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Recycling Right: What Materials Are Actually Accepted

Group of Children Gathering Recyclable ItemsAs a Smithfield renter, you may be considering what you can do to live more sustainably. For plenty of people, sustainable living kicks off with recycling plastic, cardboard, or other materials. But in truth, what the majority of people don’t comprehend is that not all of these materials can be recycled. Just because something is formed from plastic, glass, metal, or cardboard doesn’t always mean that it is recyclable. And leaving non-recyclable items in a recycling bin is a massive waste of time for you and the processing center, as well. Here are some practical suggestions to successfully help you recycle the right way.

Plastics

To perceive which plastic materials are recyclable and which aren’t, experts propose going by container shape. Usually, plastic bottles, jugs, jars, and tubs can be recycled. Just always remember to rinse out and dry each container in preparation for putting it in the recycling bin.

Having said that, the list of plastic items that cannot be recycled is quite long–and quite a few may take you by surprise. For example, plastic utensils, and straws are not recyclable, though plastic food containers and water bottles generally are. Other items that cannot be recycled consist of Styrofoam, plastic shower curtains, syringes, and medical waste.

Indeed, plastic shopping bags, shrink wrap, and other variations of plastic wrap should not be sent to your recycling center. These items clog up the machines and wind up in the landfill in the end. Preferably, they can easily be recycled separately at drop-off locations in grocery stores. Lastly, do not put recycling in bags – the bag will bring on a lot of problems at the processing center.

Glass

Recycling glass can be somewhat harder than plenty of people expect, solely because processing centers don’t accept many types of glass. In particular places, the centers don’t accept any glass at all. In others, only certain types of glass are accepted. Be certain to check the guidelines at your local processing center before ever adding glass items in the bin.

And remember, some sorts of glass are just not recyclable at all. These include windows and mirrors, eyeglasses, vases, oven-safe ceramic cookware or dishes, and fluorescent light tubes. In view of the fact that these objects have been treated with coatings or contain hazardous chemicals, they cannot be safely recycled and should be disposed of through alternative means.

Metal

The same as with glass, not all processing centers receive metal for recycling. So, if you have metal items you’d like to recycle, you’ll need to determine a place specializing in metal recycling. The majority of regular processing centers will not receive metals like car parts, propane cylinders, aerosol cans, clothes hangers, and so on.

In a similar way, old televisions, and electronics cannot merely be simply taken to your local recycling center. The electronic components of these items make them much more complex than various recycling centers can contend and deal with. Alternatively, try to check with a local electronics shop that will receive your old electronics. Various companies will receive old electronics, including cell phones and tablets, that are broken or no longer wanted.

Cardboard, Paper, and Wood

Various sets of cardboard, paper, and wood can be safely recycled, while others should be left in the trash bin instead. Newspapers, notebook paper, and magazines are all accepted, without hassle, by the majority of processing centers. The same do apply for flattened packing boxes, cereal boxes, and food delivery boxes. Untreated wood items are likewise normally okay, depending on what items your local recycling center can take.

Indeed, it’s relevant to note that certain cardboard, paper, and wood types are not recyclable. This comprises grease-soaked pizza boxes (a little bit of oil is okay), waxed paper cartons, and treated wood, as well as painted or stained furniture. Books and some forms of paper are additionally not recyclable, so it’s vital to separate your paper items carefully just prior to placing them in your bin.

 

As a renter, you can definitely do a lot to really help your community by recycling correctly. Though if your current neighborhood doesn’t assist you in fulfilling your preference for more sustainability, Real Property Management Cache Valley can certainly help! You can check out our listings online or call at 435-753-5200.

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