Every product recycled makes a significant difference in keeping the planet green. There are a few rules when it comes to recycling. Products may state they are recyclable on their label, but are they? Below are a few guidelines on what can and cannot be recycled, as well as how to prepare the product for recycling.
Glass: Most glass is recycled via curbside pickup or bottle banks. No matter the method, the glass is sorted by color. Bottles and jars are recyclable as well as green and amber colored glass. Dishes, light bulbs, and crystal cannot be as well as the Pyrex brand of glass. Make sure to thoroughly rinse the glass container and remove any lids.
Paper: Most paper is recyclable. The common household paper such as newspaper, magazines, phone books, boxes, copy paper, and egg cartons are all recyclable. Waxed paper, glued paper, and foil or plastic coated paper is not recyclable. Keep paper goods dry and clean for recycling.
Aluminum: Any aluminum is recyclable. Common household aluminum items are pie tins, soda cans, foil wrap, and cans. To recycle appropriately, rinse the items thoroughly and make sure to crush them.
Steel: Any steel or tin containers are recyclable. As with aluminum, be sure to rinse them and crush for recycling.
Plastics: All plastics are recyclable and to prepare for recycling the plastic container just needs rinsed thoroughly.
Miscellaneous: Tires, automotive batteries, and motor oil.
Make sure to understand the rules of your curbside recycling program. Each program has its own set of recycling guidelines, which need to be followed. If an item has a recycling symbol on it, necessarily does not mean it can be recycled within a certain program. For example, some plastics are corn-based and are recycled in an entirely different method than regular plastics.