Humans generate a lot of trash, and not everyone disposes of those items correctly. We have all heard of the importance of recycling; how many of us know how to do it properly? Some people wonder about the distinction between when to trash or recycle something. With our tips, you’ll reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment.
Recycle Items
The list of recyclables is long. Most of the contents in your home are recyclable. Manufacturers and individuals in the consumer industry have become more environmentally conscious about how they process and sell their products.
Paper & Cardboard
Paper and cardboard are always go-to recyclables. If your grocery store still provides you with an option of paper or plastic bags, choose paper and recycle them later. You can also recycle magazines, newspapers, and all that junk mail you collect.
Glass
Not everyone knows that glass is recyclable, but it is. As long as the container is still intact, you can recycle it. Keep broken glass out of the mix because of the potential dangers to workers. Never mix it in the garbage bags that sanitation workers collect.
Cartons
Milk cartons are common recyclables. If you’re a coffee lover with an endless supply of creamers in cartons, toss them in your recycling bin once they’re empty. The same rule applies to juice cartons! Thoroughly rinse the containers before placing them inside the bin.
Plastic Containers
Plastic containers, like juice and soda bottles, can also be recycled. Refrain from tossing them in the trash with the rest of your waste. Rinse these containers thoroughly as you would a milk carton. Any plastic containers that held food items can also go in the recycling bin after a good cleaning.
Aluminum, Steel, & Tin
Aluminum, steel, and tin are ideal recyclables. You’ve probably seen plenty of people responsibly dispose of their soda cans at a barbecue. Food cans, foil, and baking pans also fall under this category.
Trash Items
You need to know about the items you should trash. Some people confuse them with recyclables because they have similar materials, but we’re here to set the record straight.
Styrofoam
Repeat after us. Styrofoam is bad for the environment and not recycle-friendly! A lot of people think they can recycle Styrofoam, but they need to trash it. Few facilities accept this substance for cost reasons, so it’s better to trash it.
Food Wrappers
Food wrappers made with plastic or paper materials cannot be recycled. They may seem like the perfect recyclable items, but they’re not. The residue from the food makes these materials unacceptable in recycling facilities. Do not attempt to recycle empty chip bags or candy wrappers.
Food-Related Products
The same rules apply to food-related products. For example, products used to wipe or clean away food need to go in the trash bin.
Napkins with food residue are not good recyclable candidates. When you throw your next outdoor event with a 20-yard dumpster rental, make sure your guests know what items to throw in.
At Vine Disposal, we specialize in knowing which items to trash and which to recycle. For more information, visit our website.