Sorting It Out: What Belongs in the Recycling Bin?

What Goes in the Recycling Bin: Tips for Earth Day

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Recycling at home can sometimes feel like navigating a complex maze. It's easy to make mistakes because recycling rules aren't always straightforward. Even as a professional organizer, I sometimes wonder if I'm making the right call with certain items. Here are some quick tips to help you recycle correctly, and make a positive impact on Mother Earth.

Check Local Guidelines

• Know Your Local Rules: Recycling guidelines can vary significantly depending on where you live. Your local recycling company will have specific instructions on what can and cannot be recycled. These resources are easy to use and are very helpful.

• Why It Matters: Putting incorrect items in the recycling bin can contaminate the entire batch, negating your recycling efforts and leading to more waste ending up in landfills.

  
  

Common Mistakes in Recycling

• Plastic Bags: These often can't be recycled curbside and can

  jam recycling machinery. Instead, take them to specific grocery store drop-offs.

• Greasy Pizza Boxes: Only the clean parts of pizza boxes should go in the recycling bin. Greasy sections belong in the trash or compost.

• Styrofoam: While some areas accept Styrofoam, many do not. Check your local guidelines to confirm. If not recyclable, consider repurposing it or place it in the trash bin as a last resort.

• Tanglers: Items like hoses and cords can tangle machinery and should not be placed in recycling bins. Electronic cords are considered e-waste and should be taken to an e-waste recycler, not placed in your recycling bin or trash.

  
  

Benefits of Correct Recycling

• Resource Conservation: Recycling reduces the need for raw materials, preserving natural habitats.

• Energy Savings: Producing new products from recycled materials often uses less energy than starting from scratch.

• Pollution Reduction: Recycling helps reduce pollutants in our air and water, leading to a cleaner environment for all.

  
  

What Happens When We Get It Wrong

• Contamination Issues: Incorrect items in the recycling bin can contaminate entire loads, leading to more waste sent to landfills.

• Increased Costs: Contamination can increase the costs of recycling due to the need for additional sorting and disposal.

  
  

Resources for Local Guidelines

For those living in Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Alameda counties in California, here are some helpful resources to ensure you’re recycling correctly:

• Santa Clara County Recycling Hotline: Call 1-800-533-8414 or visit ReduceWaste.org for local guidelines.

• San Mateo County RecycleWorks: Visit Recology San Mateo County for a comprehensive guide to recycling in your area.

• Alameda County Recycling: Visit StopWaste.org for comprehensive information on recycling guidelines and waste reduction strategies.

By taking the time to recycle correctly, we're contributing to a healthier planet. Let's commit to recycling right this Earth Day and beyond!

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Alisha Pangburn, owner of Sort Your Nest is a Certified Professional Organizer® in the Greater Silicon Valley, CA. She helps clients get unstuck and get started on their organization journey. She believes if you "organize your space, you can transform your life." Alisha is a proud member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO), serving on the Education committee and a member of the Women's Networking Alliance (WNA).