Recycling begins at home. Communities can help by providing recycling facilities and containers. Recyclables will not end up in containers or facilities unless individuals make the effort.
Backyard composting is an excellent way to recycle organic matter. Potato peels, carrots, lettuce all can be composted. Do not compost meats, bones or fats because they will create rodent and insect problems. Proteins such as meats do not break down in the same manner as plant material.
Some states will pay for glass and aluminum if they are dropped off at certain stores or recycling stations. Aluminum cans can be crushed and sold at many locations. Recycling not only helps the environment it pays. Start at home by separating recyclables. Look for the recyclable label that is on many containers. Separate by plastic, paper, glass and aluminum.
Paper products such as heavy cardboard and newspapers can be recycled. Many city waste haulers will provide container for households to separate their recyclables. Use colored bags to separate items if containers are not provided. Incorporate a trip to the recycling facility on weekends and get the children involved. Make recycling part of their daily routine. Households soon after starting a recycling program will see a drastic reduction in the number of bags they carry to the curb every week.
Items that cannot be recycled can be left at the curb in paper bags, which will biodegrade quickly in the landfills. According to some studies, plastic can last hundreds if not thousands of years in a landfill. Paper bags and cardboard will decompose in about 60 days.Keep looking, there’s more: 5 Things You Might Not Know About Composting