Creating a home recycling system is a great way to reduce the amount of waste you produce, and positively contribute to the environment. With the right plan in place, you can easily set up a system that will help you reduce your footprint and learn about sustainable practices.
Having a dedicated space to place items that can be recycled is the first step to creating your system. Designate a room or cabinet to store reusable materials. When possible, use bins with easily identifiable labels to keep track of what type recycling goes where. Storing recyclables in this central location will make it easier to properly sort and separate the goods.
Creating a routine is also key to making your recycling system run smoothly. Incorporate recycling into your day-to-day habits,such as cleaning and taking out the trash. Make it a weekly or bi-weekly practice to collect any recyclables that may have been missed, organize and sort, and finally take it out to the designated recycling bins.
Know What Can and Can’t Be Recycled
Before you start adding items to your recycling bins, it is important to find out what materials are and are not accepted by your local authorities. Generally, plastic bottles and containers, jugs, cans, and paper are all accepted materials. However, items such as wood scraps, debris, and electrical appliances are not usually accepted.
If you find yourself with items that can not be recycled, investigate how you can repurpose or reuse the products for other purposes. Consider donating clothes, appliances, and other goods to organizations or charities to give them a new lease of life.
Incorporate Reuse Into Your System
In addition to recycling, it is also important to find ways to reduce the amount of waste you produce. Invest in reusable items such as cloth napkins and towels, durable containers to store items in, and reuse items such as coffee and food containers. Reusing items is an important part of reducing your bulk waste and diverting less material into your recycling system.
Whenever possible, make it a practice to shop for items that come with less packaging. Select produce that comes with little-to-no-packaging, and shop in bulk. Buy items with less waste and if possible, avoid single-use goods. The amount of plastic waste being generated is becoming increasingly problematic, and by reducing the amount of waste you produce, you can take a step to reduce your carbon footprint.
Where possible, take reusable bags shopping, and bring your own container for takeaway or restaurant meals to reduce the amount of food packaging.
Final Steps and Disposing of Your Recyclables
Once you have gone through the steps outlined, it’s time to dispose of your sorted and organized recyclables. Before taking your recyclables out, make sure to rinse off any items, such as containers and bottles. Rinsing prevents the spread of bacteria and odors, and helps keep your sorting area and recycling station clean and hygienic.
Checklist to Create a Home Recycling System:
- Designate a central area for recyclables.
- Set a routine for sorting and disposing of recyclables.
- Know what materials are and are not accepted.
- Identify ways to reuse items.
- Buy items with less packaging.
- Bring reusable bags and containers when shopping.
- Dispose of properly sorted and cleaned recyclables.
Conclusion
Creating a home recycling system involves planning, implementing, and maintaining. It is essential to not only know what can and can’t be recycled, but also understand how to properly sort and dispose of items. Reusing items, and buying items with less packaging is also crucial for reducing your environmental footprint.