5 Simple Ways to Recycle Smarter

Recycling is one of the easiest ways to make a positive impact on the environment. With a few simple tweaks to your routine, you can recycle smarter and help reduce waste in your community. Here’s how:

1. Know What’s Recyclable
   Check your local recycling guidelines—many items, like greasy pizza boxes or plastic bags, can’t go in the blue bin.
2. Clean It Up
   Rinse out containers before recycling. A quick rinse goes a long way in ensuring materials can actually be processed.
3. Avoid Wishcycling
   Tossing items into the recycling bin “just in case” can do more harm than good. When in doubt, throw it out—or research first!
4. Flatten Cardboard Boxes
   Save space in your bin and make it easier for recycling centers to process materials by breaking down cardboard boxes.
5. Say No to Single-Use
   Whenever possible, opt for reusable items like water bottles, shopping bags, and coffee cups. Reducing waste is just as important as recycling.

Every small effort adds up to big changes. By recycling smarter, we can create a cleaner, greener future for everyone!