5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When You Recycle Scrap metal recycling is being propagated by many and is highly beneficial economically as well as ecologically. There are many people who are actively involved in this process. However, the question is whether the recycling is being done in the correct way or not. It is of no use recycling something the incorrect way; you might just be adding on to the already existing problems! So, here’s how you avoid a few common recycling mistakes:
1. Not Separating: Are you going for a single stream or dual stream recycling plan? Well, it is essential for you to know what kind of recycling programme you are a part of. Single stream recycling allows you to dump many materials like paper, cardboard, plastic, metals and glass for recycling, in one single place. However, dual stream recycling does not offer you the same; you need to separate each material and then proceed with the recycling process. So, it is essential that you decide what recycling programme are you considering and you strictly follow the same.
2. Keeping Plastic Bags On Metal Products: It is important that you do away with the plastic bags before you put in your scrap metals for recycling. Well, remember that you are recycling metals and not plastic bags. Also, if you want to recycle the plastic bags, take them to a centre which recycles plastics. It is in fact better just not to use plastics or return them to the grocery store that also provides you with the option of doing so.
3. Including Non-Recyclable Materials: Some things cannot be recycled, no matter what, because of the materials they are made up of. So, these things are going to end up in the dumping yard as it is in the end. Hence, it is better you do not take these things to the recycling centre; they will be rejected immediately.
4. Unclean Materials: Any type of unclean, greasy object is a strict no-no for recycling. No contamination is accepted by any recycling centre. So, it is essential that you clean whatever you wish to recycle. Anything that cannot be cleaned like the greasy pizza box or the oily Chinese takeout carton should not be even considered for recycling.
5. Stripping off the Bottles and Cans: Do not unnecessarily waste your time by removing the labels of the bottles and cans off their labels. The recycling centre does not expect you to do the same. So, it is simply a waste of time. Just collect them and dump them into the recycling bin or hand them over to the metal recycling company. Similar is the case with staples or other metal fasteners in paper and cardboard products. Recycling is a very positive step to take for making the world a better place to live in. However, doing it effectively is of utmost importance of recycling.