Sure, it's a given that recycling is environmentally friendly. But are you actually hindering the system with the way you recycle? Here are 10 practices you should follow to ensure your recycling habit is a good one.

1. Know what you can recycle-paper, plastic, aluminum, of course. But did you know tin cans go in with the plastic? Aluminum foil, not just cans, can be recycled too? You want to maximize the number of items in your home that are recycled, and prevent them from a life in a landfill.
2. Remember not all plastics are recyclable. There are seven different types of plastic, and numbers 1 and 2 are the most commonly accepted for recycling. In some areas, number 5 is also collected. When purchasing an item that comes in plastic, take this factor into consideration.
3. Know who to contact with questions. Recycling requirements vary from place to place. If you don't know exactly what you can recycle or on what days your items are collected, find the website or telephone number of your local sanitation department for recycling protocol in your area. Many departments provide stickers or refrigerator decals to remind you exactly what goes where.
4. Separate the recycling from the trash. This might seem obvious, but some citizens have good intentions, only to assume someone on the other end of the trash cycle will separate the recyclables out of their garbage for them. Think again.
5. Take the top off. The tops of plastic water and soda bottles are a different kind of plastic than the bottle itself. Throw the tops in the garbage and recycle the bottle. Metal tops can be recycled.
6. Clean out and rinse your recyclables. Clean jars, bottles, and cans make it easier to streamline the process.
7. Keep plastic bags away. Recycling facility workers often complain that loose plastic bags get stuck in the conveyor belt as recyclables make their way to sorting machines, which creates work and holds up the process. Plastic bags are not recyclable so either reuse them or return them to the grocery store.
8. When in doubt, don't throw it out. Bulky items such as furniture or electronics might leave you wondering where to dispose of them. But don't just throw them in the trash where they'll sit for eternity in a landfill. Your sanitation department might accept some of those bigger pieces if they're made mostly of metal, and your city might have special electronic waste collection events. If you need to get rid of electronic equipment right away, visit earth911.org for a store near you that accepts electronics for recycling. Check your local Salvation Army or thrift store to see if they accept furniture donations.
9. Take recycling initiative. If your city doesn't accept certain types of plastic that are recyclable, find a place that does, or start a collection initiative of your own. For example, in New York City, the Park Slope Food Coop collects yogurt cups (plastic #5), which get second lives as Recycline toothbrushes.
10. Buy recycled goods. In order to keep the market for recycled goods going strong, you should purchase recycled items, such as printer paper, paper towels, and aluminum foil. Think of it as seeing the fruits of your labor.

Related Resources

Related Articles Top 10 Tips on Eco-friendly Driving Top 10 Luxury Eco-Travel Destinations Top 10 Eco-Friendly Gadgets See All Related Articles

Related Eco Categories Science & Technology Transportation & Travel How to Guides Top 10s

Topics Home People Family Saving Money Recycling

Tip of the Day Repair Your Leaky Faucet Watch Your Favorite TV Shows Live See All Tips

Glossary Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) Acid rain Drywall Cross-ventilation Wind farm Full Glossary

Site Resources Directory Answers Quizzes