How to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle: the Third “R”

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By turtledove
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Recycle.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle: We usually focus on the third “R,” recycle, but these steps are placed in order of importance. If we reduce there will be less to reuse, and if we reuse, there will be less to recycle. After all, recycling uses energy too.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

recycling bins

Step 1

Find out what is recyclable in your community.
Some recycling services ask you to recycle only #1 and #2 plastics, while others will take all plastics. Most take cardboard and newspapers.

E-Waste, such as old computers and batteries, shouldn't go into the general recyclables. Find out if there are special collection days for e-waste, old tires, car batteries and hazardous chemicals.
Step 2

Choose a place to sort your recyclables. (Make it convenient, especially if you have kids.) Your garage might work; inside a kitchen cupboard can work too. Buy or make separate containers, and place them side-by-side or in the convenient place of your choice.

Here are possible things to separate:
Papers, including newspapers
Cardboard
Plastic bottles (refundable)
Plastic bottles (non-refundable)
Glass bottles
Aluminum cans
Plastic containers, including bags

Rinse food scraps and particles out before sorting. It makes it easier for the recycling plant, and it assures that you won't attract flies to your home.
Step 3

On plastics, look for the universal recycling symbol, usually on the bottom of a plastic jar, or near the bottom of a cardboard box or plastic bag. In the USA, it is a triangle made of three arrows. It should have a number in the center, between 1-7. Most places recycle numbers 1 and 2, also called "PET" and "PETE"; fewer recycle numbers 3-7.
(When it's inside a black circle, the symbol might mean "recycled.")
Step 4

Nearly all paper is recyclable. Waste Management recycles everything but gift wrap, tissue, carbon paper and pizza boxes.
(Shred personal documents.)
Other collection agencies might not recycle shiny magazine paper. Check in your area. Using a search engine, enter the name of your state or community and "recycle."
Step 5

In some states you can return bottles, newspapers, and cans to recycling centers for money. More states are adding deposits to water bottles, so check locally.
Look for words such a "CA CRV 5¢" (CRV=California Refund Value) or "MI 10¢ ME-MA-NY-OR-IA-HI 5¢ VT-CT-DE 5¢"
Depending on where you live, you might take them to a recycling center in your, or to a recycling center in the parking lot of your local grocery store.
Step 6

Many stores take used rechargeable batteries. Ask at discount department stores, hardware stores and office supply stores.
A list of participating stores is available at Call2Recycle:
http://www.rbrc.org/start.php
Enter your zip code to find where you can take them.

Other places to check for disposal options:
www.earth911.org
Enter your zip code and the item(s) you want to recycle.

Or call 1-800-CLEAN-UP. (1-800-253-3268)
Step 7

Be the change you want to see in the world. Gandhi

When you're out, bring a bag. Pick up trash. Make the world a little cleaner every day.