How to Prepare Items for Recycling

Recycling centers have gained popularity over the past decade. Now that you've decided to start recycling, the next question is how to get your recyclables ready to take to the recycling center. Thankfully it's an easy task and well-worth the effort!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Newspapers: Remove inserts such as ads, or anything else containing glossy paper.

2. Glass: Wash out contents the best you can. One way to clean out the inside contents is to put water in the container, put the lid back on and shake. You can use leftover dishwater to save on water. Remove any labels that can easily be removed. Most paper labels can be scraped off after sitting in dishwater for a few minutes. Remove lids. Since most lids are not recyclable, they will need to be discarded.

3. Plastics: Rinse out contents. Remove any labels that can be easily removed. Remove lids and discard any that are not marked as recyclable. To save on space, you can step on plastic bottles to crush them.

4. Aluminum Cans: Drain contents. To save on space, you can crush these by stepping on them, but it is not required.

5. Tin cans: Rinse contents (be careful not to cut yourself on the lip of the lid). Remove any easily removable label.

6. Cardboard: Flatten boxes and stack neatly.

Tips & Warnings

• Find recycling centers at http://earth911.com/.
• Many other larger household items can be recycled too, such as refrigerators and clothes washers and dryers. Consult your local drop-off center for specifics on these larger items.