There is a huge misconception when it comes to Recycling! While some individuals have heard that there is no need to wash our used cans / containers some believe it’s mandatory! Why the confusion!?

Simple. Recycling was introduced to the public a few decades ago and since then we have not received any newsletters or any documentation stating what is recyclable as opposed to not. Most residents make up their own rules as they go, and very few actually research it over the internet. So, I’d like to set the record straight; YOU ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO RINSE YOUR USED CONTAINERS!!! But heres why you may consider it!

Did you ever stop to think about who handles your old newspapers, cereal boxes, yogurt containers, glass pickle jars!? - Humans do! And guess what!? They sort through everything by hand. (don’t worry, they wear gloves! :P) Could you imagine working for a recycling company and having to go through all those half filled cartons of milk gone sour! - gross! And what about all that broken glass some people assume is recyclable!? - I think we’ve all been a victim of this one! FYI- BROKEN GLASS IS NOT RECYCLABLE.

Just think how clean your bin would be if you rinsed everything prior to tossing it. Other than the time it may take you to rinse your containers, there really isn’t any disadvantages to rinsing besides the fact that you’ll be making someone else’s job a little more tolerable!

Here are 5 recycling myths that I would like to clear up for you!

1. Theres no need to separate Plastic from Paper

Fact- The separation process occurs at the plant, but we can save our city millions of dollars a year by taking this extra step into our own hands!

2. Plastic Packaging is recyclable

Fact- No. The packaging that covers children toys and various products may seem recyclable but it’s not so try and avoid it at all costs.

3. Pizza boxes are recyclable

Fact- Only if the boxes are completely clean! In other words; make sure there is no cheese, olives or pepperoni stuck to the base of the box! (which are usually the last things anyone would leave hanging!) lol

4. Light bulbs are recyclable

Fact- No, standard light bulbs are not due to the fact that they are made up of various materials. Compact fluorescent light bulbs are recyclable at your local eco-centers for proper disposal. (These light bulbs are not to be tossed in the trash either)

5. Grocery bags recyclable

Fact- No. All traditional grocery bags are not recyclable as they are made of petroleum products.

Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have regarding recycling do’s and don’ts OR feel free to post some of your own!

Filed under: Recycling