Everyone knows that recycling is important for the sustainability and overall health of our planet. It also contributes to economic growth on a local scale and beyond. However, many people make mistakes when recycling that can adversely affect the effectiveness of this much-needed global endeavor. Instead of guessing what can and cannot be recycled, potentially resulting in mismanaged waste, follow these tips to become the best recycler you can be. If you need some large-scale recycling bins, check out a great rental company here.

Do’s of Recycling

• Buy Recycled Products. Being a good recycler doesn’t only depend on what you’re throwing away. Purchasing products made of recycled materials can also be a significant contribution to cutting down on the amount of waste that is sent to landfills unnecessarily.
• Verify Plastics. Many people are unaware that most plastics are recyclable, and as a result, many items that can be recycled end up taking up room in a landfill instead. To avoid this needless waste of recyclable material, check your city’s website to see which plastics they allow in blue bins.
• Flatten Cardboard. Not only does flattening cardboard give you more space in your bin and make it easier for pickup, but some cities actually mandate that you break down boxes in order to have them picked up. Whether for convenience or necessity, always make sure you flatten your cardboard.

Don’ts of Recycling

• Don’t Put Electronics in the Blue Bin. Electronics should never end up in your garbage, and they are in fact recyclable. However, they should be dropped off at a site meant for electronics, as there are valuable components in them, and they need to be handled differently.
• Don’t Recycle Plastic Bags. Although many people wish to recycle plastic bags, these are meant to be single-use plastics and are not compatible with the processing that is required at recycling plants. These bags should not be recycled, and that’s why it’s better to avoid their use entirely.
• Don’t Include Food with Recycling. If you recycle items that still have whole food in them or containers that aren’t rinsed, the contamination can result in an entire bin being thrown away. To be recyclable, things have to be clean, so make sure you don’t put anything in the bin that still has food or food residue on/in it.