Tips For Simplifying Your Recycling

Posted on: 8 February 2016

With recent news of climate change and floating islands of garbage in the Pacific Ocean, recycling to help the environment and minimizing the production of new resources should be at the front of everyone's mind. Although many people know that they should recycle, they may fail to do so because it seems complicated or time consuming. The following are some nearly effortless ways to conserve resources and recycle what you do consume.

Tip #1: Opt for Less Packaging

Packaging produces the bulk of both garbage and recycling material. When shopping, go for items that come with less packaging or opt for paper packaging over plastic (which is usually easier to open than a sealed plastic box, anyway). For example, it's often less expensive and you generate less waste if you select and bag your own tomatoes at the grocery store as opposed to buying the three heavily waxed specimens in the plastic clamshell. The less garbage you bring home, the less you have to sort.

Tip #2: Embrace Other Twice-Loved Items

Another way to cut down on packaging waste and also save money is to shop second hand. You have many options, from budget-friendly thrift stores and yard sales to high-end boutiques and consignment stores that only sell designer items. Stores selling used books, electronics, and video games are also abundant in most medium-size cities and larger. You can even go online and shop auction sites or online classifieds to find just what you need.

Tip #3: Check Out Your Curbside Options

Curbside recycling is much easier to keep up with than taking the recylcing to a separate depot to drop off. Look into companies like Industrial Services Inc for recycling options. Your simplest option is single stream recycling. With this method, your recycling provider gives you a list of all allowed items. You then simply dump these items into a single recycling bin – there is no need to sort, as this is done at the central facility. It takes just the same amount of time as tossing the items in the regular garbage.

Tip #4: Know Your Odd Item Recycling Options

Of course, there are also many odd items that may not be accepted by curbside recycling on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. This includes things like electronics, ink cartridges, and old, worn out clothing. Most communities have a simple drop-off for these items nearby, so knowing where they are can make it easier to utilize them. Simply keep a bin or box in the garage and collect the odd items until the box is full, and then drop it off at your convenience. You may also want to check with your curbside provider. They may have special pickup days just for these odd items, or at the very least they can point you to someone that accepts them.

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