Are you recycling correctly? Did you know that the wrong item in your recycling bin could contaminate an entire truckload? Here are the top 12 contaminants to keep OUT of your recycling bin:
1.) No recyclables in plastic bags, instead, empty loose recyclables in the bin but leave the plastic bag out.
2.) No food and liquids. Compost these items, or throw them in the trash.
3.) No Electronics and small appliances. Donate these items if in good condition, if not schedule a bulky item pickup. Earth911.com
4.) No textiles, bedding, rugs, and carpet. These items can also be donated if they are in good condition.
5.) No hoses, holiday lights, hangers, and extension cords. These go in the trash. If recycled they could wrap around equipment and then shut down a facility.
6.) No plastic bags, film sheeting, and flexible film packaging. These could also wrap around equipment. Take plastic bags to a grocer.
7.) No paper napkins, plates, cups, and tissues. However, you can recycle cardboard boxes and cardboard tubes!
8.) No polystyrene foam, foam, and plastic to-go containers. These items are not recyclable. Throw them in the trash.
9.) No tires, auto parts, and scrap metal. Contact local scrap recyclers or retail tire stores for options.
10.) No concrete, wood, and construction debris. Throw into trash or order a bin from Waste Management: 1 (866) 909-4458.
11.) No yard waste and wood, compost or visit salisburync.gov/Recycle for collection options
12.) No Non-Recyclable Plastic. Recycle only food and beverage bottles, jugs, and tubes.
Next time before you throw an item in the recycling bin, be sure to check for these containments. Remember to recycle often, and recycle right.