How to Recycle in Five Easy Steps

Because Earth Day is coming up on April 22nd, hopefully more people are thinking about how they can better preserve the quality of life we live on earth by taking care of the environment. If you are feeling the urge, then here are some tips you can share with your children to help them learn how to recycle in five easy steps.

We used to be avid recyclers, and my children were all participants in the process. Now, where we live, our county simply tosses everything into the same bin. Supposedly, somewhere along the line they separate and truly recycle. I hope they do.

#1 Decide what to recycle.
Items that can be recycled range from the overused paper towel to that hard-to-put-down cell phone. Most residential recycling programs include the following common items: plastic bottles, glass, paper products, and aluminum cans. Rubber and scrap metal are also taken at some recycling locations. Check with your local recycling center to see what other items they accept. The idea is to recycle and not become the neighborhood junkyard.

#2 A successful recycling program takes some effort.
As with most successful programs, the “dirty” work behind the scenes is often forgotten. When you recycle, you have to take on a new way of thinking. No, this is not cult indoctrination. You have to stop doing what is easy (open – use – toss into garbage) and actually take the time to think before tossing, to rinse (in some instances), and then sort with like, other recyclables. I was amazed at how quickly I reached for the garbage can after emptying a can, jar, or yogurt container. After I got my rhythm going, I had a nice little collection going on my kitchen counter–which brings me to the next point.

#3 Designate a recycling area with proper containers.
Setting up your recycling area with the proper containers is important because you don’t want your program to take over your home, and you also want to be able to accommodate your efforts. Our “holding area” started around our kitchen island. After missing our weekly scheduled trip to the recycling center, our recycling containers (paper bags), took over–creating a big trash area in our kitchen. Create an area in your garage or a less high-traffic area.

#4 Breakdown, bundle, remove, rinse, stomp, and then sort.
Prepare your recyclables before going to the center or placing curbside. All cardboard boxes should be broken down and flattened (not stomped on to flatten), newspapers bundled, bottle caps removed from plastic bottles and actually thrown away (donate or save for a homeschool activity), food containers rinsed, and aluminum cans flattened (let your children stomp on them). After preparing your recyclables, sort them into the proper containers. Sorting before going to the center will save you time and will make the process run more smoothly.

#5 Maintain your recycling area.
Water bottles are probably the safest item to have hanging around after use because they don’t attract creatures. Be sure to rinse any food containers right after emptying. This will reduce the potential for attracting bugs or pet curiosity. Properly prepare your recyclables for the center (empty and clean is preferred for food containers – glass, etc.), and create a cleaner environment (less smelly in the car too if you don’t have curbside pick-up) until your weekly garbage pick-up or center visit.

Do you have a working recycling program in your home? How do you recycle?