How to Manage Garbage and Recyclables

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Most homes weren't designed with an eye toward managing the growing issue of garbage and recyclable materials. And without a system, trash, bottles, cans and papers quickly take over even the most organized kitchen. Set up a system for keeping tabs on daily discards and enjoy the sweet smell of success.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1

Log on to your city's Web site and find out exactly what is recyclable or able to be composted. Some take cans and glass but not plastic; others take certain kinds of plastic and glass. Also find out if you have to separate glass and plastic or mixed paper and newspapers. Post a list of what you can and can't recycle on the inside of a cabinet door for easy reference.

Step2

Select an out-of-the-way spot to put the recycling. Check out easy-to-open, stackable recycling bins at many home supply stores or HoldEverything.com. For many households, a garbage can under the sink with another can to its side for recyclables will do. If you're designing a new home or remodeling your kitchen, build in a space for recyclables into cabinet drawers. See 59 Plan Your Dream Kitchen.

Step3

Cut down on the amount of garbage you generate. Purchase products that use little or no packaging, and opt for individually wrapped packages only when there is no alternative. Buy reusable products, such as rechargeable batteries that you don't have to recycle after one use. Buy one general housecleaning product rather than a variety of products for different purposes.

Step4

Think before you toss. You can't just throw toxic items away with the regular garbage. Take used motor oil, fluids and antifreeze, for example, to the local gas station for recycling. Manufacturers can't reuse cans of motor oil or pesticide containers because they contain harmful residues. Take old tires to the gas station or an auto wrecker. Your city has information on proper disposal.

Tips & Warnings

Keep extra liner bags in the bottom of the garbage can so a new one is ready and waiting when you take out the trash.
Clean and disinfect trash and recycling containers once a month.
Place newspapers and other recyclable paper upright in a paper grocery bag near the area where you open and sort mail. As the bag fills, move it to the recycling bin for pickup and replace it with a new bag.