1. Decide What to Recycle
This decision will be based on a number of things. From space and collection restrictions to contamination and group participation, starting your own program takes some major planning. Make sure to cover the following ground before you invest too much time and money:
- Evaluate how much space you have to sort and store materials and what items you tend to go through on a regular basis, such as plastic bottles.
- Remember, not all things are recyclable in all areas of the country. It varies greatly by city and region.
- Always check with your local municipality what kind of recycling services are available in your area.
- Understand contaminants! Throwing the wrong thing into the recycling mix can actually harm your recycling and cost the recycler money.
2. Find a Vendor
Check with your local recycling center and municipality to find out what kind of materials are accepted in your area. This is an important step that will determine the size and capability of your program. When contacting vendors, make sure to ask the right questions, including:
- What materials they accept for recycling?
- Are there limits on quantity (e.g. kilograms or tons) they except?
- What is the pickup schedule?
- Is there a minimum volume requirement?
- Is there a charge involved?
- How often will charges occur?
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3. Decide on storage
Creating a recycling center in your home can be as simple as a bin or as complicated as a sorting station; it all depends on what you prefer and how you choose to collect it. There are many collection methods.
With source separation, recyclables are separated by specific type. Examples:
- Paper recycling would have many bins including: white paper, colored paper, cardboard, office mail, magazines/catalogs, etc.
- Plastic recycling would have bins for each type of plastic: #1-7
Pros:
- Bin items are extremely specific, with fewer questions as to what goes where
- Separated materials can have a higher market value
- It creates more environmental awareness for participants
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Cons:
- It requires more recycling bins (and a higher setup cost)
- Your recycling coordinator may have to spend time sorting materials
- You may have to find multiple destinations for recyclables if they are source-separated
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With pickup collection, recyclables are mixed together. The separation process happens at a Material Recovery Facility. Examples:
- Paper recycling has one bin to collect all Paper
- Plastic recycling has one bin to collect plastics #1-7 together
Pros:
- It is less time-consuming for employees
- It usually involves larger participating groups
- The recycling coordinator will have less time invested
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Cons:
- Market values may be lower
- Materials may be contaminated easier if combined
- Less opportunity for education about recycling
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Once you choose a storage method, the rest is pretty straight-forward. Washable plastic bins or trash cans are usually the best to use for storage between collections. Also, be sure to rinse out any food containers before sorting them. This will help to eliminate the onslaught of bugs.
For convenience purposes, placing your recycling bins near your trash can will help ensure that people are reminded to recycle and not just throw things away.
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4. Educate Participants
If items are put in the wrong containers, it means more work for you and could mean materials might not be recycled. Keeping everyone in your household informed, including visitors, is the only way to keep your program running smoothly. Clearly marked labels, in addition to a “Do’s and Don’ts” list clearly posted near your bins, will help eliminate mishaps.
It is also a good idea to get the entire household involved. Whether it is sign making, cleaning out bins or dealing with the collection vendor, there are roles for everyone regardless of age or recycling knowledge.
5. Label Bins
If you practice source separation, make sure individual bins are clearly labeled to ensure the items stay separate. If one bin is all you need, make sure it is labeled “Recycle,” so that non-recyclable items are not thrown in.
In addition to knowing what to recycle and where it goes, some additional instructions may be needed. This may include:
- Removing caps or lids
- Stomping on containers to reduce the space they consume
- Breaking down cardboard boxes
- Bundling newspapers
- Washing out food containers
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6. Maintain and Monitor
Keep storage bins clean and dry and make sure materials don’t pile up. A clean recycling area encourages others to keep it clean and uncluttered as well.
Close The Loop - Buy Recycled!
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Recycled
Make sure to look for the recycling symbol, which means that the product is made from previously used material.materials. There may be a statement next to this symbol stating the percentage of recycled content in the product.
Recyclable?
Confused by this symbol? Don’t be. This symbol also means a product can be recycled – not that it necessarily contains recycled content.
It is important to note that the recyclability of a product is not determined by a symbol. In most cases, recyclability is determined by what is accepted in your local community by recyclers, as well as the industry. In order for a material to be truly recyclable, a market must exist so that the material can be sold, reprocessed and then made into a new product or material.
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