Maybe you made a resolution to declutter. Or maybe you're just looking to streamline your "stuff." No matter the case, keep unwanted goods out of landfills with these recycling and upcycling tips and guidelines.
Steps for Recycling Success
If you don't recycle properly, you may end up doing more harm than good. Make sure you follow these tips to ensure your good intentions yield the results you desire.
- Know what you can recycle at home. Putting items in the recycling bin that don't belong can cause a whole bin of items to become unusable. Contact your local municipality for a list of what can go in your household recycling bin. Guidelines may vary by region and depend on the waste management provider your area contracts with.
- Keep a visible list. Once you know what you can recycle, post a list near your indoor bin. This way, you can quickly reference it when you're in a hurry and make sure you're only putting items in it that belong.
- Clean the items beforehand. Help make your items truly reusable by removing food or other debris before you drop them in the bin.
- Find places to recycle. Some items are hard to find homes for. However, there are resources like the Recycling Center Search on Earth911 that can give you a starting point. Make sure to contact the locations to verify the information provided and ask about any associated fees so you're prepared.
Common Recyclables
Paper & Cardboard
- Cardboard packaging can typically be flattened and placed in the recycling bin, including pizza boxes (as long as food scraps have been removed.)
- Newspaper, magazines, and mail can usually be recycled, but some areas may have different restrictions. If you can't recycle these items at home, some doctor's offices or charities will accept magazines. Or, you can repurpose newspapers or magazines as packing material. Just be sure you shield and shred any personal information.
Plastic Containers
- Most plastic products are marked with a number that indicates what material they're made of. This lets you reference your municipality's guidelines to make sure you're recycling correctly.
- Get familiar with what you can recycle and try to only purchase plastics that can be recycled. If something can’t be recycled, try to find a second life for it, such as storage for art supplies or seasonal decorations.
Clothing
- Clothing that's in good shape can be donated to a local charity or consigned for a little extra cash.
- Clothing that's too worn to live a second life can be repurposed. For example, some fabrics make great reusable cleaning cloths and others may help your compost bin.
Electronics
- Electronics usually can't be recycled curbside but can often be dropped at specific collection sites. Check with your municipality to see if they offer drop-off or pick-up services for these items or have any upcoming free events.
- Though it’s rare, some nonprofits will accept electronics and repair them for their own purposes.
Paint
- Paint that’s still usable can often be donated to nonprofits or schools for art projects or location improvements.
- If paint isn't usable or there's not enough to repurpose, you can purchase materials at your local hardware store to dry up the remaining paint, allowing you to empty and recycle the containers.
Batteries
- Many batteries aren't safe for household garbage or recycling bins. The EPA offers guidelines on how to safely dispose of batteries.
Never Miss a Tip with PSECU
Whether you’re trying to go green or just save some green, PSECU has got you covered. For more recycling and upcycling tips, check out our resource center.
