Here’s a great project to help!
Find a sheltered area (garage or carport) to place some plastic boxes (http://www.stacksandstacks.com/sterilite-tote-box-30-gallons-18351006) or bins (http://www.stacksandstacks.com/stacking-recycling-bins-rsb-20). Make sure it’s a convenient location so you will be more likely to use them. Use bins or boxes that can easily be lifted and placed in your car, and that have a clear, visible place for a label. If you have more vertical that horizontal space, try a Bin Organizer (http://www.stacksandstacks.com/home-organizer-box-storage-organizer). You can even leave the lids off and pull the bins out like giant drawers!
Most of us already have bins or containers to collect paper, aluminum cans, and plastic containers. But did you know there are other items that you use every day that can (and should) be recycled? Below are some of these items. Divide and assign your bins as follows:
- E-Waste - Electronic Devices, cords, cell phones, batteries, computer parts, etc.
- Sharp objects – razor blades, needles (Did you know it’s illegal to put these in the trash?)
- Old Clothes - donate to thrift stores or shelters, or use as rags.
- Water Filter Cartridges – Whole Foods Market has a recycling program for these, as do some of the filter companies themselves.
- Metal – This can be sold for scrap. This includes hangers - Did you know we toss 8 billion hangers in landfills each year? Consider donating them to thrift stores, too.
- Ink Cartridges and light bulbs - Staples and Home Depot will recycle these.
- Miscellaneous – Items for reuse in some form. My box has a bag of wine corks for a future craft project, and a few small wooden boxes to repaint and re-purpose.
- Used spray bottles, plastic bottles and containers – These are great for homemade products such as lotions, shampoo, cleaners, etc. Small ones can be reused as travel sized containers for toiletries.
- Packing peanuts – Can be dropped off at most shipping stores.
- Building Supplies (Paint, wood, extra stuff) – Great for small side projects and crafts.
Here’s a tip: Go to Earth911 (www.earth911.ocom) to find drop off locations in your area for each of these items. Write the drop off locations and directions on the box. Then simply pop a box or two in the car with you if you know you’ll be close to one of the drop-off locations while you’re out. Many of the above items can also be placed on Craigslist under Free Stuff, or on Freecycle.org.
It’s only a few extra minutes of our time, but it can make an impact on our environment.
Some helpful websites:
Here’s a great website with lots of info on waste reduction and recycling tips: SanDiego.gov (http://www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services/recycling/consumer.shtml)
There's a good list of organizations where Canadians can donate used goods at CharityVillage.com (http://charityvillage.com/cv/charityvillage/donate.asp)
Got any reuse and recycle tips to share?
