Question on recycling do's and don'ts?

Question

My boyfriend and I recycle because it's one active step we can do to help the environment. We recycle almost everything and I have to say we put forth quite a big effort but I'm kinda worried my good feelings are in vain. Is there a possibility that what I send out to be recycled doesn't actually get recycled?

What if I'm doing something wrong and don't know it?

Should I rinse everything out or am I wasting water?

What about all the plastic spatula's that I tend to break, are they recyclable?

And here's the biggie, The LIDS, do they go in or not?

What if I put something in the wrong catagory of recycling, does it get tossed out?

Should I sort papers by color or rip apart magazines?

anybody know my answers?

Answer 1

The answers to your questions will depend on your location. But if you put the right material in the right bin, it will for sure be recycled. Otherwise, they are tossed into regular garbage at the recycling plant (because they specialise into 1 type of recycling only and can't process something different; it is not cost efficient for them to transport the wastes again to other recycling plants).

About rinsing, it is not a rule of thumb. Just run a little bit of water in your cans, milk cartons and microwave dinner trays to get rid of the big food particles. It is mostly to avoid smells and insects. For other containers, just empty them. The heat in the recycling process will destroy all food remains anyways.

For lids and spatulas, you need to find out what type of plastic they are made of and if those types are recycled by your municipality. Plastic type 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 (as indicated in the triangle) are generally recyclable. Type 6 (including styrofoam) is not.

Papers are recycled all the same way regardless of colour. Glossy or waxed paper cannot be recycled.

Also, paper soiled with oil, plastic wrap and "crunchy" plastic wraps (such as those used to pack cookies and tea boxes) are not recyclable (yet). Deposit batteries and other used electronics where you purchased them.

Get advice from your local municipal office if you want to be sure you're doing the right thing.

Answer 2

Remember the three R's!! Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.  Reducing your consumption and re-using things (which is kind of what this freecycling website is all about) are more important than recycling in some ways.  Just rest assured that you are making a great effort with all your recycling and if everyone followed your example, the world would be a better place!  If you have anymore time to spend, maybe try to avoid getting bogged down by the nitty gritty of recycling and think about ways to reduce packaging or take some time to find out about a completely different area of environmental protection altogether.  There's so many other ways to help the environment: planting a wildlife area in your garden, volunteering for butterfly counts, growing your own vegetables, trying out alternative means of transport, fitting energy efficient lightbulbs .... and the list goes on!!

Answer 3

You are so concerned! How cool. You seem computer saavy, too. So let your fingers do the walking and do some reseach on your community's recycling program.

In Columbus, there are many sites and organizatons to check.

For example, some sites I'd check here would be Rumpke, our biggest recycler. SWACO, the solid waste authority of central ohio. MORPC, mid ohio regional planning commission. City of Columbus refuse collection, with major links to Recycle Columbus!

These types of sites can give you a lot of answers that pertain to your city (which is???)

Most of our stuff is single stream recycled, and sorted out with big machines. The recycler has clients that buy those recyclables, and may have certain requirements, like type 1 bottles with lids removed. Others will have the bottles sliced up, lids and all, and will use them for, say, insulation and aren't concerned about impurities.

What your community recycles depends on the buyers. If they can't use it, it will be pitched most likely.

So if you can REUSE a type 7 plastic jug in your garden, or a type 5 plate for a hobby, or a broken spatula handle as a splint, that may be your best bet.

Single stream systems will sort out what it can't use (with in reason!). So a little education about your communties' program will go a long way, here.



But something tells me your recycler isn't worried about YOU!

Happy recycling!

Answer 4

It depends on where you live.

Your garbage company that picks up the recyclables can tel you which plastics can be recycled. On the bottom of every plastic contained there is a # inside of a triangle, that # determines if it is recyclable or not.  If the contained can go in, then the matching plastic lids can because they are made of the same plastic.

Other plastics can be recycled, but maybe not in your recycle pick up bins.

In some areas the recyclable containers need to be rinsed of any food. I live in the same town as my grandmother and they make her neighborhood rinse, but in mine they don't, same town though.  

Check the website for your local garbage company to find out the details.

Keep up the good work!

Also, you can re use those plastic containers, don't support places that use styrofoam either. I live in san francisco and it is already banned here, support your local government to ban styrofoam.

Answer 5

Great that you are so diligent in your recycling efforts. Great that you care enough to find out how to optimize your efforts.  How wonderful it would be if everyone cared as much as you do.

I think many of the answers to your questions vary by local jurisdiction, so the best way to get definitive answers is by asking your local government/recycler.  

In general, I understand that a quick rinse, using little water, is enough.  Perhaps you can use the same water for several containers.

I believe most places prefer that we remove the lids to containers.

Paper recycling programs vary.

Most places probably wouldn't be able to recycle broken spatulas.