Moving can not only be hard on you, but it can also add a lot of waste to the environment. When you're planning your move, make sure you take into consideration the time and effort of properly disposing of items and try to choose packing products that can be recycled.
So whether it's plastics, computers or paint, use this list to help determine what can be recycled and how.
How to Recycle
Most cities and neighborhoods have recycling systems in place, whether it's curbside pick-up or recycling depots, sometimes referred to as "sort and drop", conveniently scattered across neighborhoods. But before you start to recycle, there are some things you need to do. First, find out if the products can be recycled and if so, rinse out all cans and bottles, remove lids from jars, sort paper by types and place in the appropriate bins for removal.For people living in the US and Canada, you can find out how your city or town recycles by logging onto www.earth911.org then type in your zip code or postal code. You'll see links to all the resources offered in your area, including how to recycle hazardous products and unwanted electronics, cell phones and other devices that would otherwise sit for centuries in our landfills.
For larger items that are still in working condition, always remember that many non-profit societies will gladly accept the donation.
So, What Can be Recycled?
When you're planning your move, keep in mind the things that are easy to recycle versus the materials that aren't. Try to be as earth-friendly as possible when purchasing packing supplies. Although packing popcorn provides a great cushion against bumps, they're made from Styrofoam which cannot be recycled and ends up in our landfill. Instead, use blankets, sheets, and towels to protect fragile items. And while reusing cardboard boxes is not always a good idea, especially for extremely breakable objects, grocery stores, wine stores and other shops will gladly donate boxes to you for your move. Just make sure they're strong and can withstand the weight you need them to hold.With that in mind, here's a list of things that can be recycled and materials that can't.
Easy to Recycle
- Plastic: Check the bottom of bottles or containers for the triangle sign, which will contain a number. The number indicates the grade of plastic that the object is made from. Grades 1 and 2 are the easiest to recycle and something that can be put into your household bin. Higher numbers, such as 3 to 6, will probably require special handling. Find out by going to the website listed above.
- Glass: Most glass can be recycled and should be recycled as it takes a long time to decompose. Colored glass, such as green and brown can also be recycled. Just rinse, remove the lid and place in your bin.
- Aluminum: All cans can be recycled. Again, rinse and place in your bin. Despite what some people think, tin foil or foil wrap can also be recycled.
- Paper: All paper can be recycled, including photocopy paper (white), colored paper, and thicker card stock. Junk mail, magazines, newspaper, telephone books and envelopes can also be placed in your paper recycling bin.
Before you send your family-friendly magazines, greeting cards, and calendars to the recycling bin, check your city's website to find out if there are any "reuse fairs" going on. A reuse fair collects magazines, greeting cards, old jewelry, craft supplies, colored paper and other items that are then sorted and donated to community non-profit organizations in the area. Such donations are often used for craft activities or given to schools to assist with art supplies. It's a great way to recycle and it helps put a smile on a child's face!
- Cardboard: All unwaxed cardboard can be recycled, but it must be in good condition - not too used. Used boxes that have grease stains or are falling apart will not be accepted.
- Electronics: While electronics themselves really can't be recycled, they can be reused or disassembled for parts. Again, find out how to recycle electronic items before you dump them in the garbage. Such devices that can usually be donated are cell phones, computer equipment, printer cartridges, stereos, televisions, and radios.
Materials That Cannot be Recycled
- Styrofoam
- Some higher grades of plastic
- Waxed or laminated papers or paper that has been contaminated by food or oil: this includes milk cartons
- Plate glass and mirrors
- Pottery and china
- Medications: Note that medications should not be thrown into the landfill or washed down the sink. Find out how to properly dispose of medications here.
Materials that are Toxic and Need to be Properly Disposed of
For more information on materials that need to be properly disposed of, and those you should not pack and take with you, check out the article, What Not to Pack. Also, find out how to properly dispose of toxic substances by contacting your local EPA office.- House cleaning materials that are labeled toxic
- Paints, solvents
- Automobile oils, antifreeze and fluids
- Pesticides, fertilizers, weed killer and other poisonous materials
- Aerosols and kerosene
- Car batteries and nickel cadmium batteries
