What are Recyclables and How Can You Help to Reduce Waste?

Air pollution and climate change are only a few of the many environmental concerns that our planet is facing. The continuous exploitation of the Earth has prompted international organizations to unite against actions—big or small—that harm our nature and contribute to climate change. 

Recycling is an important aspect of raising environmental awareness. Being able to distinguish recyclables from nonrecyclables is a small but valuable step toward achieving this goal.

List of Recyclables and Non-recyclables

According to NetWaste.org, here are the materials that can be recycled:

• Cardboard can be converted to paper bags and paperboards         
• Green, clear, and brown glass bottles and jars can be transformed into new glass products and containers
• Hard plastic bottles and containers market without lids 
• Juice and milk cartons
• Papers such as office papers, magazines, newspapers, and postal mails can be recycled and turned into paper plates, construction paper, and egg cartons
• Steel (tin), aluminum cans, and empty aerosols can be reprocessed as rain gutters or window frames 

On the other hand, the items that can’t be recycled include bubble wraps, ceramics, dead animals, disposable diapers, oils, medical waste, takeaway coffee cups, and yard waste.

When it comes to disposing of these non-recyclables (or also called waste), you may directly contact the manufacturing company if you wish to throw away batteries, mobile phones, and other electronic items. Meanwhile, plastics, scrap metals, and garden wastes can be handled by your local community council. 

Basic Guidelines When Recycling

Bottles, Cans, and Paper are Considered Recyclables.

These reusable items can help conserve natural resources to reduce disposable plastics with potentially harmful chemicals. It also emits pollutants, lessens business costs on proper waste management and disposal, and most importantly, promotes an environmental-friendly practice within the company workplace.

Recyclable Items Must be Empty and Clean

When recycling, materials should be properly rinsed and free from any residue or food debris. You may also reach out to the local recycling center in your area for the official guidelines.

Recyclable Items Should Never be Mixed with Plastic Bags

Various items have different usage, chemical properties, and manufacturing processes. In an interview with Washington Post, Director of Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection Adam Ortiz explained that “when they [recyclable items] get mixed into the commingled recycling stream, they get dirty.”

Hence, plastic bags shall undergo different sorting processes and machines since they can possibly clog up and break the gears of regular recycling equipment.

Conclusion

One of the most responsible things you can do is to take part in environmental conservation efforts like recycling and proper sanitation. This way, we are guaranteed that children of the next generation will inherit a clean and thriving environment.