How to Set Up a Recycling Center at Home
With landfills nearing capacity in many locations, recycling is more important than ever. Setting up a home recycling center makes the task easier. The setup of the recycling area itself is also a simple task. You can customize your home recycling center to fit the available space and your personal preferences. The key is to simplify the recycling process while involving the entire family. This simple project helps you make your family more environmentally-friendly. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Contact your local recycling center to determine what types of items they accept. Plastic, cardboard, paper, cans, newspaper and glass are usually accepted. Determine how you need to separate the items for drop off at the recycling center. This helps you determine how many containers you need for your home recycling center.
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Choose a location for your recycling center. A garage or basement location works well for most people, particularly if you have a smaller home.
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Purchase containers such as garbage cans or plastic bins to hold the recycled items. Consider the amount of space available and the number of containers you need. Choose containers that will hold at least a week's worth of recycling so you don't have to constantly change it.
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Add a label to the front or top of each container to make sorting easier. You can write it on the container with permanent marker, paint the label or add a sticker to identify the contents of each container.
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Put a trash bag or brown paper bag in each container to make removal of the recyclable items easier. You can simply pull out the full bags and take them to the recycling center or place them to the side until your next trip.
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Arrange the containers in the designated recycling area. Leave enough space between the containers so the lids can open freely.
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Place a smaller trash can or recycling bin in the kitchen. Place your recyclable items in that bin as you cook or clean. Carry it to the main recycling center and sort the items out when you get a chance. This saves trips back and forth to the main recycling center.
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Create a poster that shows the types of items you can recycle, particularly if you have kids. Hang the poster near the recycling center as a reminder.
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Hold a recycling center training session for the entire family. Teach them how to rinse out cans and bottles. Practice sorting the different recyclable items. Also review the things that can and cannot go in the home recycling center.
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