Reducing Plastic Waste at Home

Reducing plastic waste at home can have a huge impact on the environment, but it's not without its challenges. There are many different types of plastic, and the recycling process can be a challenge for many municipalities due to the technology needed, varying recovery equipment, and different end markets. It's crucial to check which items are accepted in your local program.

This guide will help you understand the likelihood of recycling various single-use plastic items while sharing tips to avoid using single-use plastics whenever possible.

Plastic Water Bottles

Recyclability: Plastic water bottles are highly sought after by recycling centers. Nearly all recycling facilities accept these bottles, typically made from PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate #1), which are highly recyclable.

Tip: Use a reusable water bottle. Metal is the most sustainable choice!

Plastic Straws

Recyclability: Plastic straws are usually made from #2 Polypropylene or #5 Polyethylene plastics. However, their small size makes them problematic for sorting machines.

Tip: Avoid straws altogether if possible, or use biodegradable straws made from paper or bamboo.

Food Storage Containers

Recyclability: Tupperware and similar containers are sustainable for reuse but may not be recyclable due to food contamination concerns. Check local guidelines for acceptance.

Tip: Reuse containers until they are no longer usable. Consider switching to glass containers for longer product lifespans.

Black Plastic Containers

Recyclability: Many take-out containers are made from black plastic, which is rarely accepted in recycling due to sorting issues.

Tip: Reuse these containers for food storage or donate them to local food shelters.

Plastic Cutlery

Recyclability: Traditional plastic cutlery is often made from #5 Polypropylene or #6 Polystyrene. While #5 is accepted in many places, #6 is not, and they often end up in landfills.

Tip: Use regular silverware or choose compostable cutlery when disposables are necessary.

Yogurt Cups

Recyclability: Many recycling programs accept yogurt cups, but cleanliness is crucial. If they can't be rinsed, it's better to toss them in the garbage.

Tip: Buy in bulk to reduce the number of containers you dispose of. Larger containers also provide reusable storage for leftovers.

Reducing and Recycling

There are many more ways to reduce plastic waste in your home, but hopefully, this guide gives you a good start. Knowing what is and isn't accepted in your local recycling program is key to maintaining a sustainable and eco-friendly household.

Recycling contamination is a growing issue, and it's more important than ever to recycle smarter. Tossing items you think can be recycled into your bin can actually lead to problems for recycling facilities, costing municipalities a lot of money in disposal fees and risking the entire recycling system. Let's dive into some easy tips to keep your recycling clean and effective!

1. Soft paper products go in the garbage

You might think paper towels, napkins, and facial tissues are recyclable since they're made of paper. But here's the deal: they're usually too soiled and made from fibers that can't be recycled. Instead, check if your municipality accepts them in an organic collection program or compost.

Pro Tip: Switch to reusable options! Cloth towels and napkins are great sustainable alternatives, and some companies even offer washable fabric options to replace disposable paper.

2. Rinse your containers

A quick rinse is all it takes! Containers with leftover food residue can contaminate other recyclables, like paper and cardboard. Wet cardboard is a no-go for recycling facilities and can end up in a landfill.

Pro Tip: You don't need a full scrub down! A simple rinse in leftover dishwater or a shake with a little water can get the job done. Let them dry a bit to keep them from dampening other materials in your bin.

3. Get rid of food grease

Food grease is a big issue for recycling. Greasy pizza boxes or sandwich wrappers can't be sorted out and will ruin a whole batch of paper products during processing.

Pro Tip: Remove the greasy parts of pizza boxes and toss them in the garbage, leaving only the clean parts for recycling.

4. No plastic bags in the bin

Plastic bags are major recycling troublemakers! They can get tangled in recycling facility equipment and pose risks for workers.

Pro Tip: Collect your plastic bags and take them to a store with a drop-off recycling bin instead of tossing them in your home bin.

5. Donate extra plastic containers

Many curbside recycling programs don't accept black plastic takeout containers. They often end up contaminating other recyclables.

Pro Tip: Clean them out and donate to local food kitchens that distribute meals to those in need.

6. Know which plastics are accepted

Not all plastics are treated the same. Different facilities accept different types of plastics, so tossing in something not accepted can lead to contamination.

Pro Tip: Look for the recycling symbol on the packaging and check the number. #1 and #2 plastics are usually safe, but #3-7 can vary by location.

7. Don't throw batteries in the recycling bin

Batteries, especially lithium-ion ones, can be dangerous in recycling bins due to fire risks and chemical leaks.

Pro Tip: Use programs like Call2Recycle to drop off or mail in your batteries safely.

8. Coffee cups go in the garbage

Paper coffee cups might look recyclable, but they have a plastic lining that makes them a no-go for most curbside programs.

Pro Tip: Bring a reusable coffee mug! It's better for the environment and will reduce waste.

9. Check freezer box labels

Frozen food boxes often contain plastic or wax linings that can't be recycled with regular cardboard.

Pro Tip: Choose fresh foods when possible, or use reusable containers for freezing.

10. Dispose of hazardous materials properly

Recycling facilities often struggle with hazardous waste. Many items need special disposal methods, so don't toss them in your home recycling bin.

Pro Tip: Look up local disposal options for hazardous waste, electronics, and bulky items with your local program.

Recycling can feel overwhelming, but with a little planning, you can help keep our environment clean and our recycling facilities running smoothly. Remember to check with your municipality about what's accepted and use the Recycle Coach app to find out what goes where. By being informed and reducing contamination, we can all contribute to a healthier planet!

Books hold a special place in many people's hearts. They entertain, educate, and transport us to different worlds. However, as much as we love our books, there comes a time when we need to part ways with them. Whether it's due to decluttering, moving homes, or simply outgrowing our collections, disposing of books responsibly is essential for maintaining sustainability and minimizing waste.

Sustainable book disposal practices

Let's explore sustainable disposal practices to minimize waste and environmental impact:‍

1. ‍Donate: One of the most sustainable ways to dispose of books is to donate them. Consider donating books to local libraries, schools, community centers, or charity organizations. By giving books a second life, you not only prevent them from ending up in landfills but also provide resources to those in need.‍
2. Book Swaps: Organize or participate in book swap events within your community. Book swaps allow individuals to exchange books they no longer need for ones they're interested in reading. It's a sustainable way to refresh your reading collection without purchasing new books and promotes a culture of sharing within the community.‍
3. Sell or Trade: If your books are in good condition and hold some value, consider selling or trading them. Online marketplaces, secondhand bookstores, and garage sales are excellent options for selling or trading books. By giving books a new home, you extend their lifespan.‍
4. Recycle Responsibly: When recycling books, ensure you follow proper recycling guidelines. Remove any non-paper components, such as plastic covers or bindings, and separate them for disposal. If in doubt, check with your local recycling facility by using the What Goes Where search tool to determine what can and cannot be recycled.‍
5. Upcycle: Get creative with old books by upcycling them into new creations. From art projects and DIY home decor to gift wrapping and journal making, there are countless ways to repurpose old books and give them new life.

Are books recyclable?

Books are primarily made of paper a recyclable material. However, not all books are created equal when it comes to recyclability. Here's what you need to know:

Paperback books

Paperback books are typically fully recyclable. The covers are usually made of paperboard, while the pages are made of paper. Before recycling, remove any non-paper components such as plastic covers or bindings.

Hardcover books

While most hardcover books can be recycled as is, some may present a bit of a challenge due to their binding. The pages are recyclable like those of paperback books, but the hardcover itself sometimes contains materials like cloth, leather, or plastic. For these types of hardcover books, remove the cover and separate it from the pages. The pages can then be recycled with other paper materials, while the cover may need to be disposed of separately.

Specialty books

Some books come with additional components like CDs, DVDs, or plastic inserts. These components may not be recyclable and should be removed before recycling the rest of the book. Check the What Goes Where search tool for disposal of any of these additional items.

Books are more than just objects they're sources of knowledge, inspiration, and imagination. By adopting sustainable practices for book disposal, we can preserve the value of books while minimizing our environmental footprint. Whether it's donating, swapping, selling, or recycling, every action we take contributes to sustainable practices. So, the next time you find yourself with a stack of old books, remember the importance of responsible disposal and be sure to look up your local disposal guidelines in the What Goes Where search tool.

Eco-Friendly Party Supplies: Sustainable Alternatives for Your Next Celebration

Are you throwing a party and looking for some eco-friendly party supplies to help you reduce your waste? Keeping your event sustainable can be tricky with all the options for single-use plastics and disposable items. Parties can end up filling up your garbage bins since many party supplies are not recyclable. Let's look at the most common party supply items and some sustainable alternatives you can try to reduce your event waste.

Balloons

Balloons are not accepted for recycling. In fact, this fun-filled decoration causes a lot more problems than you may realize. Balloon litter is a pervasive problem due to balloon releases. When you do a balloon release at a party or event, those plastic or foil balloons can harm aquatic life or wildlife. Many animals ingest balloon fragments or get entangled in the plastic or ribbon.

Swap balloons for:

• Planting a tree as a special commemoration instead of releasing balloons.
• Adding a festive element with a bubble machine.
• Hanging cardboard cutouts instead of balloons.

Crepe Paper Streamers

While stringing up crepe paper streamers creates a stunning display, the waste it generates is significant. Crepe paper is not recyclable because the paper fibers are broken down into the smallest usable pieces, which cannot be recycled into anything new.

Swap crepe paper for:‍

• Fabric strips or bunting that can be used over and over.
• Rerolling crepe paper to use a second or third time, although it breaks easily.
• Hanging reusable paper lanterns as decorations instead of disposable streamers.

Birthday Cake Candles

Candles are not accepted for recycling but are reusable. Birthday candles do not need to be thrown away after one use!

Instead of tossing candles:

• Use a single ornate candle instead of many to represent an age.
• Reuse candles year after year.‍
• ‍Melt down candle remnants and combine them with a new wick to create a decorative candle for your home.

Disposable Plastic Cups

The classic red Solo cup! These cups are 50/50 on recyclability, depending on your location.

Swap plastic cups for:

• Your glassware or reusable plastic cups, reducing plastic waste despite the extra dishes.‍
• ‍Asking guests to bring their own reusable bottle or travel mug, especially for outdoor BBQs.‍
• ‍Labeling disposable cups so only one cup is used per guest to minimize waste.

Paper Plates

Many think that since paper plates are made of paper, they can be recycled, but that's not usually the case. Many paper plates have a plastic coating, making them difficult to recycle.

Instead of paper plates, try:

• Using regular plates, reducing waste but increasing dishes.
• Serving food in reusable take-out containers for easy leftovers.
• Offering finger foods to reduce waste and cleanup.

Plastic Cutlery

Single-use plastic contributes significantly to plastic pollution, and very few recycling programs accept plastic cutlery.

Swap plastic cutlery for:

• Your normal silverware.
• Finger foods to avoid the need for cutlery.
• Bamboo cutlery, an organic option that decomposes more easily.

Napkins

Napkins are necessary for parties but not recyclable due to their small paper fibers and common soiling with food.

Swap paper napkins for:

• Cloth napkins, which can be washed and reused.
• Towel stations near garbage cans for guests.
• Hand sanitizer stations for guests to clean their hands.

Plastic Tablecloths

Disposable plastic tablecloths make cleanup easy but are not sustainable as they cannot be easily recycled.

Swap for:

• Traditional cloth tablecloths that are reusable after washing.
• Compostable tablecloths for easy backyard composting.

Going without a tablecloth and adding a flower center piece instead.Make sure you know the disposal rules of all your party decor and tableware by checking your local municipality for what is accepted. Always choose an eco-friendly option to reduce your waste. Party on!

Paper cartons and containers are a fantastic source of recyclable material. From milk cartons to mixed-material containers, let's explore some best practices for recycling and the benefits of getting these materials processed correctly.

Milk and juice cartons

Recyclability: Milk and juice cartons (or gable top cartons) are made from multiple layers, including paper, plastic, and aluminum to keep drinks fresh. About 75% of these cartons are paperboard, which recycling facilities love!

But beware: not all recycling centers accept these cartons due to the challenges of separating materials. It's best to check with your local program to see if they take these!

Tetra-Pak cartons

Tetra Pak cartons, like juice boxes and wine cartons, are also made of multiple materials. While they can be tricky to recycle, many facilities now accept them thanks to Tetra Pak's sustainability efforts. They have special processes to recover most of the material.

Just like with milk cartons, check if your local program collects Tetra Pak items.

Spiral cardboard cans

Spiral cardboard cans (like those used for potato chips) are often misunderstood. Many facilities don't accept them because they combine paper and metal. If your program does accept them, remove any plastic lids before recycling.

Some newer versions are made entirely of paper, so if yours is plastic-free and clean, you can recycle it with other paper products!

Corrugated cardboard boxes

Cardboard boxes are recycling champions! Almost every recycling facility takes them. Just remember to flatten those boxes before tossing them in your bin to save space and make things easier for the workers.

Recycling cardboard saves energy and water, and it helps reduce deforestation since fewer trees need to be cut down!

Cardboard cartons

Thin cardboard packaging, like cereal and cracker boxes, is also recyclable. These boxes are great for recovering paper fibers, making them more sustainable than plastic packaging.

Check that your cartons are made from 100% paper. Some frozen food boxes might have plastic or wax linings, so double-check with your local program.

And yes, flatten them before recycling!

Egg cartons

Egg cartons, like those fast-food drink holders, are recyclable too! If your facility takes cardboard, they'll likely accept these shaped containers. Plus, they're often made from recycled paper!

Feeling eco-friendly? You can even compost them as part of your brown materials. Just remember to check about plastic or polystyrene egg cartons with your local recycling guidelines.

Paper take-out containers

Many restaurants are switching to paper take-out containers, but they often have plastic linings, making them non-recyclable. If your take-out containers aren't lined with plastic, you can compost them instead!

Check your local program

While many paper products are widely accepted, it's always a good idea to check your local recycling program's guidelines. Don't assume something is recyclable just because it looks like it! Some items might have plastic or wax linings that aren't accepted.

Got some used furniture you're looking to get rid of? Before tossing it to the curb or dropping it off at your nearest landfill, consider a different option. Sure, it might look like garbage to you. But to someone else, it's a perfectly usable dining set or couch.

Disposing of old and unwanted furniture is a drag, no doubt about it. It's clunky and heavy. So much so, that just getting it outside can be a back-straining ordeal even if you've managed to rope your friends into helping you out. Thankfully, there are better ways to go about it. Instead of landfilling used furniture, you can ensure that it gets a second life by helping the environment and someone in need.

Donate it

One of the best ways to dispose of used furniture is by donating it to a charity or a non-profit organization in your area. Not only will you be helping get a usable piece of furniture into a new home of someone who needs it, but you will also be reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfill.

In some cases, you might have to haul your old furniture to a drop-off location just to donate it. But that's not always true. Sometimes, you can arrange to have it picked up, too. Plus, all donations can be deducted from your taxes.

Furniture Bank Association of North America (FBANA) Through FBANA, you can locate your nearest furniture bank. Furniture banks provide furniture to those in need at little or no cost. Many will pick up gently used furniture straight from your house.

Goodwill and Salvation Army If you don't have a local furniture bank, check your local Goodwill or Salvation Army. Some will even pick up. Convenient, right?

Habitat for Humanity ReStore ReStores pick up gently used furniture, among other things, in most communities and resell it at a reduced price.

If these options don't appeal to you, homeless shelters, women's shelters and thrift stores are also usually looking for furniture. Feel free to get rid of used furniture at these locations too.

Sell or trade it

Every time you toss out a used piece of furniture, you create more waste. And potentially waste more cash. Turns out, that old recliner might be worth something to someone. There are tons of classified websites out there with people looking to buy. Start with Craigslist. If you're in Canada, give Kijiji a look, too.

There are plenty of virtual platforms to sell used furniture on as well, such as Facebook Marketplace, NextDoor, or Letgo. It's beneficial to use your network of social media contacts to spread the word.

Trade networks are also worth checking out. Instead of selling an item, trade it for something you need. This is an easy way to participate in the circular economy. There are several sites and apps that cater to trades like Freecycle or Bunz.

Repair or repurpose

Sometimes all that is needed to salvage an old piece of furniture is a little elbow grease. Repairing furniture instead of disposing of it can not only keep it from landfill, but it can also help save you money since repairing furniture is typically much less expensive than buying something new.

If you're tired of that piece of furniture, you can also step it up a notch by refurbishing it. Sanding and repainting wooden furniture is a great way to make something feel new in your home again. Or you can turn old furniture into something new in your garden, or using pieces to create a new piece of furniture all together.

Junk removal

For something hands off, you can have someone else pick up your old and unwanted furniture for you. Companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK? take care of everything, all you have to do is arrange a time for them to come by and pick up your stuff. And they claim to recycle and donate everything they can.

If you absolutely have to, landfill it

We get it, sometimes you don't have any other options. Maybe that old sofa is infested with bedbugs. Maybe it's just not salvageable. Whatever the case might be, before you drop it at the curb, make sure your municipality's curbside program accepts bulky items. If not, you might have to bring it to a drop-off location. If your city's part of the Recycle Coach network, it's as easy as downloading the app and searching our What goes where? tool to find out your municipality's bulk furniture procedure.

Know your options

Getting rid of used furniture doesn't have to be a hassle. By following these steps, you can easily avoid the landfill whenever possible, while also contributing to the circular economy. So, make sure to look into the different options available in your area, and help reduce waste.

As each new advance in technology progresses, old tech slips farther into disuse. Many people don't think about how past popular equipment is filling up our landfills because they are no longer needed. CDs, DVDs, VHS, and cassette tapes are among the top contenders for this build-up of waste.

Understanding the materials

These plastic items are not typically cherished in the way that Vinyl Records are. VHS and cassette tapes typically have a #5 plastic covering that holds the tape. This tape itself was made of mylar with a magnetic metal coating containing chromium. This part of the VHS and cassette is not easy to dispose of and can sometimes be considered hazardous waste depending on your local regulations.

There may even be some specialty recycling programs in your area that collect this specific item to capture the recyclable pieces while safely disposing of the other parts.

While CDs and DVDs are generally considered non-toxic, they are not accepted at most recycling facilities. They may still be accepted at e-waste collection facilities or events, so check to see if this is possible.

CDs and DVDs are made of mostly plastic and aluminum. When two or more materials are bound together in an item, it is typically more difficult to recycle due to the fact that materials need to be separated in order to be recycled. Typical municipal recycling facilities do not separate plastic and aluminum in these types of products, so only specialty recycling programs may have this option.

Upcycle opportunities

CDs and DVDs are particularly fun items to upcycle in order to keep them out of the landfill. Since they are reflective, they can be used in many flashy ways to spice up your space! Here are a few upcycling projects to consider:

• Break them into small pieces to glue onto a picture frame as a mirror mosaic.
• Create a DIY disco ball planter in the same way.
• Paint them and connect them to make an artsy room divider.
• Get really crafty with etched garden flowers that make beautiful reflections in the sun.
• Add a little felt and fabric to make homemade drink coasters.

The possibilities are endless with CDs and DVDs, but VHS and cassette tapes are a bit trickier. These vintage displays will help you keep the nostalgia of your music-loving journey alive, or you can paint them to keep the nostalgia while hiding some of the embarrassing tapes you once bought:

• Make a succulent planter with four cassettes and a base.
• Evenly space your favorite cassette tapes on a canvas to display them as art.
• Add a zipper to make a change purse.
• Add some LED lights to make decorative nightlights out of VHS tapes.
• Make a retro shelving display by gluing VHS tapes together.

When in doubt, donate

While these items are becoming obsolete, the nostalgia around each, combined with the films and music that they hold, makes many of these collector's items. That means it's still worth the effort to donate any usable CDs, DVDs, VHS, and cassette tapes in case someone may be able to keep using them.

It's always best to find ways to keep these materials out of the landfill whenever possible through donation, upcycling, e-waste recycling, or specialty recycling programs. When these options are not available, make sure to check with your municipal programs to find out the correct disposal before adding this to your bin.

Whether you work from home or at an office, knowing the correct disposal of common office supplies can help you maintain sustainable practices.

Check out our suggestions for office waste and learn how to help reduce it.

Printer paper

Printer paper is widely accepted for recycling. Plain paper is easily recycled through most recycling programs, whether you have a curbside pick-up or drop-off. Some municipalities may require you to separate out paper for a dual-stream collection system so that paper does not get wet or greasy by mixing with other recyclables.

Plain print or copy paper for your work may contain sensitive information which requires shredding. Each municipality tends to have very specific disposal procedures for shredded paper due to the size of the remnants. In general, items smaller than a credit card should not go in your regular recycling because they are too small to sort correctly. Shredded paper falls into this too small to sort situation, but that does not mean it cannot be recycled! Make sure to look up specific collection or drop-off information for shredded paper in your area.

??Waste Reduction Tip: When only printing or copying on one side, keep paper that is still blank on one side in a pile near your desk to use as scrap paper.

Paper containing staples

So what about paper that has staples? You can rip them out if you'd like, but it's not necessary. These tiny pieces of metal are easily removed during the recycling process with magnets or skimmed out when the paper is turned into a slurry.

?? Waste Reduction Tip: Avoid staples altogether by using a stapleless stapler that fastens sheets of paper together by crimping and puncturing them. If you use a lot of staples, think of how much metal you'll avoid using!

Windowed envelopes

We've covered plain paper, but what about envelopes that have adhesives? Or envelopes that have clear plastic windows? Nothing to worry about here either! The adhesives in these envelopes are not a problem during the recycling process. Likewise, the transparent plastic windows are small enough to easily avoid contaminating the paper mix.

?? Waste Reduction Tip: Go digital with correspondence and opt for paperless options when dealing with things like bills.

Junk mail

Junk Mail comes in so many forms: some are easily identifiable as regular copy paper, or even thicker cardstock paper that can be recycled, but what about glossy paper advertisements? Most of these are ok to add to your paper recycling as they tear easily. If they don't tear easily or have a plastic lining, they likely belong in the garbage instead. When in doubt, check with your local municipality's specific guidelines for glossy papers.

If you receive advertisements and coupons printed in a newspaper, these are also accepted tossing in your recycling bin.

?? Waste Reduction Tip: Opt-out of advertisements at your local post office to avoid adding to your home or office waste.

Adhesive tapes

Adhesive tapes are not accepted for recycling at most locations. If insignificant amounts of adhesive tape are on a piece of paper or cardboard box, that is not a problem, but it is best to remove large amounts of tape when it is easy to do so to ensure your recyclables are not contaminated.

Plastic disposable tape dispensers and tape rolls are not always accepted for recycling due to their size and the type of plastic they are made from. Check with your local municipality to see if they accept these items.

?? Waste Reduction Tip: Use brown paper tape which pairs adhesives with a paper backing instead of traditional plastic. This may not work for documents, but it is ideal for taping up cardboard boxes and packaging.

Sticky notes

While there is a small amount of adhesive, sticky notes are typically accepted for recycling, no matter the color. They also are just a bit larger than a credit card, so the size is not an issue.

?? Waste Reduction Tip: There are many apps to keep notes on your phone or computer so that you don't need to use paper.

Understanding the proper disposal methods for common office supplies is crucial for maintaining sustainable practices at home or in the office. It's always important to look up the specific requirements for recycling in your municipality before guessing what is and is not accepted!