From the time I lived in Germany I was amazed by the power of recycling. The likelihood that at least 60-80% of what we consider trash can be reused surprises me.
What is recycling?
For a lot of us is basically putting plastic, papers, cardboard and cans in a different container than the organic trash. Then, some quick "magic" happens and we hope the plastic is actually reused. Well, there is a long way from the moment you put your recyclables in to the bin to the point they are reused.
Basics
Normally the recycling components can be divided in 7 categories:
This image from the New York State Department of Enviromental Conservation gives a very simple explanation of examples for each category:
What do you notice on this list? I'll give you a minute...
...Something is missing! Where are the numbers for cardboard, batteries, metals?
Well, I hope you don´t run away after this but... The recycling numbers can go up to 98! (More information here):
Box with a #21 PAP sign
What do you need?
No, you don´t need 98 recycling bins. You could definitely have a simple setup like this:
Setup to start your recycling dreams
I would advise you to check if:
1.- Your apartment complex or curbside pick up does recycling
2.- If 1 is a NOPE then check if there is a recycling drop-off station in your area
3.- WHAT can they recycle? Specifically ask for:
1.- Your apartment complex or curbside pick up does recycling
2.- If 1 is a NOPE then check if there is a recycling drop-off station in your area
3.- WHAT can they recycle? Specifically ask for:
- #2 (Plastic bags. Please please please, put them aside. Ideally just return them to the supermarket)
- #3 PVC (plastic pipes. By the way, if you come across one of these things while is getting burn, I would go away as far as I can be - highly toxic -)
- #4 LDPE (The plastic bags from the bread. They are normally returnable to the supermarket where you bought them)
- #6 PS (Normally not recyclable on your regular curbside recycling pickup. But there ask, right? There are two forms: styrofoam and solid plastic. Styrofoam = container from those chinese take-outs you like so much; Solid Plastic = McDonald's lids (Bottom right corner you can see a PS-6))
- Glass (Some of the beer bottles are returnable, which means 10 cents back to you! Also some good wine bottles are non-returnables, so you might have to use a different service. Do not put pyrex! -Is not recyclable-
- Plastic caps (yes, you have to separate the caps and the the little plastic tamper evident rings from the bottle. Why? It might not be the same plastic as the bottle and there is a slight chance that the plastic used on the lid cannot be recycled. Some places like SCRAP Ann Arbor accept plastic caps)
- Cooking oil (Do you drain those grease pans into the sink? Please don't! Use a bottle and fill it with the oil from your pans... it might be a slow process, but you will do yourself and the environment a favor. But if you don't trust me, maybe this might change your mind (There is a really good article on the topic from a Turkish company that it´s word your time: Click here to be wiser!)
- Tetrapak containers (Tetrapak could be juice boxes and milk cartons, for example. As you might have noticed, these containers are not made with just one material, it´s a combination of layers, which makes the recycling process a challenge)
- Batteries (Make sure you ask for alkaline batteries, those are the ones that your remote uses. Lithium-ion are the one you can find on cellphones. Don't just assume it can be recycled... you can cause a fire)
Tips and important comments
- Before even recycling, ask yourself: "Can I REUSE this container for other purpose?". I REUSED glass bottles to make my own juices or as water bottles. I also reused jam jars.
REUSE is better than Recycling. Always.
- Do NOT put your recyclables in a trash bag. The bag itself defeats the purpose of recycling. Trust me, it's better if you toss everything into the container without a bag
- Greasy pizza boxes are not recyclables. I'm sorry to disappoint you. You could cut the sections of the box without grease and put them in the recycling bin, the rest to the trash
REUSE is better than Recycling. Always.
- Do NOT put your recyclables in a trash bag. The bag itself defeats the purpose of recycling. Trust me, it's better if you toss everything into the container without a bag
- Greasy pizza boxes are not recyclables. I'm sorry to disappoint you. You could cut the sections of the box without grease and put them in the recycling bin, the rest to the trash
- As I said before: as a general rule remove the plastic caps from the plastic bottles -and the ring-, also the sticker or any decal in the bottle. You should ask the place that does recycling if they care about these things, some places are more open that others. Nonetheless, in my opinion, I want to provide the plastic as "clean" as possible
- The bags that holds your cheese, ham, cheese sticks, candies, etc.. most likely is not going to or it cannot be recycled. My recommendation here is reducing consumption of things with one time use plastic packaging (VERY DIFFICULT!, but not impossible :) )
- Start thinking on ways of reducing your own trash production. The less you generate, the less you have to deal with.
- Don´t waste 600 gallons of water on cleaning food residue from your recyclables. Make sure is as clean as it can be with a good rinse. Remember that saving water is also important!
