We all know that recycling is important.  And over 80% of Americans have curbside recycling pickup (at least for paper products, if not for all recyclable materials).  But it remains a fact that many people simply toss all of their trash into the same trash can, sending it all to the landfill.  This is likely because people tend to do what is easiest—and, for many people, recycling at home isn’t set up to be easy.

Because of this, creating a recycling bin center at home could be a great idea for many people.  If more people had recycling bins that were easily accessible and simple to use, more people would begin to sort their trash.  Furthermore, constructing a recycling bin center doesn’t have to require any building skills or difficult work.  People can even select the style of bins that they like best.

Before Beginning

While virtually everyone is able to recycle paper through either curbside pickup or through taking it to a recycling center, other items may or may not be recyclable in certain areas.  Therefore, it is best to check with the municipality to note what can be recycled in the area.  In addition, find out how often recyclables are picked up, if there is pickup service, as this may affect the size of the bins to be used in creating the recycling bin center.

It is also important to learn whether or not the municipality requires sorting of the recyclables.  This will affect the number of bins used in the recycling bin center.  If sorting is not required, two bins will be needed, one for trash and one for recyclables.  If sorting is required, four bins will be necessary—one each for metal, plastic, glass, and garbage.  As far as paper items go, it may be a good idea to use a different type of bin for these items, one that is not with the recycling bin center.  Because paper recyclables tend to be newspapers and magazines for the most part, placing a heavy-duty (but attractive) basket where these items are read is generally best.

Choosing Recycling Bins

Small households that do not sort recyclables should look for bins that are 27-quart in size.  Households that sort all trash into bins should also look for that size in bins.  Larger bins would be recommended for families that have kids or pets.

If there is not much space in which to place the bins, it is best to look for bins that will stack.  Otherwise, the only criterion is to make sure to choose recycling bins that are simple to use and simple to empty.  It has been said that most people fail to recycle because the separating of recyclable items is inconvenient; therefore, it is imperative to choose bins that will make recycling as simple as throwing away trash.

The recycling bins should be placed in the kitchen, if possible, as this is where most food is prepared.  If that isn’t possible, place the bins in a room adjacent to the kitchen.

Photo credits: Wesley Fryer

Originally posted 2009-09-07 06:53:54. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Categories:

Green Tips, Handy Man, Project, recycling

Tags:

attractive basket, curbside pickup, curbside recycling, garbage, heavy duty, landfill, magazines, municipality, newspapers, paper recyclables, plastic glass, recyclable materials, recycling bin, recycling bins, recycling center, trash