Recycling 101 | What You Can & Can’t Recycle

With the increasing discussion about leading a sustainable lifestyle, as climate change is bringing small tastes of destruction to different places in the world; we all have considered “recycling”. Today let's discuss what and what not can we recycle and how.

What is Recycling?

Recycling is the process of collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be thrown away as trash and turning them into new products. Recycling can benefit your community and the environment.

Benefits of Recycling

• Reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators
• Conserves natural resources such as wood, water, and minerals
• Increases economic security by tapping a domestic source of materials
• Prevents pollution by reducing the need to collect new raw materials
• Saves energy
• Supports “Made In India” manufacturing initiative and conserves valuable resources
• Helps create jobs in the recycling and manufacturing industries

Recycling - An Important Part Of The Solution

Recycling is really just common sense, and until the "modern era," it was a common household activity. The world has changed a lot in the past century. From individually packaged food servings to disposable diapers, more garbage is generated now than ever before. This garbage, the solid waste stream, goes mostly to landfills, where it's compacted and buried. As the waste stream continues to grow, so will the pressures on our landfills, our resources, and our environment.

The more we recycle, the less garbage winds up in our landfills and incineration plants.

The Basic Rules:

Even masters of recycling can find room for improvement. Here are some tips to recycle more efficiently and effectively.

Keep items relatively clean and dry.

One single dirty product can contaminate an entire bale. It can ultimately cause recyclable items to get redirected into a landfill. If you’re recycling bottles, jars, and cans, a quick rinse with water or leftover soapy water is good enough. If there’s a sticky residue, you may need to use a brush or scraper to remove more of the product.

Flatten cardboard. This will save space in your bin and make room for more recycling.

When it comes to paper and cardboard, crumpled and torn paper is okay to recycle. You don’t have to remove the tape from the cardboard, but it’s recommended that you flatten the boxes. However, the wet and moldy paper should be thrown away.

Set up designated recycling containers at home, work, and school. Local artists and schools might be able to use your materials for their work and classes.

Look for products made out of recycled materials when you shop. Before you recycle, think about reducing your waste and re-using items in a new way.

Buying products that are recyclable or can be composted is the best choice.

Often going sustainable is confused with making life difficult by giving up everything. Rather the truth is, it is about making conscious choices about what we use and how our actions affect our surroundings. You can be sustainable and create jobs for thousands by using sustainable compostable products. There are many brands these days

Mianzi is committed to bringing you comfortable, affordable, and comprehensively sustainable lighting, furniture, and home decor that can be composted as well. You can explore our sustainable bamboo lamps, ethical furniture, and more at our website.

Don’t put plastic bags in the recycling bin.

Plastic bags generally can’t be recycled because they usually jam the machinery at recycling facilities, but supermarkets and big-box retailers have drop-off locations for recycling. Before disposing of plastic bags, make sure to shake out any dry particles. If there is a sticky film or residue, wash and dry the plastic bag — excess water interferes with the melting process when recycling.

Keep foods and liquids out of recycling.

Just like how wet items affect the recycling process, foods and liquids can contaminate your recyclables. This means facilities won’t be able to recycle those items and they’ll end up in landfills instead. Dispose of liquids and foods properly, and compost items when possible.

Spread the word! Encourage others to recycle with you.

What You Can & Can’t Recycle

Recyclable products - Products that can be collected, processed, and manufactured into new products after they have been used. These products do not necessarily contain recycled materials. Remember not all kinds of recyclables may be collected in your community so be sure to check with your local recycling program before you buy.

Now that you have the basic guidelines in mind, here’s a list of what can and can’t be recycled. Some of the common products you can find that can be made with recycled content include the following:

DO RECYCLE:

• Plastic bottles and containers
• Food and beverage cans
• Paper
• Flattened cardboard
• Glass bottles
• Metals (tin, steel, aluminum)
• Aluminum cans
• Car bumpers
• Carpeting
• Laundry detergent bottles
• Motor oil
• Nails
• Cereal boxes
• Comic books
• Egg cartons
• Glass containers
• Newspapers
• Paper towels
• Steel products
• Trash bags

DON’T RECYCLE:

• Plastic bags, wrap, or film
• Styrofoam
• Bagged recyclables (empty the bag and reuse it)
• Dirty diapers
• Medical waste
• Household items
• Garage waste
• Heavily soiled items

In the end, it all comes back to us. Recycling gets down to one person taking action. New products can be made from our recyclable waste material. Recycling is good for our environment, our communities, and our economy. Here at Mianzi, our priority is helping out the planet, and we hope you'll share this guide with friends and family. And don't forget to check out our sustainable lighting and furniture at mianzi.in