First, check with your local recycling center on recycling requirements. Here in Highlands, NC, we have a pretty easy task. All they ask is that we rinse them out and make sure they are sorted into the right bins. Oh, and throw away the lids as they are not a recyclable material. Some places may require you remove the label but ours does not. Also, check to see what they take as recyclable. Our center takes type 1 and 2 plastic, clear and colored glass (which we sort), aluminum cans, cardboard, newspaper, and tin cans (like soup & moist pet food come in). They have a bin for each of these types of items.
Ok. I can do this, can you? Rinsing a bottle or container is not hard. All you need to do is put a small amount of hot water in a bottle, cap it, and shake. Dump it out and rinse again.
Now, the one thing I have found to be a bit of a pain is the peanut butter containers. If you have ever got peanut butter stuck to the roof of your mouth, you will know why I say this. But there is an easy way around this. Simply fill the jar full of hot water, maybe a little soap, and let it sit for a couple of hours. The peanut butter will literally melt off the sides of the jar. Then just hit it with your dish rag, sponge, or wand and rinse!
For sorting, you can do it one of two ways. Either at home or when you go to the recycling center. Our recycling center is at the dump so it makes it very convenient to do an all in one stop! I personally sort my stuff when I take it to the recycling bins. But through the week, I simply rinse the containers as they become empty and put them in a tote with no lid. This catches the water from them being wet and also allows them to air dry without clogging up the strainer.
Now, if you are required to remove the label, I have an easy solution for you. Fill your sink with hot water like you are going to do dishes, put the item(s) in the sink, and let it soak. Then you can just peal the labels off. If they do not want to come off, let them soak longer. There will come a point that the labels will release from the bottles.
Happy Recycling!
1 comment:
Recycling is so easy, I do not understand why anyone would do otherwise. Just about every municipality now has a recycling program and provides the containers. When camping, if the campgrounds does not provide recycling, pack it up and take it home with you. I do. Rare is the occasion or location that I can not somehow manage to recycle. Thank you for shining some light on this most important eco-friendly action. Karen of Camper Goods
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