Tips On Recycling

We finally started recycling. Why I have waited all of my life to do this, I'm not quite sure.

We are fortunate to have a township recycling program. The drop off is located just two miles down the road from our home and is open 24-7. We pay $50 per year on our township taxes, but in return have 'free' recycling all year long.

The best part is that there's no separating the materials. Paper, plastic, cardboard, glass, empty aersol cans and various metals can be mixed and dumped together into the large collection bins. This is a huge help because it means we don't have to separate all of our recycling into multiple bins.

By recycling not only materials such as paper and plastic, but also your food scraps, you'll be astonished by the decrease in your garbage bin.  

Recycling turned out to be so much easier than anticipated. Here are some ideas that might work for you:

1. Check with your township. I was (unknowingly) paying for recycling every year! Take advantage.
2. Normally, local auto shops will take and recycle your used motor oil.
3. County Health Departments oftentimes have a collection program for hazardous waste such as pesticides, weed killers, cleaners & polishers, wood preservatives, asphalt & roofing tar, oil-based paint, thinner, varnish, mercury thermometers, flourescent lamps and more.
4. Do you have curbside garbage service? The company might also offer recycling pickup for an extra fee. You just might find that you fill up your recycling faster than your garbage!
5. For large appliances that can't be sold on craigslist or listed on freecycle, check with the county to see if they offer annual or semi-annual 'clean-up' days.
6. Metals such as copper, aluminum, brass, bronze and more can be taken to the scrapyard. This is also a great way to make a little extra money!
7. Don't forget about food scraps; they can be recycled in the form of composting. This way, you're giving nutrients right back to the earth. 
8. Leftover meat scraps from dinner or veggies straight off the cutting board? Feed them to your dogs- they'll love you even more for it! 

Start kissing your carbon footprint good-bye!

What do you think? Do you recycle? Any helpful ideas to add to the list?