General Recycling Rules to Follow

Reduce, reuse, recycle image

There are some communities where recycling is the norm and it’s something almost everyone does. Then there are places where no one recycles. Ideally, if we want a less contaminated environment and we want to conserve resources, then it’s a good idea to get as many people on board with recycling as possible. What are some general recycling rules to follow?

Separation is Key

For starters, it’s a good idea to separate your recyclables. This makes it easier for cities to take what you give them and recycle it. For instance, you could have a bin for cardboard, a bin for plastics, a bin for compost, etc. Furthermore, find out what your hauler accepts and what they don’t– for instance, they might like taking your old magazines but they don’t want plastic bags because those bags “gum up the machines.” Or they might be fine with one type of Styrofoam but not another. Basically, do your best to recycle what’s recyclable.

Recycle With a Purpose

Next, be more mindful of what you plan to recycle. For instance, you can’t (and shouldn’t) try to throw batteries or light bulbs into your recycle bin. You’d be surprised at how often the recycle bin becomes a person’s general trash bin, and then it creates a headache at the plant where all that stuff has to be sorted!

Compression is Key

Also, when you recycle items, such as pop cans, rinse and dry them. Get food scraps off of items like paper plates and pizza boxes before you recycle them. And, when it comes to cardboard, do your best to break down boxes so they don’t take up as much space. Anytime you can compress your cardboard, do it!

Recycling Consultants

If you’re a business or organization who wants to do better at recycling, consider calling Action Compaction Equipment to see what could be added to your arsenal for recycling and waste management. Perhaps it’s time for a compactor? For more info, call Action Compaction Equipment of Salt Lake City, Utah, at 801-565-1033.