Recycling is one of the easiest ways to reduce waste and protect the environment. By recycling common household items, we can conserve natural resources, save energy, and reduce the strain on landfills.
While the process might seem simple, it’s important to know how to properly dispose of different types of materials. Incorrect recycling practices can lead to contamination, which may cause recyclable items to end up in landfills instead of being processed.
At Junk Holler, we’re dedicated to responsible junk removal and helping our community in Boise, Nampa, Meridian, and Caldwell properly dispose of household waste. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the recycling process for common household items to help you make a positive impact on the environment. Contact us today to learn more!
Recycling household items reduces the demand for raw materials, helps conserve natural resources, and lowers energy consumption. For example, recycling aluminum cans saves 95% of the energy needed to make new ones from raw materials. Similarly, recycling plastic reduces the need for new plastic production, which helps cut down on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
Choosing to recycle reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, which helps minimize pollution and protect the water supply from hazardous chemicals. When you recycle correctly, you’re contributing to a cleaner, greener future for your community and the planet.
Different items need to be recycled in different ways depending on their materials. Here’s a breakdown of how to recycle some of the most common items found in your home:
Plastic containers, bottles, and bags are some of the most common recyclable materials. However, not all plastics are the same. Check the resin number on the bottom of the item to see if your local recycling program accepts it.
Glass bottles and jars can be recycled, but they should be rinsed clean first. Broken glass often requires special handling, so it’s best to check with local recycling centers for guidelines. Avoid recycling glass items like mirrors or light bulbs, as they may not be accepted.
Paper products such as newspapers, magazines, and cereal boxes are generally recyclable if they are free of food waste. Items like dirty diapers, tissue boxes, and gift wrap should not be recycled. Recycling paper reduces the demand for virgin resources and promotes the use of recycled content into new products, thus promoting sustainability.
Aluminum cans, metal bottle caps, and food cans are metals that are commonly recycled, but items like aerosol cans or large metal appliances may need to be taken to a recycling center.
Electronics such as old batteries, computers, and TVs should never be thrown in the trash or recycling bins due to the hazardous materials they contain. Instead, they should be taken to an electronics recycling facility or a retailer that can recycle electronics.
Items like motor oil, paint, and cleaning chemicals are considered hazardous and require special handling. Never pour these down the drain or throw them in the trash. Most communities have local recycling programs or special drop-off events for disposing of hazardous materials.
Instead of throwing away old shoes or clothes, consider donating them to a local charity or animal shelter. Many charities and non-profits accept used clothing, giving these items a new life while also helping those in need.
At Junk Holler, we’re committed to helping residents in Boise, Nampa, Meridian, and Caldwell responsibly dispose of their unwanted items. Whether it’s through recycling, donating, or properly disposing of hazardous waste, we ensure that as much as possible is kept out of landfills. Contact us at Junk Holler today to learn more about how we can help with your junk removal and recycling needs!
Common items that should not go in your curbside bin include plastic bags, hazardous waste, electronics, and broken glass. These items require special handling and should be taken to a designated recycling center or drop-off location.
Contaminated recycling can lead to an entire batch being sent to the landfill. It’s important to follow your local recycling guidelines to avoid contamination and ensure that your recyclables are properly processed.
You can check with your local government or visit their website to find a list of recycling centers and drop-off locations near you.
Bubble wrap and packing peanuts are usually not accepted in curbside recycling programs, but some stores and shipping centers may take them back for reuse.
