As a Richardson renter, you may be contemplating on what you can do to live more sustainably. For some people, sustainable living goes along with recycling plastic, cardboard, or other materials. However, what most people don’t understand is that not all of these materials can be recycled. Just because something is made with plastic, glass, metal, or cardboard doesn’t necessarily mean that it is recyclable. And adding non-recyclable items into a recycling bin is a major waste of time for you and the processing center, as well. Here are some practical points to effectively help you recycle the right way.
Plastics
To distinguish which plastic materials are recyclable and which aren’t, experts indicate going by container shape. Mainly, plastic bottles, jugs, jars, and tubs can be recycled. Just make certain to rinse out and dry each container just before putting it in the recycling bin.
Also, you have to be aware, the list of plastic items that cannot be recycled is fairly lengthy–and several may shock you. As an illustration, plastic utensils, and straws are not recyclable, but in fact, plastic food containers and water bottles oftentimes are. Other items that cannot be recycled comprise Styrofoam, plastic shower curtains, syringes, and medical waste.
Additionally, plastic shopping bags, shrink wrap, and other forms of plastic wrap should not be forwarded to your recycling center. These items clog up the machines and turn out ending up in the landfill eventually. On the contrary, they can normally be recycled separately at drop-off locations in grocery stores. One final matter, do not put recycling in bags – the bag will cause huge problems at the processing center.
Glass
Recycling glass can be a little more toilsome than some people ever think of, precisely because processing centers don’t accept many types of glass. In a lot of places, the centers don’t accept any glass at all. In others, only certain types of glass are accepted. Make it a point to ascertain the guidelines at your local processing center just prior to putting glass items in the bin.
However, a few kinds of glass are just not recyclable at all. These are windows and mirrors, eyeglasses, vases, oven-safe ceramic cookware or dishes, and fluorescent light tubes. Given that these parts have been treated with coatings or contain hazardous chemicals, they cannot be safely recycled and need to be disposed of by other means.
Metal
Exactly as with glass, not all processing centers take metal for recycling. Normally, if you have metal items you’d want to recycle, you’ll need to really look for a place specializing in metal recycling. Many regular processing centers will not permit metals like car parts, propane cylinders, aerosol cans, clothes hangers, and so on.
In the same manner, old televisions, and electronics cannot just be brought to your local recycling center. The electronic components of these items make them even more complex than the majority of recycling centers can manage. But instead, try to search for a local electronics shop that will accept your old electronics. Several companies will obtain old electronics, including cell phones and tablets, that are defective or no longer needed and used.
Cardboard, Paper, and Wood
Lots of varieties of cardboard, paper, and wood can be safely recycled, while others should be thrown in the trash bin instead. Newspapers, notebook paper, and magazines are all received freely at many processing centers. The same goes for flattened packing boxes, cereal boxes, and food delivery boxes. Untreated wood items are, moreover, typically okay, depending on what items your local recycling center can take.
Additionally, it’s essential to note that certain cardboard, paper, and wood types are not recyclable. This involves grease-soaked pizza boxes (a little bit of oil is okay), waxed paper cartons, and treated wood, containing painted or stained furniture. Books and some kinds of paper are similarly not recyclable, so it’s imperative to separate your paper items completely before placing them in your bin.
As a renter, you can definitely do a lot to help out your community by recycling correctly. But really, if your current neighborhood doesn’t assist you in your aspirations for more sustainability, Real Property Management One Source can surely help! You can freely check out our listings online or call at 214-960-1612.
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