11 Ideas for Easier Recycling at Home

The world needs to comes together to accept and support environmental programs and strategies. Any day is a good time to start or continue green-friendly practices at home, in the workplace, and in your life. There are many things one can do to ‘go and stay green’ but one of the simplest techniques is recycling.

Recycling is the method of turning waste into new reusable items. Items such as plastic, aluminum, paper, steel just to mention a few are capable of being recycled into new items in energy-efficient and cost-effective ways. By recycling, we conserve resources and energy. The environmental protection agency says that recycling one ton of paper can save 17 trees and 7,000 gallons of water.

Above conserving raw materials, creating new materials, plastic or paper in recycled products use considerably less energy in comparison to items made of virgin materials. For instance, recycled glass uses 21% less energy while recycled plastic needs 76% less energy to produce. The energy conserved from recycling one glass bottle can power a light bulb for four hours! In addition, recycling reduces the demand for landfills and incinerators and therefore reduces ground and air pollution and land usage.

Recycling is an easy and result-oriented process, an activity the whole family can do together. You can start recycling by contacting your local waste management department, inquiring what materials you can recycle, how to sort and package items for recycling, and what day recycling is collected. Also, find out if there are any local areas where you can dispose of materials such as batteries and light bulbs and other hazardous waste. Such items are unsuitable for your trash.

Materials to recycle

You will find that different localities have different regulations about the sorting, cleaning, and packaging of recyclables. Most areas, however, accept similar waste. Generally, aluminum, metal food cans, glass, plastics, and paper are good materials for recycling.

Plastics

When it comes to plastics, recycling can be a bit confusing as some types wear easily in comparison to others. Checking the bottom of your plastic for an engraved number will help you determine whether it is recyclable and whether it is available for garbage collection. By use of these engraved numbers, you know what to recycle and get information that helps you buy easily recyclable plastics later on.

Sorting plastics

As stated above, plastics can be confusing to sort and recycle. However, many household products can come from your efforts thus you should ensure you properly dispose of your waste. One easy way to go green is to create an effective recycling program at home or in the workplace that is custom tailored for you (and your family or colleagues). There exists numerous ways to sort and collect recyclable materials.

Below of some of our favorite ways to recycle:

1. Pull out trash bin

Convenience is key when establishing an effective recycling program. Ensure therefore that your bins have easy accessibility in the kitchen or utility rooms with this pullout bin tutorial.

2. Rolling bins

When you are looking for a simple recycling system that even kids can understand easily, consider baskets with casters. These are easy to access and can be hidden in the room when there is no use for it.

3. Vertical bins

These types of bins help in utilizing tight spaces. The tutorial shows you how to install bins on walls that make sorting and storing simple and effective.

4. Chic trash cans

Recycling bins can be fun and stylish with the following trashcan paint project. Cute bins might inspire you to recycle more often and view it as a fun activity for your family or office members who are hesitant to recycle.

5. Printable labels

If you do not have time or interest in painting trashcans, then printable labels are the next best thing. Printable labels are suitable for generic bins to keep track of where different recyclable materials go.

6. Small recycling

Batteries are unsuitable for your trash or recycling bins. They require proper disposal at waste collection centers or local businesses like Auto Parts. Collect all your batteries and light bulbs until you can drop them off for recycling.

7. Wooden recycling sorter

By using the following easy building instructions, you can construct an impressive sorting center for your home with the aid of tools found at your local hardware store. This is a good recycling strategy for large families or recycling enthusiasts. This wooden recycling station is easy to use.

8. Garbage spot

If you lack an accessible place to store trash or recycling at home, consider creating a garbage spot outside with this tutorial. In no time, your family will learn where to recycle and use the garbage spot on a regular basis.