Recycling isn't so easy

Did you know that recycling isn’t easy? You can only recycle certain items.
Plastics, bottles and cans can’t have labels on them. All items must be cleaned before recycling.

Not all plastics are equal. There are different types of plastic and some can’t be recycled.
You can sort them by type; bottles, jugs, jars and so-on. You must wash and dry them
before putting them out. Also make sure the caps are back on the bottles.

Batteries

Always recycle batteries because the chemicals inside are bad for the environment.
You can recycle them at Home Depot, Lowe’s and many other places.
Car batteries should be returned to the auto store. There is a core charge and you might get some money.

Oils

Motor oils can be returned to the auto part store for proper recycling.

Tires

You should return them to a tire store. These are very dangerous to leave outside.
Rodents and insects will live in them.

Paints

Paint is considered a hazardous material and must be disposed of properly.
You’ll have to contact local recycling facilities to learn what to do.

Metals

Most metals can be recycled. Remove labels, clean and dry cans.
Aerosol cans can be recycled once they’re empty. Remove any plastic cap.

Paper

Cardboard and paper are recyclable. Pizza boxes can be recycled but not the leftover pizza inside. Flatten all boxes.
If paper is wet or dirty you should compost it.

Glass

I believe all glass can be recycled. When we lived in Pelham NH many years ago we had to
separate the glass by color. You need to check with your local recycle facilities.

Plastic Identification

What does it mean when you see a triangle with a number inside it on the plastic bottles?
Below is a list from the EPA.

Plastic Market Info from EPA

Plastic Bags

Return them to the store they came from.

Plastic wraps & Plastic Bags

Plastic wrap, bubble wrap, sandwich bags and freezer bags should NOT go in the recycle bin.

Potato & Corn Chip Bags

You can’t recycle chip bags because they are made from more than just plastic.

Cups that have a coating

You can’t recycle cups that are coasted with wax or plastic.
Covers for the cups all should be put in the regular trash.

Plastic To-Go Containers

Polystyrene foam containers and cups are made of non-recyclable materials, and are NOT acceptable in the curbside recycling program.

Packing Peanuts

Peanuts aren’t recyclable either, however some shipping stores will take peanuts back for reuse.

Summary

We should all do what we can to improve the environment. This will help our kids to have a better future.
But it isn’t easy because we make so much trash everyday. I believe the easiest way to start recycling is to
start with the easy thing you can do. That will help train your brain to think about the process.
As time goes on you’ll get better at what and how to recycle.

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