Full disclosure: I used to not recycle. I know, I know, but at least I’m being honest people! The truth is, I’m a sucker for time efficiency, so when a recycling bin wasn’t super accessible, I would break the cardinal recycling rules.
I have made major improvements in my own day to day recycling routine with one simple weekend project: organizing my recycling system. My trick was keeping my system really cohesive, attractive, and most importantly accessible. Here are 7 ideas that helped me break my bad habit and go that extra recycling mile!
1. Car Recycling Bags: Most of recycling blunders happen when people are out of their home and lacking a reliable recycling bin. These pre-labeled folding recycling bags are perfect to store in the car trunk so that the recycling sorting process is a no-brainer. image via Amazon
2. In-Home Recycling Center: If you’re looking for some extra recycling sorting and storage, here’s an idea: use metal drawers for aluminum, plastic, and paper receptacles, like these Elfa drawers. via Popular Mechanics.
3. Battery Jar: Designate a mason jar or repurposed pickle jar as a battery recycler. Place the jar next to where you keep unused batteries, so that it’s right there when you’re switching them out. Once the jar is full, drop it off at a battery recycling location on your errand route. To find one near you, search here! via Made by Laks
4. Hazardous Materials Bin: Place a bin in the garage or backyard for hazardous waste, such as paints, lightbulbs, or used electronics. Keeping these items out of the regular trash bin and away from the family will be good for your health and the environments! Here’s a list of common hazardous household items. via Better Home and Garden
5. Drawer Paper Recycler: If you have an empty, extra drawer in the kitchen, designate it as a newspaper and magazine recycler. via Better Homes and Gardens
6. Travel-Sized Disposable Bins: These disposable bins are great for using in the car or on a picnic. Just make sure to bring two wherever you go: 1 for recyclables, and 1 for non-recyclables. via Container Store
7. Recyclable Craft Center: This idea is definitely extra credit. A recycling center that doubles as a craft supply zone for the kids is ingenious! This way the family can recycle old bottles and papers into nifty art projects. via Handmade Charlotte
For advice on what and what not to recycle, check out What Can I Recycle? by Waste Management.
Featured Image via Gessato.