Wait before you toss that plastic container with the remnants of this morning’s grits and sausage into the recyling bin.
It on the list of things that many recycling places won’t take because there’s not a market for it, they can’t collect enough, the expense, but most importantly, it makes the planet healthier.
Also at issue is that which items can be recycled, may vary from state to state and even at the municipal level.
Plastic bags and cords can clog the recycling machinery. Most grocery stores, though, have bins where you can reycle plastic shopping bags.
The most common items that are almost universally collected for recycling in curbside programs across the country are paper, bottles and cans (plastic and metal), according to Brenda Pulley, senior vice president/recycling, with Keep American Beautiful in Washington, D.C
Other items such as plastic bags, electronics and textiles are recyclable - just not at curbside.
Here are 7 things don’t to put in your curbside bins. When in doubt, check with your local recycling companies or municipality.
- Plastic-coated papers
- Packing materials
- Boxes that have been soaked by food waste
- Plastic bags
- Clothes and texcile
- Light bulbs
- Paint products
Christmas lights or electric cables
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