Recycling Education

Recycling Education: Why is source separated recycling beneficial? How do I recycle old books? Is my recycling REALLY being recycled?! In Recycling Education, we focus on the "why" behind recycling so residents have a better understanding about why their actions (or inaction) makes a difference, and the "how" of recycling unique or hazardous items.

How To Use the Recycle Right Toolkit:

  1. Click "Read More" on the post you are interested in sharing
    • To quickly share the entire image and text to Facebook, click the blue "Share" button 
  2. To share the image and text in an email, on a website, or through social media like Instagram 
    • Click the "Download Image" link to automatically save the image to your computer
    • Click the "Copy Text to Clipboard" button to automatically copy the text that appears beneath the image
Fall Cleanup Recycling Education
HAPPY FALL! Have you already started your outdoor fall cleanup, or are you making plans as the leaves start to to turn? Here are a few reminders to keep in mind!
 
(SPOILER ALERT: PUTTING YARD WASTE into your RECYCLING OR TRASH is a BIG NO!)
Read more
Image of a broken drinking glass

OH NO! You broke a drinking glass, but want to do the right thing...and that's recycle it...right?

NO! Broken drinking glasses are NOT recyclable.

And here's why:

SAFETY: We all know that a broken drinking glass can easily cut, so having it hanging out in a recycling bin is a big no-no. We want to keep our transfer station and solid waste operators safe. Be sure to wrap broken glass in several layers of paper and secure it closed withRead more

image of aluminum cans and text, "aluminum: the ultimate recyclable"

ALUMINUM IS THE *ULTIMATE* RECYCLABLE!

Recently, we were asked about aluminum recycling and were more than happy to share some interesting facts about one of the most popular recyclables: ALUMINUM.

In 2021, NRRA recycled nearly 360 TONS of aluminum (that's almost 22 million soda cans!!) That's an energy savings that would power over 600 homes every day for a full year!

Read more

Image of blue plastic bottles and text, "Plastics Recycling: A Quick Guide to ♻️ Numbers"

♻️ RESOURCE: A QUICK GUIDE TO PLASTICS RECYCLING ♻️

We get it - those recycling numbers on the bottom of plastic items can be confusing. Here is a quick, GENERAL guide to plastics recycling:

- YES, RECYCLE! #1 and #2 plastics such as soda and water bottles, milk and juice jugs, shampoo and cleaning bottles.

- NO, TOSS IT. #3, #6, and #7 plastics such as plastic wrap and food trays, cooking oil containers, vending cupsRead more

Paper and plastic single use items

THE ANSWER? BOTH ARE TRASH. 
The question: Which is better, compostable or recyclable single use items?

We know this is a tough one, but it's true - neither compostable nor recyclable single use tableware (like paper cups or compostable cutlery) are great for the environment. Your best bet is to go with reusable tableware and cutlery for your next shindig. Here's why:

"COMPOSTABLE" ITEMS...
- Do NOT break down in at-homeRead more

Image of used paint cans with text, "how do I recycle leftover paint and cans"

YOU ASKED: HOW DO I DISPOSE OF MY OLD PAINT?

The first step in throwing away old paint is to first figure out what TYPE of paint it is - water-based or oil-based.

Water-based paint will be labeled "acrylic," "latex," or "water-based." Another hint is that paint can be cleaned off of hands with soap and water and has low VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). Most paint now sold at big-box stores is water-based. Here's how to dispose of water-based paint:

Read more

Pages