Small individual actions can make a big difference when it comes to helping the environment.One of the best ways to go green is to recycle.If you get a chance to take it to a recycling facility, you can put away all of that recyclable material until collection day.Not to fear.There are a lot of things you can do, and we have a list of options to help you do it.
Step 1: The labels shouldn't fade over time if you use a permanent marker.
If you use your own plastic bins or clear bags, you need to clearly label them so they can besorted and recycled.Write the type of materials inside the container with dark markers.You could write "Paper" on a full container of paper products and "Plastic" in a container full of recycled plastic.You can get a ticket if you don't recycle correctly, so make sure you sort your items into the right containers.
Step 2: You can use your own bins.
If you don't have a recycling company that provides sturdy and stackable bins, you can use your own plastic bins.Stack the containers on top of each other so they aren't taking up a ton of space in your home if you sort your recycling and store them in a properly labeled container.Extra bins, carts, or boxes may be available from your service or recycling company.
Step 3: It will make it easier to recycle cans and bottles.
Attach 2 hooks to your wall.Attach hooks into the slots if you don't want to drill holes in your wall.A large bag can be hung, such as a garbage bag.You can use it to hold your bottles and cans until you can take them to a recycling center.You can get wall hooks at your local hardware store.To give your bag greater stability, use 2 hooks.If it is required in your area, be sure to sort your plastic bottles and aluminum cans.If it helps, you can use 2 bags.
Step 4: When you are ready to recycle your paper items, collect them.
Paper products that are flat don't take up a lot of space.If you have an empty drawer or cabinet, keep your papers in there until you can recycle them.When you do recycle it, you could keep some string or twine with you so you can tie it into a bundle.Old newspapers, junk mail, and cardboard can be stashed in a drawer so they are out of the way and kept together.
Step 5: It will make them more convenient to take out.
Pick up a tote bag or grocery store bag.Place them in a place where you can put your plastic recycling bins.When it's time to take the bins out to the curb or to a recycling facility, you've got handles to make it even easier.The tote bags should be large enough to hold your containers.
Step 6: If you put your recycling containers inside, they will be less noticeable.
Pick up a large wicker laundry basket from your local department store or thrift store to see if you can find an affordable one.The recycling bin should be concealed.Pull out the bin when it is time to recycle.
Step 7: It is a simple and cheap way to make a recycling station.
A cheap old filing cabinet can be found at a thrift store.You may have one lying around that isn't being used.If you want to leave with an empty cabinet, take out any papers from the top drawer.If you want to hold your recycling until it's time to take it out, place a bin inside of it.No one will notice it.
Step 8: It will be easy to access and out of sight.
If you want to put away your recycling in a less visible way, place your bins under your kitchen sink.When it is time to take it out, put your recycling in the bins.
Step 9: Keep your recycling in a single location by sorting it.
It's easier to manage when you collect all of your recycling in one place.You can keep your recycling bins in a garage, mudroom, spare closet, or utility room.Keep your recycling in the same place until it is time to take it out.It is important to choose a room that is not used as much as the kitchen.People are less likely to notice your recycling.
Step 10: When it is time to recycle, bring it out.
Most waste management companies have days and times for collection.The night before, take your recycling to the curb and put the bins 1.5 feet away from mailboxes and vehicles.It would be better if your recycling wasn't visible for any longer than is necessary.If your collection day is Monday at 6 a.m., you can put your recycling out to the curb on Sunday evening.Some cities and homeowner's associations may have rules about how long you can put out your recycling.
Step 11: You can keep them in your home or yard.
Pick up your bins from the curb after your recycling has been picked up.They can be placed in your yard, on the side of your home, or inside where you keep them.
Step 12: Make sure it is clean enough to use again.
If you are recycling a plastic or glass container, it is important that you throw out any remaining food and rinse off any grease or oil that may be left on the container.Food waste can ruin other material and end up in a landfill.It is a good idea to clean food containers so they don't attract insects or rodents.
Step 13: It will help prevent cuts and poisoning.
If your glass recycling falls over and breaks, it could easily cut a child, so be sure to put it somewhere out of reach or inside of something that kids can't access.It could make a child sick if there is anything left in the glass containers.When it is time to recycle glass, keep it out of sight.If you have a recycling bin, make sure the lid is fastened so kids can't get into it.Don't forget about pets.Your furry friends can get sick of eating or drinking from the container if they accidentally cut themselves on broken glass.
Step 14: Chemicals and household products are not in the recycling bin.
If you have old chemicals, cleaners, paint, pesticides, or any other household products, they can contain hazardous ingredients that need to be properly dispose of.Keep them in a separate container until your community holds a hazardous household waste collection day or until you can bring them to a collection facility.There are collection facilities that accept hazardous household products.