Ok, I am a recycling virgin, what do I need to know?

Question

I'm trying to get my family together to start recycling, but i don't know the "rules", We have Waste Management (don't know if they all have different regulations or what?)

Do we need to seperate plastics and glass, etc?

Do they need to be rinsed out?

Can anything with the recycle triangle be recycled?

I had other questions, but cannot remember them now (gofigure!) Any other advice or guidelines to follow will help. Thanks!

Answer 1

where can i buy recycled items?

Answer 2

Yes you can recycle glass, aluminum, plastic, the containers you can recycle should have the information listed in the back on the label.  Some containers are not accepted in certain states you should check the label to see if the state you are in is listed.  You get .05 cents per item that qualifies.

Answer 3

First of all, you need to understand that different cities have different rules, so whatever answer you choose from Yahoo Answers, you also need to check with your local waste management service to confirm the types of things that can actually be recycled.

1. Buy a worm farm or compost tumbler. Into this you can put most organic waste, that would otherwise break down into methane (a potent greenhouse gas)

2. Rinse everything, plastics, aluminium, glass. but not paper obviously.

3. Put into containers for collection.

4. You should start paying attention to the numbers on the bottoms of your plastic containers, they are surrounded by a triangle and tell you the type of plastic that container is made out of. Not all plastics are currently recycled.

Answer 4

A simple way to avoid having to recycle more in your house will be to bring your own book bag or caring bag when you go for groceries. At the supermarket we are given plastic or paper bags and we usually do not think of the negative impact or consequences they have on the environment. To manufacture plastic and paper bags it creates plenty environmental waste and even more when you trash them and get new ones the next time you go shopping again.

It's a vicious cycle we can brake by simply taking a bag with us. So please get in the habit of taking your own bag when you go shopping.

Thanks.

Answer 5

rinse out containers, crush cans, sort out paper and cardboard, and ( this is silly) you can't recycle used aluminum foil.

Answer 6

Recycling services can vary greatly, so check out Waste Management's and/or your city's website for the recycling services that are provided to you.  Sometimes utility bills will come with inserts that explain the "rules."

You probably do not need to separate most materials, but that will be explained once you find your city-specific "rules."

You should rinse the containers out to remove any food product.

Regarding your triangle question....  Pretty much anything can be recycled, but the question is how cost-effective is it?  Some cities only provide recycling for certain numbers, so check the "rules."

If you are really intent on recycling an item that WM and your city will not take, then remember that there are always places that you can bring materials; it will just require more effort on your part.  Also, this will allow you to collect the money, rather than WM and your city.

In addition to recycling, be aware of hazardous materials that you may be throwing away, such as electronic equipment (phones, computer equipment, radios, TVs, etc.), batteries, fluorescent lights, etc.  Be sure to find your local hazardous materials drop-off location.  On occasion, community organizations will schedule free drop-offs that you can bring your items to.

Keep up the effort!  It all becomes really easy once you establish the new behavior.

Answer 7

Here's something a little ironic that we all need to be aware of:

In our national news not so long ago was a report that a lot of energy efficient light bulbs are nearing the end of their lifespan.  They have to be disposed of extremely carefully and should not be placed in your normal rubbish bin.  If you have a waste management centre that will take them... great!  If not, they must be collected by your local council waste disposal department.

If you happen to break one, then it must be carefully brushed up (not vacuumed) and sealed quickly, as it contains mercury (same as flourescent lights).  Make sure you're wearing gloves and the room is well ventilated.  No children or pets present during this delicate operation.  The same disposal rules apply.

Hope this helps a few people.

Answer 8

I would contact Waste Management. They should be able to let you know what the rules are for your area. Also the Town that you live in, such as the DPW , may have that information also. In Chelmsford , we receive a printout yearly that lets us know what can and can't be recycled with any new changes that may have taken place.

Answer 9

Items that can be recycled vary greatly from place to place. Maybe go on your towns website and look around to see what you can find.