Recycling is becoming more popular in Canadian households as people become more environmentally conscious. The benefits of recycling are many, including economic benefits: recycling creates jobs in the waste management and disposal industries. Recycling offers significant environmental benefits including saving trees, energy, water and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions as well. Here are some tips to help get you started recycling at home.
The Basics:
- Know What You Can Recycle from Home. There are some items that you can recycle from your doorstep by simply placing them in your blue bin. The items in the blue bin will be picked up on a scheduled date by your community. However, there are things that cannot be recycled in the blue bin (ziplock bags) for example. It will save you time and energy if you know which items you can put in your blue bin and which items you can’t.
- Find a Place to Store Recyclables. Clear out a space under the kitchen sink, for example, to ensure that your recyclables stay in one place and don’t add additional clutter to your home. If the recyclables are kept beside the garbage, you will also be more likely to remember to take them outside. Consider placing them in a location that is also easy to access.
- Separate Recyclables. Some communities will only accept recyclables that have been separated into glass and paper, for example. Ensure that you follow the rules so you are not left with a bunch of recyclables on recycling day. Consider labelling your bins to make this easier as well.
- Get your Family on Board. To ensure that you’re reaching your recycling potential, get everyone in the family on board with your new recycling program. Keep them in the know and encourage them along the way. Consider making a list of everything that can be recycled and placing it on the fridge.
Other Recycling Tips:
- For items that can’t be recycled at home, several options are available to be able to recycle these items: grocery stores often have a small recycling unit for cans and bottles, for example. Consider dropping these items off on your weekly shopping trip. Simply fill your reusable grocery bag and you will surely remember to do so!
- Keep in mind that there are certain items (like carpets or computers for example) that can actually be recycled. Many people often take these items to a landfill when they can actually be recycled. Simply contact your local recycling center.
- Rinse all recyclables to ensure that you don’t attract ants or flies into your home.
Despite your best efforts to recycle everything, it is inevitable that you will find things that have to be taken to the landfill. In that case, consider RedBins. We offer a hassle-free, low price guarantee. Contact us today for more information.
