Recycling Basics

When the average person is asked how they are eco-friendly in their own life, in most cases there first answer would be that they recycle. In most cities recycling is mandatory and residents that do not recycle can be fined. Just because residents are forced to recycle or recycle by their own choice does not mean they are recycling properly. Like many others I follow the recycling basics all paper and plastic goes in the recycling bin, but like many other households on trash day there is no telling what’s in the recycling bin. Pizza boxes, egg cartons, tissues, and even the occasional bag of food make their way into my households recycling bin. Just because a household recycles does not mean they recycle properly, if recycling is not done properly then recycling can do more harm than good. If one piece of paper that has food oils on it gets into a batch of paper that is being processed and turned into recycled paper products it could ruin the whole batch and send it to the dump.  Sometimes it can be hard to remember what can and can’t be recycled but here is the basic 411 about recycling.

Recycling Yes and No’s:

Yes:  Soda cans, paint cans, glass jars and glass, battles can all be recycled. What many do not know is that aerosol cans also be recycled.  

No: Aluminum foil, paperclips, light bulbs, window glass.

Yes: All basic paper like newspaper, printing paper, magazines, and cardboard.

No: any type of paper product that you use to wipe your hands or face with, anything that has a wax coating and anything that has food liquids or oils on it.

Plastics can be a little more complex. Depending on your city some plastics can or can’t be recycled, so make shore to check you city guide line. Per Philadelphia guidelines.

Yes: All plastic #1-#7, #6 as long as it is not Styrofoam.  

No: Styrofoam, plastic bags, PVC pipe, and packing peanuts.

Always remember:

1. No container plastic, paper, or cardboard can be recycled if it as food liquids or oils on it.

2. The one major exception to all of these rules is Pizza boxes. The bottom of a pizza box cannot be recycled but if the top does not have oils from the pizza then is can be ripped off and recycled.

3. Check you city’s recycling guidelines there are always new products that are being added to the recycling list. 

Helping the environment not only helps the animals that live in it but it helps the humans that live in it too. Remember to always be eco-friendly in everything that you do and for more information visit our social media sites. 

Gabby