Great Recycling Tips You Probably never thought about

You Can Recycle More Than You Think

You may have the basics of curb side recycling down. You put bottles, cans, cardboard, and paper in your bin; you avoid wish cycling (adding in things you’re not sure can be recycled but you wish they can); and you generally know what to throw. But there is more you can do! Recycle even more by adding another room to your recycling routine or using drop-off locations and charities for items that can’t be recycled at home.

Recycle This, Don’t Recycle That!

Don’t be afraid to ask for help on what you can recycle. There are resources available that will help you find the best way to dispose of almost any item. Or start adding more items to your recyclable list like glossy paper, toiletry boxes, laundry detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, and cartons.
Know what to throw by remembering these recycling tips:
Recycle food and drink cartons. Don’t recycle food and drink pouches.
Recycle paper. Don’t recycle paper soiled with food e.g. napkins. Compost it!
Recycle plastic and cardboard egg cartons. Don’t recycle Styrofoam egg cartons.
Recycle food and beverage bottles and jars. Don’t recycle drinking glasses.

The Winning Recycling Combination

Get the most out of your recycling program and make sure to keep wish cycling items out of your bin. By ensuring that everything in your recycling bin/bag is recyclable and safe for facilities, you avoid the problems created by wish cycling like wasting time, money and creating more waste. Don’t forget that “not accepted in curb side bins” doesn’t mean “not recyclable.” Use drop-off locations for items that can’t be recycled curb side to bring your habits to the next level.

Recycle There, Not Here

Some items that cause problems for facilities are still recyclable via drop-off options and local recycling facilities. Keep those items out of the bin and use recycling options instead. It’s worth the trip!
Did you know you can recycle these?
Plastic Bags – Don’t put them in the recycling bin. They cause problems for recycling facilities. Use plastic bag recycling collection boxes, often found at supermarkets.
Clothing and Textiles – Clothes can be donated to charity shops or taken to your local recycling centre.
Organics and Food Waste – You  can put those items to work by composting, using a worm bin or even just putting out non protein waste for the wildlife.
Mattresses – They are big and bulky, but ninety percent of a mattress is recyclable! Take it to your local recycling centre or contact the council for it to be collected.
Batteries – They may be small, but they can be a big problem for recycling machines. Local waste recycling and lots of retail outlets accept many types of batteries.
Scrap Metal – It has value if taken to a scrap yard or your local waste recycling.
Paint – Can usually be recycled at your local waste recycling
Motor Oil and Oil Filters – Oil can be made into new oil products so take it to you local waster recyxling centre.

Recycle Here, There and Everywhere

Maximize your recycling efforts by recycling at home, at work, out and about, and by taking items to drop-off locations. Make recycling easy with signs when possible. Look for recycling options and ask for them if you don’t see them!