BECOME A RECYCLING SUPERSTAR

By Heather Behrens

The triangle of arrows symbol is a common sight, but it can be easy to forget that the triangle represents 3 steps. To lessen negative impact on our environment, first consider where your household can reduce consumption or reuse items rather than throwing them away.

When you can’t reduce or reuse (including gifting to someone else), check if the item can be recycled. Not everything with the recycling symbol on it can be recycled here, so check what items are accepted by your recycling pick-up service. Taking a moment to make sure something is recyclable makes a big difference!

HERE'S A STARTER GUIDE TO BECOMING A RECYCLING PRO!

It's easier than you might think to form good recycling habits. Download a handy recycling flyer at Waukee.org/GarbageandRecycling to post on your fridge or next to your bin as an easy reminder. Get the kids involved! They can learn to sort recyclables at a young age, and it can be an easy chore that teaches responsibility.

Don't be fooled!

Some items that should not go in your recycle bin might surprise you:

• Berry, fruit and veggie containers, as well as many other thin plastic containers. Generally, if it doesn't have a twist off lid, it's not recyclable.

• To-go Tupperware, takeout containers or Cool Whip containers

• Paper beverage cups (like your coffee) go in the trash. The coating inside makes them hard to recycle.

• Plastic bags or wrapping of any kind

• Pizza boxes or other cardboard containers with food residue. Remnants of food waste on items can contaminate a whole load of clean recyclables.

Not everything can go in the trash. How do you know if something is considered hazardous waste?

Hazardous materials are those with labels that are marked flammable, toxic, corrosive or say, "keep out of reach of children." Items like oil, gas, pesticides, fertilizers, fluorescent light bulbs, furniture polish and household cleaners, such as those used in ovens, contain hazardous ingredients that should not go in your regular trash. Take them to a hazardous waste drop-off site or event instead. Metro Northwest Transfer Station site in Grimes is open on select Saturdays or by appointment.

Put It In The Recycle Bin

Plastics

• Accepted: twist-top plastic bottles (rinsed or cleaned of any food residue), such as laundry detergent, soda bottles, food jars (cleaned), shampoo bottles, squeeze bottles (ketchup or mustard), etc.

• Accepted: margarine/butter and yogurt tubs that come with lids. Other plastic containers are not accepted.

• Empty medication bottles are recyclable when empty; remove the label or black out the information on it.

• Squeeze bottle tops that you can't get residue out of can go in the trash.

• Trash instead: containers made of thinner plastics, Tupperware, etc.

Waxy, coated food and beverage cartons (rinsed out)

• Examples: milk, juice and soup broth

Put It In The Trash

• Plastic bags (Many grocery stores and mass retailers accept plastic bags for recycling. Just drop them into the designated bin.)

• Plastic packaging, including wraps, film, bubble wrap, etc.

• Aluminum foil and baking tins, even cleaned or unused

• Disposable cups, plates, utensils and bags, including your to-go coffee cup

• Plastic containers, including those for berries/ fruits, vegetables, chocolates, candies; the exception is thicker plastic containers for yogurt and butter/margarine that came with lids

• Food contaminated items, such as pizza boxes, paper plates, etc.

• Styrofoam, including to-go containers, egg containers, cups, packing materials, etc.

• Tissues, toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, and napkins

• Light bulbs

Glass

(cleaned

of any food/drink residue)

• No need to remove paper labels

• Lids or bottle caps can be removed and recycled (if an accepted material)

• Trash instead: treated glass like mirrors, window glass, dinnerware, drinkware, and ceramics.

Paper

• Accepted: newspaper, glossy inserts, magazines, mixed paper junk mail, phone books, envelopes

• Accepted: mail with a clear plastic seal and envelopes with plastic windows

• Accepted: shredded paper contained in a paper sack or cardboard box (no plastic!); paper is more valuable in larger pieces, so only shred documents containing personal information

• Accepted: cards, wrapping paper and gift bags without glitter, sparkly or metallic details

• Trash instead: If it glitters, shimmers, or shines, throw it away; handles from gift bags, bows, ribbons and tissue paper should also go in the trash

Aluminum, tin and aerosol cans (non-hazardous

contents)

• For food cans, rinse first, but you don't need to remove paper labels. Drop lids inside the can if they're loose.

Cardboard

• Pull the packing material out; Styrofoam and plastic aren’t recyclable

• Break it down to fit into the cart

• Trash instead: pizza boxes or any other container with food residue on it

* When in doubt, do not put the item in the recycling bin. Contamination can result in the whole bin being thrown out or can cause damage to machines that process recyclable items. Remember to put items in loose rather than in a plastic bag.

• E-waste, such as broken and old cameras, TVs or computers. Alternatively, check with the brand for recycling options or take e-waste to a Metro Hazardous Waste Drop-Off site to be recycled for $0.50 per pound.

NOT Accepted in Trash

• Tires

• Appliances

• Hazardous materials, such as motor oil, antifreeze, oil filters, stains, varnishes, paint (except latex paint dried out in the can), lawn and garden chemicals, pesticides, etc.

• Disinfectants and household cleaners, such as those used for floors, glass, etc.

• Construction debris, such as concrete, shingles, wood pallets, etc.

• Sharp items, including needles and syringes

• Propane

• Yard waste (Grass, branches, leaves, plant clippings, dirt, sod); this can go on your curb on designated collection days in paper bags or marked reusable containers

Additional Resources

Waukee.org/GarbageandRecycling: Find tips to reduce, reuse and recycle as well as information on recycling services for Waukee residents, including accepted items, pick-up schedules and more.

MWAtoday.com/waste-recycling/ recycling-disposal-guide/: This handy guide tells you what items are recyclable or not and how to recycle special or odd items.