Sustainability Spotlight
The Dos and Don’ts of Proper Recycling
Did you know that 94% of Americans support recycling and 74% say it should be a priority? Most of us agree recycling is important, but are we doing it right? Maola is serious about sustainability and to make sure we’re all doing our best, we’ve put together a beginner’s guide to proper recycling:
DO:
- Separate Recyclable Materials
- Recyclable items may sometimes come packaged with non-recyclable materials, such as a plastic bottle (recyclable) with a label (non-recyclable), or a cardboard box (recyclable) with bubble wrap inside (non-recyclable). Be sure to separate these before disposing of them thoughtfully.
- Break It Down
- It is good practice to break down or flatten cardboard boxes to conserve space in your recycling bin. Cans, however, should not be crushed.
- Check Local Regulations
- Different municipalities will have different requirements for proper recycling so be sure to do your part and research your local facility’s guidelines.
DON’T:
- Recycle Plastic Bags
- Plastic bags clog up recycling equipment and ultimately end up in landfills. Look for recycling facilities with dedicated plastic bag pick-up. You’ll often spot these when walking into your favorite retailer.
- Put Dirty Items into Recycling Bins
- Remember to empty and rinse glass, metal, and plastic materials before recycling. Contaminated materials will go to landfills.
- Try to Recycle Yard Waste
- Most sorting facilities do not accept yard waste, so it is important to remember not to recycle yard waste with other recyclable materials. Many municipalities have dedicated curbside pickup days for yard waste.
Although recycling can be confusing sometimes, Maola wants you to know you’re not alone. Sustainability is a lifestyle, and we like to take it one day at a time.
