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How to Recycle

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(5 Ratings)

Recycled materials can be used for anything from energy to clothing. Help protect the Earth by recycling your household and work waste for reuse. Go green by doing your part to recycle with just a few small changes in your routine.

From Quick Guide: Recycle, Reduce, Reuse
  • How to Recycle

    Recycled materials can be used for anything from energy to clothing. Help protect the Earth by recycling y… More

  • How to Recycle Effectively

    More than half of all Americans have access to curbside recycling programs. Most programs take certain typ… More

  • How to Recycle Motor Oil

    Once used oil is properly recycled, it can be turned into fuel oils or used as a raw material for the refi… More

  • How to Recycle Paper

    For every ton of paper that is recycled, 17 trees live. You can recycle most paper, including white office… More

  • How to Recycle Glass

    Each day nearly 13 million glass jars and bottles are recycled in America, but not all types of glass can … More

  • How to Recycle Aluminum

    Of the 102 billion aluminum cans manufactured in 1998, 62 million were recycled. Even if your community do… More

  • How to Recycle Plastic

    The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has set a national goal to recycle 25 percent of our national wa… More

  • How to Make Home Recycling Easy

    Mention the word "recycling" and many people immediately think "hassle." Recycling does not have to be a h… More

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Learn what can be recycled. Most cities and counties now have government-run curbside recycling programs. These programs don't recycle everything, but they do pick up the most common items such as cans, glass and paper. Check with your city to find out exactly what they take. For larger or hazardous items such as tires, computers or motor oil, visit an online recycling site such as Recyclenow.com to find centers in your area.

  2. Step 2

    Buy additional trash cans for your home or office to use solely for recycled items. This makes it easy and convenient to choose recycling over garbage for your family and employees. Ensure everyone is educated on what can be recycled so they don't accidentally throw those items away.

  3. Step 3

    Take out your recycling for pick up according to your area schedule. Most programs no longer require you to sort materials so it can all be placed in the same container. Large, cardboard boxes work well for holding recyclable items as they're recyclable themselves.

  4. Step 4

    Plan a monthly trip to area recycling centers to drop off items not taken by your curbside program. Consider coordinating them with neighbors or nearby businesses and get it all done at once (while saving on fuel at the same time!).

Tips & Warnings
  • Shop smarter and reduce trash consumption by considering the packaging of items you purchase, choosing paper over plastic bags or bringing your own reusable bag to the store.
  • While plastic bags are often not taken by municipal programs, Wal Mart stores now collect them for recycling.
  • Consider reusing whatever items you can, donating useable items to charity or posting them on recycling sites such as Freecycle.org.
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eHow Article: How to Recycle

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