How to Start Recycling at Home?

07.03.2022

It’s your choice; we need to help the environment today so that future generations can enjoy it tomorrow.

You can think big: donate money to environmental charities or international organizations helping the world become a better place. But equally you can start small, and one of the easiest ways of doing that is recycling. Recycling these days is easier than ever. If you want to start, this article has some ideas and tips for you.

Know your materials: You need to know what can be recycled and what can’t. Almost every material in common consumer products can be recycled. Here’s the list and our tips for each one:

1. Paper: Paper products and cardboard make up the largest percentage of all waste materials around the world, but you can keep them out of the trash. Keep a carboard box intact and put all your newspaper, magazines and other paper products in it.
2. Plastic: Plastic is killing the soil, oceans and many other ecosystems. It can take from 5 to 600 years to be decomposed. But luckily, nearly all plastic products can be recycled. It’s a bit tricky, because there are 7 different types of plastic used in products. Make sure to check the type and separate them out.
3. Glass: Glass can be recycled infinitely. Many of us use jars or containers in different applications until they get broken. Make sure to rinse and clean them all before recycling, because food residue is a nightmare for recycling centers to get off.
4. Metals: You can recycle food cans, soda cans, even aluminum foil. Again, make sure to clean off any food residue before you put them in the recycling bin.
5. Electronics: Electronics are a combination of plastic, metals, glass and other different materials. Plus, they usually have toxic materials which don’t belong in landfill. Check local dealers and big electronic firms to see whether or not they accept e-waste. The good part is that these companies offer you refunds for used cellphones or even broken ones. It’s win-win situation.
6. Batteries: AA, AAA, D-cell, rechargeable and car batteries can be recycled. They all have toxic materials inside and therefore cannot be thrown away. Keep them in a container, and when it becomes full drop them off at your local recycling center.

Consider composting: If you have a garden, composting is an excellent way to recycle garden and kitchen waste such as plant trimmings and leftover food.

Donate: Donating is another form of recycling. You can donate your old clothes, furniture and electronic devices to local charities. Remember Macklemore’s lyrics “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

Turn it into cash: Check your local dealers and shops where you can turn your recyclable materials into cash. You can take them monthly and earn a bit of extra cash in the process.

Hopefully you’ve learned some tricks to start recycling. Let us know how it goes for you. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and tag your friends who you want to start recycling.