What Is and What Isn't Recyclable?

By Laurie Cromie

The inspiration of this article comes from a memory I recently had when a coworker decided to implement a recycling bin in the break room at work. What a great idea it was! Except, surprisingly no one knew how to properly use it.

Much to my co-worker's frustration, he was always pulling out used tissues, styrofoam food containers, and the like. Eventually, everyone gave up on the idea of recycling and that box became a storage container to hold coats.

I believe that if more people actually knew what IS and ISN'T meant for the recycling bin, more people would use it.

Now, most cities have established recycling programs where your recycling bin will be picked up outside your home. Unfortunately, many people still don't know what is acceptable in the bins and the wrong kind of waste continues to be placed inside the recycling bins.

Teach your children while they are young. Get them into the habit now and before long, it will be second nature for them to be able to sort through the recyclables from the other types of waste.

Another important tip is to make sure your recyclables are rinsed and dried before putting them into the recycling bin. Shredded paper may be put into a clear plastic bag.

Below is a brief, compiled list of what is recyclable.

-Glass from food and beverage containers
-Magazines and telephone books (be sure to remove plastic covering)
-Metal cans such as cans from food
-Paper including computer paper, junk mail, and brown paper grocery bags
-All plastic jugs and bottles

For a really great list that you can print out (PDF format), we love this list that we found at tucsonrecycles.org It would be perfect laminated and placed directly on the container inside your home where you sort your recyclables!