How to get started recycling?

Question

I want to start recycling at home. I am totally clueless on where to start or what to even do. I do know that there is a recycling center not far from my home. Also my kids are small and I want to start recycling now so when they get older recycling is just part of their daily lives. Also I would like to read some websites if any one has any suggestions. Help?

Answer 1

Get 3 bins - paper, plastic, and glass/cans.

Check the recycling regulations in your municipality - this will outline what they do and do not take. Print out the guidelines and post them on your fridge or by your recycling bins.

Things to know:

1) Types of paper taken - note paper and newspaper are typical. Cardboard is also generally taken, but may need to be bundled. Some regions treat corrugated and non-corrugated cardboard differently. Double check if glossy paper is accepted.

2) Do containers (plastic, cans, jars) need to be rinsed? Do labels need to be removed?

3) Generally speaking, the lids of containers (when they are a different material than the container itself) must be removed. Plastic lids (like those on pop bottles) are usually not recyclable.

4) What types of plastic are taken? Plastic containers should be labelled with a number - check which are accepted and be sure to check the number before putting it in the bin! Recycling centres are taking more and more types nowadays - including the plastic containers of the sort that "iced coffee" comes in from a fast-food place.

5) Check whether styrofoam and/or organic/compost/wet waste is accepted in your area.

Your local guidelines will have a lot of details but don't be alarmed - soon it will be second nature!

Answer 2

1.Buy limited set of clothes like 4or5 suits  in a year only wash and wear them.

2. Buy limited kitchen items and use them atleast 4-5 years.

3. Buy  4-5 pair of shoes and use them for long.

4. Keep limited furniture and use it for long.

5. Buy 4-5 Bed sheets, towels and wash and reuse them unless they are worn out.

6. Keep different bins for Papers, Plastics, Glass, tin and kitchen organic wastes.

7. For more information find out at google.com

Answer 3

Research and don't produce too much waste.

Answer 4

Stop by your local recycle center and see what they accept and how they want it separated. Most centers want lids off of bottles and some want them rinsed.

I set up a second can in the kitchen for most of my glass, plastic and cans. I found that if I didn't make it easy my family wouldn't do it. I set up a second sorting area near my outside garbage can. I made it my sons job to take care of the recycling and he gets to keep the money.

The easiest things to recycle in my area are newspaper, cardboard, glass, plastic #1 and soda cans. The others we have to go out of our way to recycle, but we can recycle all plastics, bimetal cans and other paper.

When setting up your indoor collection areas, remember it can be attractive and fit your style. I've seen people use wicker baskets, canvas bags, colorful plastic bins or find places to put the bins out of site.

A couple other items to consider recycling. I donate all textiles to Goodwill, even stained and torn, what they can't use or repair they give to a company that can use them as rags. I also have a worm farm to composte my kitchen green waste.

Any other recycle questions can usually be answereed at www.earth911.org