Recycling is an easy thing to do, but it is also easy to mess up. We have categorized recyclable goods into three groups to help you recycle the right way!
-png-2.png)
The ‘Always Recycle’ Group
This category represents a diverse range of products that you should always recycle, regardless of municipality. These are universally accepted products in virtually all local city and town governments with few stipulations or caveats. Paper products, such as cardboard, construction paper, newspaper (which are often made out of recycled paper pulp), and office paper are always accepted. Glass products, specifically glass bottles and jars, are also always accepted, however, we do recommend reusing glass bottles and jars as much as possible. Beer bottles can be discarded in the recycling bin as well. Aluminum cans and other common scrap metals like copper should also always be recycled - aluminum and copper are among the most recycled metals. Your average plastic water bottle can also be recycled everywhere.
The ’Often Ignored’ Group
This category represents products that are often thrown in the trash, even though they can be recycled. This includes everyday products like aerosol cans. As long as it is emptied, aerosol cans can be recycled – but check with your municipality if they can be recycled curbside or through a different recycling program. Other ignored products include batteries, which should also be recycled as they often contain valuable metals. However, it is imperative that you do your research. We recommend using this website to ensure you recycle your batteries properly. Plastic in general is also a commonly under-recycled material, with only 5% of it being recycled in America alone.
The ‘Double Check’ Group
This group represents materials that may not be accepted, so it is best to double-check before tossing them into the bin. It is always important to check what kind of plastic you’re recycling as some types are not accepted in some municipalities. Items like CDs or DVDs are not typically accepted. Electronic accessories like hard drives are also not accepted. Plastic wraps and bags are not recyclable as they are too fragile. Not all plastics are created equal, so we recommend reading through this website to review all common plastic materials. It is also important to double-check that any metal or plastic items are clean and free of any food or liquid. Razor blades and other sharp metallic objects like needles or knives should also never be recycled due to safety risks. That is not to say you can’t recycle them, but many municipalities do not accept those products in curbside recycling.
