Understanding Recycling Better, and the Recycle Smart MA Resource

Posted by: ella.nielsen44 // Student

It can certainly be confusing nowadays as to what you can or can't recycle. Recycle Smart MA is an initiatve of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and has put it's efforts in effectively explaining recycling to the average citizen.

Here's a quick overview of what you can recycle:

Metal

- Food and beverage cans (empty and rinse)

Plastic

- Bottles, Jars, Jugs, and Tubs (empty and replace cap)

- NO plastic bags or plastic wrap

Glass

- Bottles and Jars (empty and replace cap)

Paper and Cardboard

- Mixed Paper, Newspaper, Magazines, and Boxes (empty, flatten, and make sure there isn't food & liquid remnances)

Overall, do not bag your recyclables, make sure all materials are food/liquid free, clothing should not be recycled - instead use your local donation program, and no tanglers - hoses, wires, chains, or electronics.

Since we now have a quick overview of what and what not to recycle, how can we all be better at reducing our carbon footprint? Spread the word! By explaining this to more and more people, there will hopefully be less plastic bags in household recycling. In fact, plastic bags are the number one cause of ruined recyclables. Sadly, if you put your recycling in a plastic trash bag, it will get treated as trash. At the recycling sorting facility, plastic bags end up getting caught in the machinary, causing the machines to stop and shut down, and increase risk for workers.

For more information, check out the Recycle Smart MA site: 
https://recyclesmartma.org/

 

Image: https://recyclesmartma.org/smart-recycling-guide/