As a Locust Grove renter, you may be thinking about ways to help you live more sustainably. For a lot of people, sustainable living begins with recycling plastic, cardboard, or other items. But what many don’t realize is that not all of these items can be recycled. Just because a certain thing is made of plastic, glass, metal, or cardboard does not imply that it is recyclable. And putting non-recyclable items into a recycling bin is kind of a gigantic waste of time for you as well as the processing center. Here are some tips that may help you recycle the right way.
Plastics
To know which plastic materials are recyclable and which aren’t, experts suggest going by container shape. In general, plastic bottles, jugs, jars, and tubs can be recycled. Just be keen to rinse out and dry each container before placing it in the recycling bin.
But I’ll tell you that the list of plastic items that cannot be recycled is kind of long, so it may come as a surprise to you. To cite some examples, plastic utensils and straws are not recyclable. However, plastic food containers and water bottles typically are. Other materials that cannot be recycled include Styrofoam, plastic shower curtains, syringes, and medical waste.
Moreover, plastic shopping bags, shrink wrap, and other styles of plastic wrap should not be placed in your recycling center. The reason for this is that these things clog up the machines, and they would eventually end up in the landfill. So instead, these items are commonly recycled separately at drop-off locations in grocery stores. Finally, do not place recycling in bags – the bag will cause challenges at the processing center.
Glass
Recycling glass may be a bit more complicated than many think. This is because processing centers don’t allow certain types of glass. In specific areas, the centers don’t allow any glass at all. While others will only allow a certain kind of glass. Just be sure to check the rules at your local processing center prior to placing glass items in the bin.
However, there are some types of glass that are just not recyclable at all. A couple of examples would be windows and mirrors, eyeglasses, vases, oven-safe ceramic cookware or dishes, and fluorescent light tubes. Due to the fact that these items have been treated with coatings or contain hazardous chemicals, they can in no way be safely recycled and should be disposed of through other mechanisms.
Metal
The same as glass, not all processing centers allow metal for recycling. Generally speaking, if you own metal items and would want to recycle them, you’ll need to search for a place specializing in metal recycling. A lot of regular processing centers will not take in metals like car parts, propane cylinders, aerosol cans, clothes hangers, and so on.
In the same way, old televisions and electronics could not be easily sent to your local recycling center. The electronic components of these materials can become a bit more complex than most recycling centers can handle. Instead, try to look for a certain local electronics shop that will allow your old electronics. A few companies will allow old electronics, including cell phones and tablets, that are broken or not anymore wanted.
Cardboard, Paper, and Wood
Particular kinds of cardboard, paper, and wood can be safely recycled, while others are to be placed in the trash bin instead. Most processing centers welcome newspapers, notebook paper, and magazines. It’s the same for flattened packing boxes, cereal boxes, and food delivery boxes. Untreated wood items are also typically all right, but it depends on what items your local recycling center is willing to take.
Still, it’s essential to understand that certain cardboard, paper, and wood types are not recyclable. This includes grease-soaked pizza boxes (some oil is okay), waxed paper cartons, and treated wood, including painted or stained furniture. Books and some types of paper are also not recyclable, so you’d need to separate your paper items carefully prior to placing them in the trash bin.
By recycling the right way, you can do a lot to help your community as a renter. However, if there is no way that your neighborhood will support your desire for more sustainability, Real Property Management Anchor can help! You can check out our listings online or call at 770-506-1237.
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