The Do's, Don'ts and Oh No's to Recycling

Recycling is one of the easiest ways you can help preserve and protect our planet’s natural resources for future generations.

{beSmartbeGreen}

Intro to Recycling:

Always recyclable: aluminum and steel cans, newspapers, magazines, catalogs, junk mail, plastic beverage bottles {not the tops}, milk jugs, glass bottles and jars, clean and dry cardboard boxes {wet cardboard can clog sorting machines}.

Speaking of cans : you don't have to worry about crushing them. Aluminum is the most recycled item in the US, and can be recycled over and over again. Each recycled can is regenerated and back on the shelf in 60 days. Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours.

On bottle tops: don't recycle them. They are not made of the same plastic as recyclable bottles {but don't worry if you forget, they will get sorted at the recycling center}.

Leave in the trash : Styrofoam and plastic bags {which you aren't using anyway...right?! ;) }, light bulbs, food-soiled paper, wax paper and ceramics.

Household hazardous wastes: Never throw away paint cans, motor oil, car batteries, pesticides, or pool chemicals. Check your community resources and guidelines on how to dispose of these items separately and safely.