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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.

Recycling Plastic Bottle Caps: What You Need to Know

As industries look to produce products and packaging that contain certain percentages of recycled materials, your average water or beverage container has become the most viable plastic product on the market for recycling. But what about the cap?

Material Recovery

Plastic bottle caps for beverages, or any other plastic containers, are typically made from a different type of plastic than the bottle itself. The caps on these containers are usually made from high-density polyethylene or polypropylene. For this reason, years ago, plastic recycling required you to remove caps to reduce contamination by keeping plastic types separate.

Sorting Small Items

Small items such as bottle caps are not accepted at most recycling facilities due to their size, so these plastic bottle caps were being lost in the trash with no hopes of material recovery. A good standard to sort by is that items smaller than a credit card should not go in your recycling bin. This is because most sorting machinery cannot identify or sort small items, so they end up discarded or, even worse, sent into the wrong batch of material.

Plastic Pollution

With nearly 600 million plastic bottles and containers produced in a year, this could lead to innumerable plastic caps ending up in landfills, or worse, contributing to plastic pollution. A 2016 analysis of coastal plastic pollution by the North Sea Foundation found that plastic bottle caps are one of the top five littered items on beaches around the world.

The Need for Change

As the need for reducing plastic pollution grew and additional methods for recycling more plastics developed, the industry standard began to change. Now most recycling facilities in North America ask that caps are left on bottles and containers to collect the caps in an efficient manner.

There are a few reasons why these two different materials being kept together is no longer a problem. First, some sorting facilities will shred the plastic into small pieces. Then, while submerged in water, the PET will sink and the HDPE or polypropylene cap pieces will float, allowing it to be skimmed off the top and separated.

PET and HDPE or polypropylene also have different melting points, so the caps would melt away from the PET bottles before reaching their melting point, allowing the materials to separate naturally.

The Association of Plastic Recyclers has also determined that the marketability of plastic bales of bottles with caps on does not decrease the recyclability of either type of plastic and is helping to make it easier for residents to recycle both items if they are kept together.

Not every facility has changed their procedures and requirements for recycling yet. It is always important to check with your local facility to find out what their recycling requirements are regarding keeping caps on or off.

What About Metal Caps?

Some plastic bottles have caps with metal in them. What should you do with those? Unfortunately, these should not be kept on bottles because the metal will not sort out in the same way as plastic bottle caps. The metal will sink with the PET fragments and end up contaminating the entire plastic bale. Remove these metal caps and place them in the garbage, even if they have plastic on them as well.

You can always check with your local recycling facility to see if they have any alternative collection program for small metal caps such as these. There is a chance there could be a drop-off method, but if not, these are doomed to the landfill.

Keeping Up with Changes

The current standard is to keep your plastic bottle caps on beverage bottles and other plastic containers that are accepted for recycling in your area, but make sure your facility has updated this requirement before changing your ways. Even though there are constant advancements in recycling technologies, you need to follow the requirements of your specific recycling facility based on what machinery and methods they currently have.

It's always good to keep up with what new procedures your facility has established and if any additional materials are being added to the accepted list. Recycling procedures are not set in stone and vary greatly from location to location, so make sure you look up whatever items you are trying to recycle so that you help keep your program running efficiently and effectively.

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.

Embracing organic waste collection is a tangible way to reduce your environmental footprint and contribute to a healthier planet. Whether you're new to composting or seeking to optimize your waste management practices, here are five practical tips to help you participate in organic waste collection effectively: 1. Educate Yourself on Accepted Materials Before you start separating your organic waste, familiarize yourself with the types of materials accepted for your program. Common organic waste includes most food items, but some programs may also include other organic materials. This varies from program to program, so make sure to look up items like yard waste, leaves, compostable plastics, and other biodegradable products such as paper towels. These items may or may not be allowed in your organics collection program. Knowing what your program accepts is the best way to help it thrive. 2. Invest in Suitable Containers Invest in durable and appropriately sized containers for collecting organic waste in your home. Some municipalities may provide these items, while others will have a list of acceptable bags and containers. Consider using sealable bins or compost pails with tight-fitting lids to prevent odors and minimize the risk of attracting pests. Check with your program to see if they require organics collection to be loose or in bags. It is important to note that not all compostable or biodegradable bags on the market are suitable for organic waste collection, so it is best to see what your program recommends. 3. Establish a Convenient Collection System Designate a convenient location in your kitchen or backyard for storing organic waste containers. Consider placing your organic waste bins near your food preparation area for easy access while cooking. Convenience is key to building the habit of proper organic waste disposal. If your program also accepts any outdoor organic waste, such as leaves, grass clippings, or weeds, keep an outdoor bin as well. Not all programs combine these two, so make sure to check how your program handles yard waste. 4. Practice Proper Waste Separation To maximize the effectiveness of organic waste collection, practice proper waste separation throughout your household. Encourage family members to separate organic waste from recyclables and other non-organic waste. Label containers or bins clearly to avoid confusion and ensure successful adherence to local collection guidelines. If you have multiple people residing in the same household, you may even want to post a note for each bin on what goes where based on materials your home typically uses. Posting picture guides for kids can help them learn correct sorting easily. 5. Make it a Habit Getting used to an organic waste collection can take a bit of practice, but if you try to establish a routine, you'll be able to hit the ground running. Setting up a process in your household can help establish good habits. You could do this by establishing specific days or times that the indoor bin gets emptied to avoid bad smells. You could also establish a routine while cooking by keeping a plate next to your cutting board to gather up scraps for the bin. Building habits to your existing routines can help boost the amount of organic waste collected. Embrace Sustainable Waste Management Practices Participating in organic waste collection is a proactive step towards sustainable living and environmental stewardship. By adopting these practical tips and integrating organic waste collection into your daily routine, you can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving natural resources, and promoting soil health in your community.">new to composting or seeking to optimize your waste management practices, here are five practical tips to help you participate in organic waste collection effectively:

1. Educate Yourself on Accepted Materials

Before you start separating your organic waste, familiarize yourself with the types of materials accepted for your program. Common organic waste includes most food items, but some programs may also include other organic materials. This varies from program to program, so make sure to look up items like yard waste, leaves, compostable plastics, and other biodegradable products such as paper towels. These items may or may not be allowed in your organics collection program. Knowing what your program accepts is the best way to help it thrive.

2. Invest in Suitable Containers

Invest in durable and appropriately sized containers for collecting organic waste in your home. Some municipalities may provide these items, while others will have a list of acceptable bags and containers. Consider using sealable bins or compost pails with tight-fitting lids to prevent odors and minimize the risk of attracting pests. Check with your program to see if they require organics collection to be loose or in bags. It is important to note that not all compostable or biodegradable bags on the market are suitable for organic waste collection, so it is best to see what your program recommends.

3. Establish a Convenient Collection System

Designate a convenient location in your kitchen or backyard for storing organic waste containers. Consider placing your organic waste bins near your food preparation area for easy access while cooking. Convenience is key to building the habit of proper organic waste disposal.

If your program also accepts any outdoor organic waste, such as leaves, grass clippings, or weeds, keep an outdoor bin as well. Not all programs combine these two, so make sure to check how your program handles yard waste.  

4. Practice Proper Waste Separation

To maximize the effectiveness of organic waste collection, practice proper waste separation throughout your household. Encourage family members to separate organic waste from recyclables and other non-organic waste. Label containers or bins clearly to avoid confusion and ensure successful adherence to local collection guidelines.

If you have multiple people residing in the same household, you may even want to post a note for each bin on what goes where based on the materials your home typically uses. Posting picture guides for kids can help them learn correct sorting easily.

5. Make it a Habit

Getting used to organic waste collection can take a bit of practice, but if you try to establish a routine, you'll be able to hit the ground running. Setting up a process in your household can help establish good habits. You could do this by establishing specific days or times that the indoor bin gets emptied to avoid bad smells. You could also establish a routine while cooking by keeping a plate next to your cutting board to gather up scraps for the bin. Building habits to your existing routines can help boost the amount of organic waste collected.

Embrace Sustainable Waste Management Practices

Participating in organic waste collection is a proactive step towards sustainable living and environmental stewardship. By adopting these practical tips and integrating organic waste collection into your daily routine, you can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving natural resources, and promoting soil health in your community.

There are a few different types of disposable coffee cups you could be recycling wrong. By adding items to the recycling that don't belong, you could potentially be contributing to recycling contamination.

On average, many municipalities struggle with high contamination rates ranging around 19%-40%. This can lead to a lot of lost recovery of viable recyclable materials.

With the frequency in which people drink coffee on the go, it's important to know what types of disposable coffee cups are not accepted in your program. By always looking up what your municipal recycling program allows, you can help keep contamination low.

Let's take a look at each kind of disposable coffee cup to see what you should do.

Paper Coffee Cups

Disposable paper coffee cups are the most common single-use cup for coffee nowadays. It may seem that since these cups are made from paper, they should be recyclable, but calling them paper cups is a bit misleading.

Paper coffee cups are actually lined with plastic, making them a more difficult to recycle. In most cases, when two materials, such as paper and plastic, are adhered together in a product, it is difficult for recycling facilities to separate them in order to recover one or both of the materials.

Due to the high use of this product, and the extreme amounts of waste so many to-go cups can create, many advances have been made in paper coffee cup recycling.

While this is exciting in regards to the progress for recycling and waste reduction, these technologies are not available everywhere yet. Only around 10% of recycling facilities currently accept these plastic-lined paper cups.

Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) are not all the same, and what sorting machinery they have at their disposal is usually different. This is why it is important to look up if paper coffee cups are accepted in your specific program or not.

Hopefully one day these types of disposable coffee cups will be universally accepted, but until then, it is important you double check so that you don't contribute to recycling contamination in your area.

Styrofoam Coffee Cups

Foam cups are becoming less and less prevalent in commercial coffee shops, but they are often still used at offices and events. Styrofoam cups, also known as polystyrene cups, are a type of plastic that has been traditionally difficult to recycle.

Most MRFs will not accept Styrofoam coffee cups due to the difficulty in breaking down the polystyrene material. Once again it depends on if a facility has equipment to handle Styrofoam, but there is another contamination issue at play with these.

Styrofoam cups typically have liquid residue left on them. Even if your program is one of the rare locations that accepts Styrofoam or polystyrene, it is probable that they would not accept foam cups or plates due to the high levels of food contamination.

Recycling Styrofoam typically requires a form of chemical recycling that would not be suitable for items with food or liquid residue left on them. So, in general, these types of disposable coffee cups should not be added to your recycling bin.

Clear Plastic Coffee Cups

The popularity of iced coffee has infused another high frequency disposable cup into our daily lives. Clear plastic coffee cups are another item that is not universally accepted. The acceptance rates for this type of plastic are much higher than paper or foam cups though.

Around 50% of MRFs accept plastic cups for recycling. That once again means it is important for you to check your local program to see if they will take this type of plastic cup.

It is easier to keep these smooth plastic cups cleaner than porous foam cups, but it is still important to make sure they are also empty and clean before recycling (if your area recycles them).

Caked on food and liquids can be a detrimental source of contamination for a batch of plastics, so it is important to rinse or wipe your plastic cups before disposing of them.

Plastic Coffee Lids

Plastic coffee lids are also accepted in about half of recycling facilities throughout the U.S. and Canada, so you need to look up if they are accepted in your area.

With plastic coffee lids, it is important to distinguish if it is accepted based on the color of the lid. Even if a program accepts this type of plastic, they may not accept black plastic. Many sorting machines cannot identify black plastic due to the dark color, so these items can end up getting passed through into batches of other materials by mistake.

In addition to the invisibility of this material to the sorting machines, the black color makes it difficult to reconstitute into a new material. A company that would potentially be using this plastic for new products, would have trouble adding dye to a batch of plastic that already has black dye in it.

The confusing part about these lids is that there is usually a recycling loop visible on the top of the lid. It is important to keep in mind that any company can put the recycling loop on packaging, whether it is accepted everywhere or not. This misleading labeling can lead to a lot of recycling contamination.

So, it is always best to check with your specific program instead of assuming that an item is recyclable just because it has the recycling loop.

Cardboard Sleeves

Cardboard sleeves are the only sure thing when it comes to coffee on the go. Cardboard is accepted everywhere for recycling, so no matter what other parts of your coffee cup can be recycled, you should be recycling the cardboard sleeve.

It may seem insignificant because it is so small, but with around 600 billion coffee cups being produced worldwide every year, there are potentially billions of cardboard sleeves to go along with them.

With so many disposable coffee cups being unrecyclable in so many programs, it is important to take advantage of this simple recycling opportunity. If you happen to get a cardboard drink carrier, make sure you add that to your recycling too.

Another way to be more sustainable would be to use your own reusable cup. Many coffee shops will allow you to bring your own travel mug for their drinks. And of course, you can bring your own coffee mug to keep at the office.

Look It Up

While there is no clear cut answer to each type of disposable coffee cup, the big take-away should be that the most important thing you can do when trying to recycle any type of disposable cup is to look up whether your program accepts it before assuming that it does so you can avoid recycling contamination.

If your community recycles, chances are paper bags are fair game. But not all paper bags are as they seem. In fact, some aren't even completely made from paper. Product packaging has gotten complicated. So complicated, that figuring out what's recyclable and what isn't can be difficult. Plastic-lined paper bags and their foil-lined cousins are no exception.

Lined paper bags are everywhere, yet there's a good chance you haven't noticed them. That's how inconspicuous they are. They're on the shelves of most food stores, department stores, hardware stores, even in your local garden centre. You've likely got some in your house, too. If figuring out exactly what they are has you scratching your head, here are some popular examples to set you straight:

• Foil-lined hot food bags (like the ones your hotdog comes in at a sporting event)
• Poly-lined paper bags (food bags, airplane sickness bags, some shopping bags)
• Multiwall bags (cement bags, pet food bags, flour and sugar bags)

These bags are often used for products that need to stay dry. That's because on top of being durable, they're also water resistant. While there's no doubting their effectiveness, they're almost always unrecyclable. Obviously, this isn't ideal. Especially if you're consciously trying to reduce your waste output.

It might come as a surprise to learn that lined paper bags aren't recyclable. After all, they're mostly made of paper, a recyclable material. And their liners, materials like foil and polypropylene, are recyclable, too. While this is certainly true, it's not the materials that make lined paper bags a recycling bin no-no. It's how they're assembled. For lack of a better word, the layers are fused together. As a result, they can't be separated and sorted into their proper streams. That's why they belong in the garbage.

Not all paper bags are lined with foil and plastic, though. Some sugar and flour bags contain multiple paper layers. They might be accepted in your community's recycling or organics program. To find out, try ripping the bag. If it's a clean rip, chances are you don't have to throw it in the garbage.

To maintain freshness and account for storing conditions, today's packaging is becoming less sustainable. The industry is shifting toward composite packaging, which contains a variety of materials. As mentioned, this type of product packaging is difficult to recycle. That's why, if it's something you can afford to do, try to purchase products that are sustainably packed.

A new season is in full swing, and for those who have it, yard waste collection season is, too. When it comes to yard waste, or green waste, as some call it, most of us just bag it, bin it, or bundle it up for curbside collection. But not every city offers yard waste collection services. And even if yours does, there are other ways to make use of those extra grass clippings, twigs, leaves, and plants.

Each year we produce 32.9 million tons of green waste. Though most is recycled through municipal composting programs, 11.7 million tons of it get incinerated. Or worse, deposited in landfills where it takes up valuable space. Thankfully, reducing yard waste is easy. And by doing so, your yard will be the envy of the town.

Grasscycling

Grasscycling is perhaps the easiest way to reduce your green waste output. Instead of tossing grass clippings out, simply leave them on your lawn when mowing. They only take a couple weeks to break down, and they're great as fertilizer. By weight, grass makes up 50% of the yard waste we produce. Grasscycling is an effective way to decrease that number. Plus, it'll make your lawn look better than ever.

Home Composting

Home composting doesn't just apply to food waste, it's also perfect for grass clippings, shrub and plant trimmings, leaves, etc. To get the basics of household composting down pat, check out our post on the topic. Keep in mind, if you're looking at composting pine needles, they take longer than other materials to decompose. They'll also acidify your soil, so be sure to limit how much you include.

Mulching

For this, you might need a mulcher. If you don't have one, that's okay. They can be rented. Some lawnmowers also offer a mulching option for leaves and plant clippings. A thin coat of mulch is a healthy addition to any garden. It improves soil moisture, fertility, and limits the growth of weeds. It also adds aesthetic value. Leaves, grass clippings, and moss are all suitable. Items like branches, bark, and twigs can be woodchipped.

Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping is a method of landscaping that was developed for arid regions. That said, it can be implemented anywhere. With its emphasis on drought-resistant plants, it's a great way to conserve water resources. More than that, xeriscapes actually require less maintenance than a normal garden. That means less trimming and pruning, which also means less yard waste.

Though yard waste is organic, it's still waste. With these four tips, you can make your green waste greener and reap the benefits of a healthier yard.

We all know that beer and glass soda/pop/cola bottles should be recycled. You don't need a coach to tell you that. But can you recycle metal bottle caps? What do you do with them, other than clutter up the kitchen counter?As you may have guessed, metal bottle caps are recyclable, but there is a correct way to process them to ensure they don't get lost in the shuffle. Here's how:

Two different types of bottle caps

There are two types of bottle caps: steel and aluminum. Both types are made of recyclable materials, so you might think you can just throw them into your recycling cart. No problem, right?Turns out there is a problem: Your local recycling facility is an automated processing centre where materials are separated both by machines and by hand. Because of their size, these small, loose bottle caps fall through the screeners and end up being missed for recovery. And while the recycling facility is able to separate materials like glass, aluminum, steel and plastic containers, metal bottle caps are too small to be identified, so they often end up going to the landfill.

How to make sure your metal bottle caps go into the recycling stream

Getting those caps into the right recycling stream is easy. Just follow these simple steps:

Step 1:

First, separate your bottle caps into empty aluminum and steel cans. How can you tell if they're steel or aluminum? It just needs to pass a basic test: If it sticks to a magnet, it's steel. If not, then it's aluminum. Your bottle caps should then be grouped in cans of similar metal so they can be processed all together, so put your aluminum caps in an aluminum can and your steel caps into steel.

Step 2:

Once you've filled a can halfway with caps, crimp the can closed so the caps won't fall out during recycling collection or processing at the facility. Trapping them in the can ensures the caps are captured properly and reach the end cycle of the sorting process. Remember to not overfill the can with caps or you won't be able to crimp it closed.That's it! Now you can recycle those metal bottle caps!Note:Some bottle retailers also accept bottle caps with their take-back program. Ask your local retailer about their bottle cap policies and request appropriate disposal instructions.Also, in some cities you can recycle metal bottle caps without having to put them in a steel or aluminum can, so it's always wise to check first. If your city is part of the Recycle Coach Network, feel free to download our app to find out.