As you think about your goals for 2025, consider making some sustainable new year’s resolutions!
Step up your recycling game this new year by incorporating these tips and helpful reminders:
1. Rinse out food containers
When food and beverage containers have leftover residues they can ruin perfectly good recyclables in the bin, especially paper and cardboard. When recycling containers, make sure they are empty, clean and dry. Wondering if a specific container can be recycled? Submit an image of the item to Recycle Coach to find out. You can also search other items and find drop off locations. Don’t be fooled by this common recycling mistake!
2. Use the “thumb test”
Does your plastic bag pass the thumb test? If it stretches, it can be recycled back at the grocery store. If it tears, then it is not a recyclable plastic bag. These flexible plastics (think grocery bags) can be taken back to stores for recycling. Find locations and more information on the Recycle Coach app or web widget.
3. Use a special drop off location for electronics
Electronics are another common waste item that cannot be recycled in your bin. Use a specific drop off location for proper recycling. The City of St. Louis frequently holds electronic recycling drives to properly recycle these items. Look for upcoming event announcement for April and October! For more information on electronics recycling visit Midwest Recycling Centers Events page.
4. If its smaller than a credit card, its too small to be recycled!
If recyclable materials are smaller than a credit card, they will likely get lost in the sorting equipment during the recycling process and end up in the landfill. Remember to screw lids back on containers when you toss them in your blue bin so they don’t get lost in the mix!
5. Make recycling a group effort
If you cohabitate with others consider creating a recycling plan in which everyone participates. Create tailored challenges such as who can produce the least amount of landfill waste for the week, or add incentives for you and your family for reaching recycling goals. Try extending these recycling plans and challenges to your neighbors too! You can even subscribe to a compost pick up service or find a free drop off site!
The EPA has many fun resources for recycling education.
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