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How to do Separate Waste Collection

As a responsible citizen, it’s essential to know how to recycle properly. Unfortunately, many people still make mistakes when it comes to recycling, often due to lack of information or laziness. In this article, we’ll provide you with an exhaustive guide on how to recycle correctly, including symbols, lists, and tips.

What is Recycling?

Recycling is a system for collecting and processing different types of waste materials to produce new products. The goal is to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and conserve natural resources. By recycling, we can:

  • Save energy and raw materials
  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
  • Lower landfill costs
  • Create jobs and stimulate local economies

Getting Started with Recycling

Before you start recycling, make sure you know the rules and modalities in your area. Your local government usually provides guidelines and schedules for collection days. If you’re new to an area or haven’t received information, ask at the local offices or download it from the official website.

In most cities, recycling is done through a “door-to-door” system. Place your recyclables on the curb on designated days, and they’ll be collected by the waste management team. However, some areas still use traditional collection bins at public points.

Recycling Symbols

Familiarize yourself with these symbols to identify what can and cannot be recycled:

  • PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): water bottles, shampoo bottles
  • PEHD (Polyethylene High-Density): detergent flasks, yogurt containers
  • PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): food containers, pipes
  • PELD (Polyethylene Low-Density): bread bags, plastic wrap
  • PP (Polypropylene): food containers, bottle caps
  • PS (Polystyrene): foam cups, take-out containers

Recycling Guidelines

Here are some specific guidelines for each material:

Plastic Recycling

  1. Clean and flatten items like bottles, flasks, and containers.
  2. Remove labels and any non-plastic parts.
  3. Compress plastic to save space in the recycling bin.
  4. Include items like:
    • Bottles
    • Flasks
    • Containers (food and drinks)
    • Plastic bags
    • Plastic wrap

Avoid throwing away:

  • Bacinelles, microondes, silicone molds, toys for kids, rigid plastic parts without a symbol.
  • Shampoo bottles with metal caps or lids
  • Plastic containers with food residue
  • Plastic bags with holes or tears
  • CDs and DVDs (they’re made from plastic but can’t be recycled in most curbside programs)

Paper Recycling

  1. Clean and flatten paper products like newspapers, cardboard, and cartons.
  2. Remove staples, glue, and any non-paper materials.
  3. Include items like:
    • Newspaper
    • Cardboard
    • Cartons (milk, juice, etc.)
    • Paper towel rolls
    • Junk mail

Avoid throwing away:

  • Plastic-covered paper products
  • Stickers with plastic or metal parts
  • Magazines and catalogs with glossy pages
  • Newspaper inserts with glue or staples
  • Brown paper bags with handles attached to them (they’re not recyclable in most curbside programs)

Glass Recycling

  1. Clean glass containers thoroughly.
  2. Remove lids, labels, and any non-glass materials.
  3. Include items like:
    • Glass bottles
    • Glass jars
    • Soda cans

Avoid throwing away:

  • Tinted or coated glass (it can’t be recycled)
  • Mirrors and windows
  • Pyrex or other heat-resistant glassware (they’re not recyclable in most curbside programs)

Metal Recycling

  1. Clean metal products like aluminum cans, steel cans, and foil.
  2. Remove lids, labels, and any non-metal materials.
  3. Include items like:
    • Aluminum cans
    • Steel cans
    • Foil (aluminum or tin)
    • Metal lids

Avoid throwing away:

  • Tinned or coated metal products (they can’t be recycled)
  • Aluminum foil with plastic or wax coating
  • Copper and brass products (they’re often sent to specialty recycling centers)

Electronic Waste Recycling

  1. Sort electronics by type, such as computers, phones, and televisions.
  2. Remove batteries, cords, and any non-electronic materials.
  3. Include items like:
    • Computers
    • Phones
    • Televisions
    • Printers

Avoid throwing away:

  • Bulky appliances (they’re often sent to landfills)
  • Large CRT monitors or TVs (they can’t be recycled in most curbside programs)
  • Electronic devices with lithium-ion batteries (some recycling centers may not accept them)

Tips for Effective Recycling

  1. Know your local recycling rules and guidelines.
  2. Keep recyclables separate from trash.
  3. Remove lids, labels, and any non-recyclable materials.
  4. Flatten paper products to save space in the recycling bin.
  5. Compost food waste (if allowed in your area).
  6. Recycle glass and metal separately.
  7. Consider donating or repurposing items that can’t be recycled.

Common Recycling Mistakes

  1. Not knowing what’s recyclable in your area.
  2. Leaving non-recyclable materials in the recycling bin.
  3. Not cleaning and preparing recyclables properly.
  4. Using plastic bags for packaging (they’re often not recyclable).
  5. Not removing lids or labels from containers.

What Happens to Your Recycled Materials?

Recycling is a complex process that involves collection, sorting, processing, and manufacturing. Here’s an overview of what happens to your recycled materials:

  1. Collection: Recyclables are collected by the waste management team.
  2. Sorting: Materials are sorted by type (e.g., paper, plastic, glass).
  3. Processing: Materials are processed into raw materials.
  4. Manufacturing: Raw materials are used to produce new products.

The Benefits of Recycling

Recycling has numerous benefits for individuals, communities, and the environment:

  1. Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
  2. Saves energy and raw materials
  3. Conserves landfill space
  4. Creates jobs and stimulates local economies
  5. Helps to preserve natural resources

By following these guidelines and tips, you can make a positive impact on the environment by recycling effectively at home.

Conclusion

Recycling is an essential practice that requires knowledge, attention to detail, and dedication. By understanding what’s recyclable in your area, preparing materials properly, and participating in curbside programs, you can make a significant difference in reducing waste and conserving natural resources. Remember to stay informed about local recycling rules and guidelines, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re unsure.

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