-recycling-details-basics/
- ↑ https://earth911.com/business-policy/business/paper-recycling-details-basics/
- ↑ https://www.oregon.gov/deq/recycling/Pages/Recycle-Right.aspx
- ↑ https://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/DepHowDoI/material.aspx?tag=paper&material_key=24
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/recycle/how-do-i-recycle-common-recyclables
- ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/mar/16/which-items-cant-be-recycled-plastic-bags-coffee-cups
- ↑ https://cen.acs.org/materials/inorganic-chemistry/glass-recycling-US-broken/97/i6
- ↑ https://recyclecoach.com/residents/blog/is-broken-glass-recyclable/
- ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/recycling-broken-glass-265068
- ↑ Kathryn Kellogg. Eco-friendly Living Expert. Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.
- ↑ http://lessismore.org/materials/14-metal/
- ↑ https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Land/Waste/Recycling/PublicResources/Pages/HouseholdBatteries.aspx
- ↑ https://www.insider.com/things-that-dont-belong-in-recycling-2018-4#mirrors-7
- ↑ https://www.instituteforenergyresearch.org/renewable/the-afterlife-of-electric-vehicles-battery-recycling-and-repurposing/
- ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/recycling/how-to-recycle-electronics/
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/recycle/electronics-donation-and-recycling
- ↑ Kathryn Kellogg. Eco-friendly Living Expert. Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.
- ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/computers/how-to-wipe-a-computer-clean-of-personal-data/
- ↑ Kathryn Kellogg. Eco-friendly Living Expert. Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.
- ↑ https://eponline.com/articles/2007/11/12/tips-top-ten-ways-to-recycle.aspx
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/recycle/how-do-i-recycle-common-recyclables
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/recycle/how-do-i-recycle-common-recyclables#oil
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/hw/hazardous-waste-recycling
- ↑ https://www.ramseycounty.us/residents/recycling-waste/collection-sites/household-hazardous-waste
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/recycle/frequent-questions-recycling
- ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/mar/16/which-items-cant-be-recycled-plastic-bags-coffee-cups
- ↑ https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Reduce-Reuse-Recycle/Recycling-Its-the-Law
- ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffkart/2019/04/15/you-may-be-contaminating-your-recycle-bin-with-non-recyclables/?sh=65aa2cb3313c
- ↑ https://recyclingpartnership.org/communitiesforrecycling/recycling-how-it-works/
About This Article
To recycle, first keep all your paper and cardboard, like magazines and cereal boxes, out of your trash, since almost all paper can be recycled. Then, check plastic and glass items before you throw them out. If they have the triangle symbol, they can be recycled. Additionally, you can recycle most metal items that are made of aluminum or steel. However, be careful not to include foil-lined coffee or chip bags or light bulbs with your recycling, since even with their aluminum and glass parts these cannot be recycled safely. For information on how to recycle electronics, chemicals, and motor oil, keep reading!