As easy as it may be to throw everything in the trash can, not everything belongs in the dump. When you’re cleaning out a room or throwing away mail, take the time to sort through your recyclable and nonrecyclable items to live more sustainably.
Discover what everyday items you should be recycling in your home, and create a system that helps you easily organize these items.
Table of Contents
Paper and Cardboard
Paper products are among the easiest household items to recycle. This includes newspapers, magazines, mail, and cardboard boxes from deliveries or cereal. Flatten those boxes to save space in your recycling bin. Keep in mind, however, that these paper goods need to be clean. Avoid recycling greasy pizza boxes or stained mail.
Glass Bottles and Jars
Glass is recyclable, and manufacturers remake bottles and jars into new products without losing quality. Rinse glass bottles and jars before tossing them in the recycling bin to get rid of any leftover food or liquid.
Plastic Containers
When you’re cleaning around your home, you can throw old milk jugs, soda bottles, shampoo containers, and even laundry detergent bottles in the recycling bin. Just check their recycling number since some facilities only accept items labeled with a #1 or #2. Rinse out any residue and remove labels if possible. You can even include bottle caps. Polypropene plastic caps are recyclable, and you can toss them into the same recycling bin as plastic bottles.
Aluminum and Steel Cans
Your aluminum soda and soup cans belong in the recycling bin, not the trash. Clean these cans before recycling to remove any sticky residue from the inside. Another everyday item you should recycle in your home is aluminum foil, but only if it is clean and free of food waste.
Electronics and Batteries
Old phones, broken chargers, and dead batteries can clutter up your drawers—but they don’t belong in regular trash bins. Also, certain light bulbs, such as CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps), containing mercury require specific disposal methods to prevent hazardous conditions for your household. If you’re ever in doubt about where to put these items, head to a recycling center.
Many communities use special recycling centers to promote a greener future by collecting old electronics and batteries. Some of them also accept furniture.
Clothing and Textiles
If you’re cleaning out your kids’ room or going through the attic, you may come across old garments and fabric that you don’t need anymore. Instead of throwing out old clothes or worn-out sheets, consider recycling them.
Many donation centers will accept gently used items and send repurposed garments to those in need. Damaged textiles can turn into industrial rags or insulation. Set aside a donation box, and sort through your unworn clothes to clear the space in your home.
Reinforcing a recycling routine in your home is a great way to get your whole family involved. Teach your little ones the importance of recycling and how to determine what items go in the recycling bin. With all hands on deck, you and your family will live a greener, cleaner lifestyle.
