Top 10 Items to Recycle

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Image courtesy of scottchan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

While environmental issues are constantly changing, recycling is an action that is always helpful to preserve our planet. According to Green Waste, the average person produces about 4.5 pounds of trash every day. While approximately 75% of solid waste is actually recyclable, it appears that only 30% of it is actually recycled. To help you with your recycling efforts, we've collected the top 10 most important items to recycle - check them out below!

1. Aluminum: Aluminum cans are 100% recyclable, and in fact, they can be recycled multiple times! See our previous blog for a list of aluminum made materials that should be recycled.

2. PET Plastic Bottles: Did you know that making plastic out of recycled resources actually uses two-thirds less energy than making new plastic? Plastic bottles are the most commonly used form of plastic, which often makes them the easiest to recycle! Make sure to especially recycle your water and soda bottles.

3. Newspaper: By recycling newspapers, you can help to conserve resources, save energy, and reduce the amount of waste in landfills! So, once you've finished reading, make sure to recycle instead of tossing your paper into the trash.

4. Corrugated Cardboard: Old corrugated cardboard makes up a significant portion of the waste in our commercial waste stream. Any boxes received from UPS or other delivery services should go straight in the recycling bin once items are emptied.

5. Steel Cans: Steel cans are similar to aluminum in that they can be recycled multiple times without altering the steel's quality. In addition to aluminum products, our previous blog also lists steel materials that should be recycled.

6. HDPE Plastic Bottles: HDPE stands for high-density polyethylene - a common, more dense plastic commonly used for detergents, bleach, shampoo, and milk jugs. This material can be identified by a logo on the bottom of the container. Before recycling, check the number that falls within the logo, since specific numbers (3-7) are only recyclable in certain areas.

7. Glass: Recycling glass containers helps to significantly reduce air and water pollution while also saving energy. Any glass bottles, containers, or products should be recycled.

8. Magazines: Though magazines seem to be composed of a different paper than newspaper, that doesn't mean it's not recyclable! Any old magazines should be placed in the recycling bin along with your newspapers.

9. Mixed Paper: Essentially, any product made of paper belongs in the recycling bin!

10. Computers: Depending on your location, computers can be recycled in a couple of ways. If your computer still works, consider donating it to a friend or family member. If it is entirely unusable, locate a recycling center in your area that accepts electronics to keep your e-waste out of landfills.

By making an effort to recycle each day, you help to improve the quality of the environment that surrounds us. The next time you use any of these items, make sure you think before you act and send them to the recycling bin instead of the trash!

At Boro Wide Recycling, we work to keep our planet safe by providing comprehensive recycling services to commercial and residential customers. Join us in our efforts! Contact us to learn how we can help you in your recycling efforts, and don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news in recycling efforts and eco-friendly tips.