Smart Recycling:
Did you know that 92% of plastic is not recycled? There are certain guidelines we need to follow on how to recycle particular plastics. For example, the plastic used to make a water bottle is different from the cap, so these cannot be recycled together. Fortunately there are plenty of websites that explain how we can recycle different kinds of plastics. In honor of World Environment Day, let's get into some details that you can learn to optimize your recycling and reuse techniques.
When recycling plastics check the bottom of the item for a recycling symbol, and look for a number from 1 to 7 in the middle of that symbol. This is how they mark the different kinds of plastics. In Monroe Township, curbside recycling can only contain plastics number 1 and 2 along with glass, cardboard, paper, aluminum and steel cans. Make sure that the containers are cleaned and if they have caps remove them. Monroe Township does not accept any plastic bags containing recyclables so make sure to put them in a bin with a lid.
Now for the plastics numbered 3-7, some of these can be recycled, they just have to be brought somewhere. As I mentioned above the plastic used to make the water bottle is different from the plastic in the bottle cap. These caps cannot be tossed into your regular recycling bin, but can be taken to Whole Foods, who recycles caps and other plastics that are number 5. These plastics are given to a company called Preserve for use in their Gimme5 program. This company recycles number 5 plastics into toothbrushes, plates, cups and other items, which are recyclable. Their products are continually being used in this process.
Where to go:
There are many other stores that accept recyclables. Each store recycles different kinds of items. This is all free to do! All you have to do is make sure the items you are bringing are clean from any food residue and are properly organized so they can recycle them safely. Below are some stores that accept plastic bags, plastic wrap (ie. wrapping on paper towels) and other materials that fall under this umbrella:
- JCPenny
- Lowe's
- McCaffrey's
- Target
- Sam's Club
- Stop and Shop
- ShopRite
- Walmart
- Whole Foods
Please refer to the website recyclingnj.com for more information on what these stores take. This website also talks about how you can recycle other items and what to do with them! It is perfect because it is local and gives us information on all things recycling in our state!
Best Buy is also a store that will recycle for you. They take a wide range of electronics, you can find the particulars on their website. For example, they take cell phones, computers, small appliances, tvs, video game systems, cameras, gps systems, and more! They also come to your house to pick up big appliances like refrigerators, but this comes with a fee. Check out more particulars on their site. I will provide the link below.
Resources:
Another helpful tool you can use to figure out what to recycle and where is goes is an app called Recycle Coach. This app will give you information based on where you live or where you are. It tells you the recycling schedule and when they are going to be doing bulk pickups in your area. You can also type in, for example, “washing machine,” and it will tell you how you can recycle it, where you would need to take it, and who to contact. This app is free in the app store and can definitely help out a lot.
Another resource that is useful is the website earth911.com. This site talks about tons of ways to recycle or upcycle materials and also has a locator to find places near you. You can also read articles about products and other information to live a more sustainable lifestyle.
Reuse:
There are two companies that I would like mention that reuse some of our everyday products. The first is the Appalachian Wildlife Refuge. This company accepts cleaned mascara wands. So once you finished your tube of mascara, you can clean off the wand part, collect them, and once you have a good amount you can ship them to the refuge! They use these wands to remove fly eggs and larva from the fur and feathers of the animals they take in. Another company that you can send things to is Earthworks Systems. They are based in Ohio and actually take all sorts of PVC cards like expired credit cards, licenses, gift cards, hotel key cards, store loyalty cards, etc! About 10 billion cards are made each year and are usually thrown into the trash when their use is done. Instead of tossing them into the trash send them to Earthworks Systems. They make 100% recycled PVC cards and will continue to reuse and recycle expired/old ones. Just cut up your old licence, credit cards, loyalty cards, etc and send them in. They will properly be recycled and remade into new cards, all in America!
Recycling Facility:
TerraCycle is a company based in Trenton, New Jersey that takes just about everything out there and recycles it. They offer quite a few free programs where you can send them different branded items, like Solo Cups, Vans shoes, Tom’s Natural Brand, Colgate toothpaste, etc and they will recycle these items! They also offer packages where you can pay for a collection box for items like Keurig K-Cups. You send the box back to TerraCycle and they will recycle the items for you! This operation is all based in New Jersey and globally known! Please check out their website for more information regarding what they take and what is free vs what you would have to pay for.
I hope I was able to educate you with various ways to recycle. It is very important that we do recycle and recycle smart. Ultimately it is best to switch to reusable products like bottle, straws, and bags. Please recycle smart, we only have one Earth and it is up to us to take care of it. Please review the links at the bottom of this post for more information about anything that I talked about above.
Links
TerraCycle: https://www.terracycle.com/en-US
