Recycling is a way of converting and utilizing the resources which we have used in some other form or reusing them after cleaning. Recycling is a great way of conserving raw materials which would otherwise be used in manufacturing new products. Also, recycling helps in reducing waste disposal; which in turn helps reduce environmental pollution. Here are some simple guidelines to help you recycle better.
What you can recycle
Many items that you use in your daily life can be recycled and more items get added to this list over time. The process of recycling mostly depends on your local area’s facilities and policies. However here is a list of items that are generally recyclable.
- Paper – This includes newspapers, office generated waste paper, magazines, old greeting cards, contact notebooks
- Glass water bottles minus the lids
- Steel food containers, paint cans, coffee cans, jar lids, bottle caps, aerosol cans minus lids
- Milk cartons, cereal boxes, and other cartons
- Plastic items having recyclable symbol without lids
- Aluminum can; foil wrap and foil trays are also collected in some areas.
What cannot be recycled
Owing to health hazards and other reasons, some items cannot be recycled. Sometimes the list changes with time. As a general rule, you mustn’t throw these items listed below into recycling bins, as they can lead to problems.
- Plastic items without having recyclable symbol might not be fit for recycling
- Foil snack bags
- Crockery, ceramics, oven glassware
- Light bulbs (some areas may collect fluorescent bulbs to prevent mercury contamination)
- Mirrors, drinking glasses, window glass and broken glass
- Pizza boxes and other take away containers stained with food
- Foil wrap, stickers, gift wrapping paper, carbon paper, decorative ribbon, laminated paper.
Some items such as batteries, clothing, tin foil, Tetra-packs, oil, etc. may be recycled in your area if it has appropriate processing units. And, some things have unfortunately been added to the recycling list such as medical waste, sanitary ware, diapers and dead animals.
In most cases you can cut down the amount of wastage created by considering what to throw away. You can reduce and reuse many items at home, work, office or school by following these simple guidelines.
Consider what you buy and how you use
Whenever you head to the supermarket, try to make some slight changes to your shopping list, so that you can reduce the wastage to a great extent in your home.
Purchase only what is necessary
You can reduce generating waste by avoiding all the unnecessary purchases. Be a thoughtful buyer. Consider borrowing things that you rarely use from others or sharing them.
Purchase reusable products
Instead of buying products packed in cans, opt for glass bottled ones. Use rechargeable batteries instead of use and throw type. This way you get to reuse the products and reduce waste.
Opt for eco-friendly household cleaners
Avoid buying different cleaners for each purpose. Choose an all-purpose cleaner and more over a non-toxic, household product. You can easily use some natural household products such as vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice and others as powerful cleaners.
Buy products that come in minimum package
This ensures that less packaging waste goes into your garbage bin. Buy products that you use regularly in bulk to reduce waste and also to save your money.
Reduce toxic waste
Most products containing dangerous chemicals are not recyclable as they can cause serious problems. You can however handle such hazardous products in the right manner in order to reduce waste.
Avoid purchasing non-toxic products
Look for safer alternatives and avoid products with harmful chemicals whenever possible.
Use toxic products completely
Products such as cleaners or furniture polish must be used completely before discarding them. This ensures that there is no toxic waste left to contaminate the environment.
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