Make Recycling Easier and More Accurate
Eight families in Altoona embarked on a 12-week recycling competition to help boost the community’s commitment to recycling and educate peers about good recycling habits. Through the program, the families have learned tips to help them recycle more – and more accurately.
Tips to Recycle More
- Think beyond what’s found in your kitchen – many recyclables come from your bathroom.
- Add receptacles in your house where you have the most materials to recycle. Consider adding one in your home office, wherever mail is sorted, master bathroom, or laundry room.
- Get everyone in the family involved, especially kids. Teach them whether the items they regularly dispose of belong in the garbage or the recycling cart.
- Forget the old rules:
- It isn’t necessary to remove labels from soup cans or the cellophane windows on envelopes.
- Ignore the number inside the chasing arrows on plastics; if it has a twist-off lid, then it’s recyclable.
- Glossy paper, like magazines, is recyclable.
- You don’t have to be an instant expert. Master one material at a time. It’s better to recycle some things rather than nothing. Review this list of what belongs in and what should stay out of your recycling cart.
- Give food containers a quick rinse. Don’t spend too much time or water cleaning detergent bottles or hand soap containers.
- Berry containers (clam shells): Not recyclable
- Aerosol cans: Recyclable
- Waxy coated cartons (see photos): Recyclable
For more information on safe and smart disposal and recycling options, visit us at www.WhereItShouldGo.com or call 244.0021.