10 recycling mistakes you didn’t know
The recycling mistakes are more common than you think. Recycling implies the reuse of elements and materials that do not become waste but that can continue their useful life.
As well it is the most direct and effective way for people to do something for the environment. However, there are many recycling myths, Therefore, much remains to be clarified. about this theme.
Millions of tons of plastic are produced annually around the world, of which only a small percentage is recycled. In Arizona, 2 kg of plastic is consumed per person per year so that is many tons of solid waste per year.
Many people think that recycling is just separating organic waste from plastic, glass and paper. And no, you also have to know which materials are recyclable and which are not. This ignorance makes many people fall into recycling errors. This must be done correctly, a recommendation is to have three containers: the green container, for general waste and the non-recyclable one.
10 Home recycling mistakes
You know how to recycle correctly at home? Here we will give you important information so that you do not commit these ten mistakes when recycling at home:
1. Do not use organic waste
While leftovers will go in the green bin, fruits, vegetables, and eggshells are best placed in your compost. There are several websites on the Internet that teach you how to do this easily without taking up a lot of space. Over time, the compost will become food for plants and gardens. This is one of the main recycling mistakes that is commonly done.
2. Throw away recycled materials full of food
Recyclable products cannot be recycled if they are dirty or contain food scraps. Therefore, you should clean your cans, bottles, and plastic containers regularly. Do not make these recycling mistakes, they harm the environment.
3. Put the shipping box into the gray box
Pizza, Chinese food, sushi or hamburger boxes should not be placed in gray cardboard and cardboard boxes. If they have been greased, the grease can seep into the cellulose in the packaging, making it difficult to recycle, so they should be disposed of in the green bin. However, the unstained edges can be trimmed for recycling.
4. Do you think that aluminum foil cannot be recycled?
While many people think that aluminum foil cannot be recycled, they are wrong. This material is made up of 100% aluminum and can be recycled on request. Thanks to that, it can be stored in a gray container. Don’t make these recycling mistakes anymore and help the planet.
5. Beware that polyethylene is not recyclable
Expanded polyethylene is one of the most complex materials because it is found in food containers, delivery boxes, coffee cups, and insulating linings in many buildings.
In addition, its manufacturing process pollutes the air and generates a large amount of toxic waste, which wreaks havoc on the planet. Being a derivative of plastic and petroleum, it is not recyclable, so each container made with this material must go into a normal green container.
6. Improperly throwing glasses or broken glasses in the trash
Common glass recycling mistakes. The glasses are not glass, but crystal that contains lead oxide, a compound that prevents them from melting in the same oven. Mirrors, car windows or doors, light bulbs or medicine bottles are also not recyclable.
7. He believes that all plastic has a second chance
Common recycling mistakes in plastics. Although it is made of plastic, the toothbrush is not in a blue box, but in a green box during use. Not all plastic is recyclable: toys, cotton, diapers, toothpaste tubes, and disposable tissues.
To know if they are recyclable the symbols must be there and labeled with a number between 1 and 7, which means that they are recyclable. However, non-biodegradable bags, long-life containers, cellophane wrappers, and plastics marked “PLA” cannot be recycled.
8. Ignorance that wet napkins and rags contaminate recycling
Although the napkins are made of paper, they cannot be recycled after use. In the case of wipes, although they contain paper cellulose, they also contain excess petroleum fibers and contaminants from recycling, so both should be thrown in the green bin. Help the planet and don’t make these recycling mistakes.
9. Throw food containers in the green trash
Another very common recycling mistakes is food wrappers like candy, cookies, energy bars, chips and crackers that cannot be recycled as they contain leftovers, so always throw them in the green trash.
10. Put the battery in any container, not in a specific place
Avoid committing one of these recycling errors. Batteries cannot be recycled or stored in green organic waste containers because they are susceptible to spills of various chemicals. It is best to take them to the collection point at the supermarket or shopping center. Another greener option is to start using rechargeable batteries.
How to recycle correctly at home
The recycling mistakes should be tried to avoid to take advantage of the same environment. The first thing to keep in mind is that not everything is based on recycling, but on the so-called “3R” that make up a sustainable way of life: reduce, reuse and recycle.
Not only do we keep each container or food in the proper bin, but we also reduce food waste, avoid buying packaged food, placing plastic bags, among other things.
A small cabinet with drawers for things like glass, light bulbs, paper or cardboard is great to do from home. If you also put an image or text to know what is in each drawer, it will be easier for all family members to identify and organize them. As you can see, it is a simple and practical process! In our hands is the power to avoid recycling errors.
Recycling Services in Arizona
At Junior Recycling, we have the best recycling services in Arizona. Everything we do is focused on providing innovative, profitable and efficient services to our clients.
No matter the size of your business or home, we’ll work with you to reduce waste, increase recycling rates, and minimize your environmental impact. We are the best professional recycling service and what we seek is to avoid recycling errors.
We have many customers who trust us to innovate their recycling challenges. Junior Recycling is your solution leader, that’s why it has our professional recycling services.
Regardless of your waste source, we help you with all aspects of your waste management strategy by providing innovative, efficient and cost-effective solutions, all centrally managed by a single provider.
We are a customer-oriented company specializing in waste management and recycling. Our investment in customer service is vital to our business. Our employees are truly integrated and our customers are happy with our excellent service and innovation, which is why we differentiate ourselves from the competition.
Whether your business is large or small, your home or community, we are experts in recycling your waste. Talk to us today and avoid committing recycling mistakes. Change your approach to waste management and recycling. Call and contact us as soon as possible. We are eager to meet your request.