How to Recycle

Recycling is no longer a trend; it is necessary if we want to avoid living on top of a landfill, but if all of those triangles and numbers are getting you confused don't fret. Below is a guide on how to recycle, and once you start to do it on a regular basis, you'll become a pro in no time.

The first thing you need to know is that not all items are accepted at all recycling centers nor are they picked up curbside, so be sure to check with your local authorities before you throw something in the bin. In the city of Houston, Texas, plastic items with the #'s 1, 5, and 7 inside a triangle are accepted, but plastic items with a # 6 are not. *Tip: To read the number inside the triangle, make sure the pointed side of the triangle is facing up.

The following items are the most common recyclables and should be accepted where you are.

WHITE PAPER

All white paper found in the home office (e.g. envelopes, junk mail, computer and writing paper) is recyclable; however, dark or decorative paper is not.

ALUMINUM, TIN, STEEL AND AEROSOL CANS

Be sure to rinse and drain any liquids or solids that were previously in the cans, and place the lids inside the larger containers. Also make sure that the aerosol cans are empty. *Note: Wire coat hangers are not recyclable.

NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES, CATALOGS AND PHONE BOOKS

These are by far the easiest items to recycle but remember to remove any plastic wrapping and rubber bands. Also ensure that these items are not soiled.

CARDBOARD

Flatten all corrugated cardboard to a maximum of three feet on each side. No food should be on the cardboard boxes (e.g. pizza). Make sure you remove any Styrofoam peanuts or any other packing material from the cardboard boxes as well. Most shipping companies like Fed-Ex and UPS have stores where you can drop the packing material off.

PLASTIC

It's best to get in the habit of looking for a triangle with a number inside of it on all plastic items. The most commons numbers are 1 and 2. Plastic bottles, jugs, jars, tubs and lids are recyclable as long as the number inside the triangle is one that is accepted at your local recycling center.

Common items in plastic containers to look for are: milk, water, soft drinks, juice, condiments, sauces, squeezable bottles, laundry detergent, medicine, mouthwash, shampoo and conditioner, yogurt, butter, margarine, and ice cream.

*Plastic bags should not be placed in this category. If you have a plastic bag from a grocery store, either re-use it or deposit it in the plastic bag bin at your supermarket where it can be recycled.

Items that are usually not recyclable include: #6 plastics, Styrofoam, packaging material, meat and food trays, food wrap, toys and furniture. Please consider selling or donating toys, furniture and clothing items instead of throwing them in the trash.

*Tip: On rainy or windy days, secure your recycling materials by placing the fuller bags or bins on top.