I am really interested in getting into recycling. I already follow the other two "r"'s (reducing and reusing) in as many ways as I can think of such as refusing sacks/bags when offered and I don't need them at the checkout, buying clothes from thrift stores and also buying clothes for the material from thrift stores, using old clothes that are no longer suitable for clothing as material to make new stuff, buying things with less packaging and things of that nature. But how does one get into recycling? I know many of you have the luxury of curbside recycling but I live in the styx, so I would have to take the stuff to the recycling place myself, which is no problem for me. But what do I need to know to start? What do I need to have? What is the best way to organize it all? Thanks! -james
Oh rayne_lyric I'm sooo glad you practice the first 2 R's, so many ppl forget those and put all emphasis on recycling, which is pretty resource intense. They recycle but don't reuse good stuff and buy so much crap. Everything ur doing so far is so much more beneficial than some1 who only recycles. KUDOS to u Sounds like u already know where the recycling facility is. Next is to find out what they accept. U can do this by calling them or if u don't have the no. than visit the facility (w/ some recyclables of course) and take note of what they accept AND what they don't accept, their hours of opening/closing, whether containers must have labels removed, what kind of paper products they accept and if envelops with windows must have the windows removed and any other pertinent info. See also if they accept aluminum foil, many curbside recycling programs do accept aluminum foil but that is overlooked by so many ppl. Aluminum is perhaps the only material to date that's feasibly recycled. Then find a box(es) for the recyclables. Then inform your family, room mates, etc. of what is recyclable and what is not, even make a sign about it on the box as a reminder. About rinsing cans, jars, etc. They don't need to be thoroughly cleaned, just enough so as to not smell. I do this by reusing water. I put the recyclable in the sink and when I wash hands, fruits, etc, I have the container under the tap to catch the water and let it soak. This way I'm not using water just for the sole purpose of rinsing the container but the water was used for more than one purpose. If the container is too tall, put a more shallow container under the tap and then pour it into the container to be recycled. For really messy containers that need wiping, rip off the label and use that to wipe. What I do sometimes is reuse a paper towel. Excess paper napkins from eating out or paper towels u used to dry your hands in public restrooms can all be used to wipe down containers. See there are so many ways one can reuse I hope I explained myself. If u need more clarification plz don't hesitate to ask w/ luv
Wow! Thanks! That was very informative! It is also so cool to read how many differant ways you have discovered to conserve paper towels/water, etc. Ideas like that must come from experiance, huh? Well, I do have one more question. Is there a way to arrange the stuff so it isn't an eyesore or in anyones way? I live in my parents house. I mean if it was my house, I would put it all along a wall or something by my (relatively empty) trashcan. But since it is my parent's house right now, I have to find a place to put it where it is out of the way and "not an eyesore". Also, what is the best container to but it in? Should I get those Rubbermaid-type containers of just collect some old cardboard boxes that they give out at the front of grocery stores? I suppose using the boxes form the stores would be more resouceful, wouldn't it? Thanks for the comment! If you can think of any more tips or anything I would appreciate it but I thinkn you covered about everthing.
Liguana is right. The first 2 Rs are most important. Since you "would have to take the stuff to the recycling place" yourself, you'll probaly want one box, or used bag, to haul all the recyclables at once and then separate at the recycling place.
I prefer three beer boxes:keeps me from stockpiling too much and I cannot over weight them. I see: Laundry baskets, milk crates, tote bins, bags(but only on really light loads)
You and your family can best decide how to arrange the stuff based on how many bins at the recycling facility and how much storage space at your place and how many boxes your vehicle can hold. For instance u may have a box for each bin and if that's too much to keep in the house then store the boxes in a garage or something. If you must keep the boxes outside, make sure they're covered from the elements. You could then have a smaller house under the kitchen sink for temporary storage, u would then empty it's contents by sorted them into the boxes in the garage. If storage space is low then put everything in one box. Paper like products should be stored in cardboard boxes or paper bags so that too can be recycled w/ the paper. If paper is stored in plastic bags, the bags are themselves foreign objects to the recycling facility and that could cos problems.
Hey everyone, thanks for all the great advice! I plan on starting VERY soon! I am actually frustrated I haven't started YET, but I still haven't gathered any containers or anything yet.
