10 Recycling Tips for Newbies

Did you know that kitty litter and egg cartons can be transformed into paper?

Or that old trophies, motor oil and even cell phones can be recycled with your soda cans?

Recycling your leftover containers and electronics can help reduce your carbon footprint and help boost our planet’s health. But, what can and can’t get recycled can often be pretty complicated.

To learn more about what can and can’t be recycled, our video below breaks down 5 essential tips for recycling.

By following the below tips and being diligent in your new recycling habit, you can help create a positive impact on the world around you and give your used items a second life.

10 recycling tips to help lower your carbon footprint

1. Remember PPMG. If you ever need a reminder of what items can be recycled, the acronym PPMG can help. Standing for Plastic, Paper, Metal and Glass, these main four materials can almost always get tossed in your recycling bin.
2. Don’t use bags. One mistake many recycling newbies make is bagging their recyclable materials in plastic bags. Make sure to toss them directly in the bin to cut down on plastic usage.
3. Know your city’s recycling guidelines. There are seven different types of plastic, and some cities don’t recycle all of them. Do your research to see what your city’s recycling plant accepts to avoid trashing an item that could’ve been salvaged.
4. Find alternative recycling plants. Some cities don’t have curbside recycling programs, but that doesn’t mean you can’t recycle. Look up the nearest center to you so you can bring your items directly to the source.
5. Get an indoor recycling bin. This will make recycling easier and ensure the whole family gets involved in saving the planet, and setting up bins in each room makes recycling easier.
6. Flatten boxes before tossing. When recycling cardboard boxes, it’s important to break them down. This helps to not only save space in your bin, but also helps the recycling plants process these items faster.
7. Know what not to recycle. Certain items such as styrofoam and wire hangers cannot be recycled and should be trashed to avoid backing up recycling systems.
8. Recycle your technology. While tech like monitors, TVs and cell phones can’t be recycled via traditional curbside methods, there are plenty of retailers that will take old devices for proper recycling.
9. Collect and reuse greywater. You might be surprised to learn that there are a few ways to recycle water. Used water from cooking or cleaning can be used to water plants, while collected rainwater can be used to wash your car or water your lawn.
10. Take home recyclables. If you can’t find a recycling bin at work or while eating out, clean off recyclable materials such as plastic and glass and bring them home for proper disposal.

Recycling tips guide

Whether you’re new to recycling or already know the difference between No. 1 and No. 6 plastic, our infographic provides a helpful list of recycling tips that'll get you going green in no time! Plus, it provides some great stats on recycling habits that can help you get your friends and neighbors on board.

Going green is easy in your apartment or new home. By taking the extra effort to collect and deliver recyclables, you can feel good about what you throw out (even if your city doesn’t have its own recycling program).

Interested in taking your eco-friendly journey to the next level? Check out more eco-friendly tips, including how to clean your rental in a greener way, on our blog. Here are some great posts to help get you started:

• Going Green in Your Apartment: Month-by-Month
• How to DIY a Citrus Vinegar Cleaning Spray
• Cheap Green Cleaning: The Only 5 Products You Need
• Best Apps for Green Living
• How to Keep Your Apartment Cleaning Earth-Friendly

If you have an eco-friendly tip that has changed your life in your apartment, let us know down below! And remember that even a rental has the potential to be transformed into an eco-friendly haven with a little extra effort.