The Unites States produces over 251 million tons of trash each year. Only about 32 percent of that is recycled. As you fill your trash bags each week, you may think that a single individual or family can't make a big difference, but every piece of recycled trash helps. Over the course of a year, the average American uses over 680 pounds of paper alone. Add aluminum cans, plastic jugs and cardboard boxes into this and we are each responsible for a hefty amount of waste. Over one-third of the average garbage dump is composed of packaging material alone. Take control of the trash in your household and begin recycling-it can make a big difference. These easy steps should get you well on your way.
Instructions
Setting Up a System
1. Designate your bins for recycling. Ideally, you should try to recycle aluminum, paper, glass and plastic. The fifth trash bin is for all other materials. Label each bin clearly, and put them near the kitchen, or somewhere that is as convenient as possible.
2. Find a recycling center. You can visit Earth911.org, in the resources section of this article, to find a recycling center near you. Simply enter your zip code and the material that needs to be recycled. If you are lucky enough to have curbside recycling in your neighborhood, find out what they recycle and how it needs to be sorted.
3. Schedule a weekly trip. If you have family, friends or neighbors who would also like to start recycling, you may be able to organize something of a carpool. If four families work together, each one will only need to pick up everyone's recycling and drop it off at a collection center once a month.
Preparing Your Items for Recycling
4. Wash out cans and jars. You don't need to leave these items perfectly clean, but you should at least rinse out any food or drink containers before putting them in the recycling bin.
5. Remove non-recyclable components. Take the staples out of paper, remove the lids from jugs and jars, and check with your recycling center to see if any other actions should be taken to ensure that your items are ready for recycling.
6. Get everyone involved. Make sure that every member of your family knows what's going on and understands your system. Include pictures of the recyclable items on each bin to help children understand what goes where.
