Blog: When In Doubt, Recycle

Our trash bin is rarely full but our recycle bin is busting at the seams nearly every week. I’m always asking my neighbor if I can put our overflow of recyclables in his bin. Most people don’t realize that lots of stuff that we toss in the garbage can be recycled.  They just throw things away because they either assume it cannot be recycled or they just don’t bother.

Glass jars, newspaper, magazines, cardboard, cans, some of this stuff is obvious but people still neglect to fill their recycle bins each week. Someone once told me that they don’t recycle because there is no room for a bin under their kitchen sink. Seriously?!! Make room. The laundry room, the bathroom, garage anywhere!  Recycling is probably the easiest thing that a person can do to live a greener existence.

Even that clear, hard plastic packaging used for toys and other goods can be recycled as can shipping boxes, department store bags, tissue paper and some types of wrapping paper. Milk cartons and those liquid cartons that contain juice, egg nog and broth can be recycled as well. Those containers have a high grade fiber so they work well in paper mills.

A few years ago my kids and I went on a tour of the Waste Management Landfill in Simi Valley. I know, not exactly a trip to Legoland but it was interesting and the boys actually had fun. We learned a lot. Our guide told us, when in doubt, recycle. She said if you’re not sure whether or not an item is recyclable throw it in the recycle bin because they sort through everything anyway. That surprised me. Certain items like tires, electronics, carpeting, appliances, paint, etc. are not always easy to recycle but it can be done, go online for information about drop off dates in our area. Just do what you can, every little bit helps.

“We can help educate our families and communities about the importance of recycling for our environment, and how each of us can make a difference for a better world by recycling” 

Kelly Bonanno blogs at Savvy Suburban.