Ten Steps to Start Recycling

When you recycle, recycling facilities are able to reuse resources, reducing the amount of raw materials needed in manufacturing. Getting started with recycling isn't difficult, and you can do it at home, at work or on the go.

Join a Recycling Program

Join your city's curbside recycling program. Curbside recycling programs pickup recycling from your home once or twice a week. In most areas, you'll need a designated recycling bin to participate. Contact your city's public works department for more information. (See Reference 1)

Use Recycling Drop-Off Centers

If your area doesn't offer curbside recycling pick up or you have recyclables not covered by the program, find a recycling drop-off center. Generally, you can bring commonly recycled items such as paper products, aluminum cans and plastics to these centers. (See Reference 2)

Learn the Ropes

Your local curbside program may not accept all recycled items. For example, many programs do not accept grocery bags, light bulbs and larger items like plastic lawn furniture. Get a complete list of acceptable and unacceptable items from your city's public works department. (See Reference 3)

Set up Recycling Bins

You'll have an easier time recycling if you set up recycling bins next to your indoor trash cans. That way, you can sort as you go, rather than dig through the trash later. (See Reference 4)

Recycle at Work

Most offices consume a lot of paper and other disposable products such as aluminum cans and plastic disposable dishware. Set up a small box under your desk and start collecting these items for recycling. (See Reference 4)

Recycle On the Go

Many people eat and drink in their cars, which can lead to leftover Styrofoam plates and cups, aluminum cans or plastic trash. Put a bin or small trash bag in your car to collect these items for easy, on the go recycling.

Save Grocery Bags

Some curbside pickups do not collect grocery bags, but many grocery stores accept and recycle plastic bags. Save all of your plastic grocery bags and bring them with you when you go grocery shopping. (See Reference 5)

Recycle E-Waste

E-Waste is a term for used electronics and electronic parts such as light bulbs, batteries, old TV sets and computers. Some local drop-off recycling centers and electronics retailers have e-waste recycling bins where you can recycle your old electronics. (See Reference 6)

Reuse What You Can

Extend the life of common household products by reusing them before you recycle. For example, clean out glass food jars and use them to store homemade salad or pasta dressing. (See Reference 4)

Buy Recycled Goods

Buying goods made from recycled materials brings the recycling process full circle. All sorts of common household products, such as printer paper, trash bags and plastic containers are made from recycled products. Look for the recycled label on products that you buy. (See Reference 7)

About the Author

Amelia Jenkins


Photo Credits

  • Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
bibliography-icon icon for annotation tool Cite this Article