How to Determine What Can Be Recycled

A large number of household items can be recycled. Potentially recyclable items include household items, outdoor items and the packages that all of these products come in. The benefits of determining which of these items can be recycled are enormous to the local and global environment.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Look closely at the label of every item before throwing it away. Look for the standard recycling symbol, which will often have some type of information along with the symbol saying that the entire product is recyclable or that only specific parts can be recycled.

2. Find out from the local government or chamber of commerce what recycling centers exist in the area. Find out whether the community offers a regular recyclables pick up service or whether residents are expected to take their items directly to the center.

3. Contact any recycling centers in the area to learn what items they take. Ask about the appropriate condition and organization of the items, such as tying newspapers with string or keeping broken glass out of the prepared recycling.

4. Check your plastic items to make sure they are they types of plastic that can be recycled. Research the many types of plastic so that you can better recognize the non-recyclable varieties. Look for the number code on your plastic items, which should give you an indication.

5. Prepare the items to be recycled, such as emptying containers or flattening boxes and cans as required by the local recycling center.