Recycling

I am very passionate about recycling and each of us doing as much as we can to conserve resources. 

In the lobby at work, we have a blue bin with the famous recycling symbol on it and a plain, black bin. The blue one is, obviously, for recyclables, while the black one is for trash. Blue bins all over campus are used for recyclables, so one would think it would be easy to remember that when venturing to a new part of campus. Judging by how many times I've had to sort the two contents of the two bins, knowing what to put it which bin may not come easy. 

This has also been a problem in the staff kitchen at work, too, so I don't think that it's a generational issue. (And, come on, I'm not THAT much older than most of the student population. Ahem.)

So I've taken photos of some things that are recyclable that folks may not think about as being recyclable.

A lot of cleaning supply containers are recyclable once their contents are empty. Some will need rinsed out, depending on what was in the container. (Check local ordinances on the proper way of disposing possibly hazardous or caustic material, like bleach or ammonia, even if it's only a few drops. Better to be safe than sorry and also to keep the water supply as safe as possible.) This container is ready to go in the recycling bin after a quick rinse. (One of the many advantages of using earth-friendly cleansers.)

Now this is a bit of a trick. This paper cup is not recyclable, despite being made of paper. It's one from our waiting room, actually, and despite us going through a number of them each day, these must, unfortunately, go in the trash bin as there is no campus-wide composting effort yet.

 This is one of those things that most folks may not know about. This "blister packed" item, and many of its similarly-packaged kin, is partly recyclable. The plastic bit in the front (where the Chapstick was) is not recyclable but the paperboard backing is. Simply remove the plastic bit and throw it in the trash. Then put the paperboard backing in the recycling.

Ah, prescription bottles. They get replaced every month or three, if you're like me. Give them a quick rinse and toss them in the recycling bin. If you're conscientious about your personal info, definitely peel the label off first. (Or at least as much as you can.) And it might be a good idea to check local ordinances about putting trace amounts of prescription drug dust down the drain.

Speaking of prescriptions, mine come from behind the counter in a bag that looks like this every month. Yours may come in one of similar ilk, but it's recyclable.

Oh junk mail. I hate it. (And yes, this mail from Presidents Day has been hanging out in a clutter pile for a month and a half while I've been meaning to write this post.) It can all go in the recycling bin the minute it comes in the door. (And, aside from this example, it usually does in my house.)

Another paperboard item that most people would ignore as recyclable and throw in the trash bin. Oh, no no. It's 100% recyclable. To save room in your recycling bin (or bag, as is my case) flatten it first.

There, so much better!

If you get a hot beverage from drive-thru windows these days, chances are it comes with a wonderful heat protector sleeve. Well, that's recyclable.

And my favorite thing to share with you: paper roll leftovers (toilet tissue, paper towels, foil or parchment paper, etc.) are recyclable. They're made out of cardboard. Try to remove as much of the leftover paper as possible before throwing it in the bin. In my house, those rolls don't get thrown directly in the bin. They must get shredded first.

See? Bailey loves tearing them up. It's a great cheap toy and gives us a bonding experience. She doesn't eat any of the roll, and hasn't ever tried.

Speaking of drive-thru windows, cold drinks are partly recyclable. Most places these days have lids that are recyclable in most areas. Just look for either the three-arrow recycling symbol on the lid or another indicator. The one on this lid is a bit sneaky.

There's the indicator. PS-6. (As a photographer, I must remember that it doesn't always stand for PhotoShop 6. Lol)

Other common symbols to look for are seen in the next couple of photos. 

I hope that list above inspires you to start looking at the things around you in a different way before you toss them. (And maybe even before you buy them, but that may take time.)

So what else is recyclable? 

-Newspapers

-Magazines

-Canned food cans (once rinsed), including those that once held pet food

-Jars that once contained food, like pasta sauce jars or baby food jars

-Empty, rinsed soda cans

-Empty, rinsed soda and water bottles

-Pizza boxes

-Receipts

-Personal hygiene bottles, like shampoo or body wash bottles, once emptied and rinsed

-Cardboard boxes

I know this list is incomplete. If you think of something I'm missing, feel free to leave it in the comments. 

Until then, I am still busy packing away (less than three weeks til I'm living with my love!) and I have to run my recycling out. Here's what my recycling bag looks like: 

It's an adorable find from Ikea. Holds 10 gallons. I've emptied this twice as often as my trash container. Yeah buddy!