How to Recycle Properly

Are you recycling the right way? Knowing how to recycle common household items takes you one step closer to a cleaner planet.

Whether you volunteer to pick up your litter or regularly tackle the clutter in your own part of the world, you may be interested in knowing what items should be thrown out and which ones should be recycled.

Why is Recycling so important?

Recycling is important because it helps create jobs, supports American manufacturing and increases economic security. It also reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators.

How to Recycle Properly

How do you deal with recyclables? Curbside collection services, deposit or refund programs and local drop-off centers. You need to know what you can and cannot recycle. Here are some guidelines and local resources to ensure you are recycling correctly.

Aluminum

Aluminum is one of the most recycled materials. These food and beverage cans are almost always accepted by curbside and municipal collections. Simply rinse and place in recyclable bins.

Batteries

Batteries are an item that many people are unsure of how to recycle properly. Button-cell and lithium single use batteries should be taken to a special recycling facility. Used or dead alkaline and zinc carbon batteries should be sent to battery recyclers.

Electronics

Electronics – like laptops, TV’s, cellphones, etc – should be taken to a SERI certified electronics recycling facility. Some states and municipalities hold special e-scrap waste collection events.

Glass

Some recycling collectors want glass separated by color while others no longer accept glass.

Hazardous Waste

Hazardous waste should never to thrown away with regular garbage or poured down the drain or on the ground.

Oil

Used oil from one oil change can contaminate one million gallons of fresh water. Used motor oil should be treated similar to hazardous waste.

Paper and Cardboard

Paper makes up 23% of municipal solid waste generated each year, more than any other material. To recycle, clean and remove tape, staples and any bits of plastic.

Plastic

Only plastics with the numbers “1” and “2” in the middle of the recycling symbol are widely recyclable. Plastics with the numbers “3” and “7” may not be. When recycling plastics put the cap back on bottles and jugs. Resources: Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

How to be an Informed Recycler

Recycling rules can differ among collection services. If you have questions about what is and isn’t collected where you live, reach out to your county, city, community or town. Generally, items like plastic and metal utensils, plastic bags, styrofoam and plastic wraps are not accepted by curbside recycling services. Be mindful of your purchasing and consuming habits. Go for the items with the least amount of packaging and only buy goods in containers you know you can recycle Avoid single use plastics and consider switching to reusable bags, bottles, containers and straws. Opt for greener packaging options when ordering on line.