Plastic containers are the most waste that the average person throws out every day. Fortunately, we can recycle to prevent plastic waste from filling landfills while helping to reduce the need for new materials to form various items. By encouraging residents of your home or office to recycle, taking plastics to the appropriate recycling centers, or simply reusing plastic bottles, you can recycle plastics easily and help prevent these materials from entering landfills.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Properly Disposing of Plastic
Step 1. Sort and prepare the plastic according to the instructions given by the recycling service provider, such as size, shape, and type
Check the bottom of the plastic container for the plastic type code if it is required by the recycling service provider. Plastic products are divided into 7 “types”, which are numbered 1-7. You can find the number under the plastic container. Follow the instructions provided by your local recycling service provider
Step 2. Clean and prepare containers according to the recycling service provider's instructions
Some service providers sometimes ask us not to include the container cover. Recycling centers can technically clean and sterilize your plastic, but given the complexity of this process, staff often throw away used food containers instead of recycling them. Rinse the inside of old food containers and remove any leftovers to make your plastic recycling process easier.
- For the makeup container trash, first clean all the rest of the makeup tools that are still attached. After that, you can recycle.
- Use hot water and a brush to remove food debris from the container as cleanly as possible. For plastic bottles, pour soapy water and shake it so that the inside is clean. Use water and heating energy sparingly.
- For recyclable items that are not easy to clean, such as food packaging containers, you should separate the dirty parts from the easy-to-clean parts. Then, throw the dirty part in the trash.
Step 3. Find out the specifics of your community recycling program
Today, many cities have a collection point or even have a collection point on the roadside. However, each community certainly has its own differences. Therefore, visit the official website of your city government to find out the facilities and options available in your area.
Most communities have at least one recycling facility although these facilities may only accept certain types of plastic
Step 4. Leave the ready-to-recycle waste at the collection point for staff to collect it
If your community offers roadside pick-up, you can put plastic in a recycling container next to the trash can on the day it is collected. In areas where roadside pick-up is not available, large recycling containers are usually placed in various places, such as public places such as schools, places of worship, or government buildings.
Make sure you comply with local government regulations when placing recyclable waste. If not, your actions are classified as littering
Step 5. Take your plastic to your local recycling center if there is no transport option
Look for information on the internet or telephone the relevant office in your city to find the nearest recycling service provider. Be sure to ask what type of plastic is acceptable there.
- For example, some recycling services do not accept plastic bags. However, sometimes you can also take this type of plastic to a grocery store for recycling.
- Some recycling facilities will pay for the plastic you collect. You can earn some by collecting recyclables from friends and neighbors and handing them over to these facilities.
Step 6. Call the recycling facility and ask if you need to sort the plastic waste first
Some recycling centers are willing to sort and clean up incoming trash so you can hand over cans, plastic, and paper all at once. Meanwhile, some other recycling centers require you to sort your waste beforehand and put it into separate containers provided there.
- If so, separate paper and cardboard, plastic, glass, and cans. You could say this activity is a bit of a hassle. However, as with any household chores, you will find it easier to make it a habit every week.
- Sometimes recycling centers require you to clean the plastic and remove the label as well.
Method 2 of 3: Encouraging Recycling at Home or Office
Step 1. Place a recycling basket with a trash can in every room
For best results, use a bright blue basket to distinguish it from the trash can. Place this basket near a regular trash can so people aren't tempted to just throw plastic in the trash can for lazy reasons.
- Make sure you place these baskets in spaces that are exposed to a lot of plastic, including kitchens or lounges, bathrooms, or rooms where you often gather.
- If you have to sort out the waste that you want to recycle, you can save time by placing a number of containers. That way, you can immediately dispose of items according to their type.
Step 2. Prepare a recycling container if you are going to put plastic waste on the side of the road
In some communities, you can place the recycling box outside the house side by side with the trash can. If your community also allows this, be sure to register immediately and order the right type of recycling container for your plastic waste.
- If you are unsure about the existence of this program in your community, try visiting your local government website and looking for recycling information for settlements in the resident services section.
- Sometimes, as with garbage collection, you may need to pay an annual or periodic fee. Even so, you will find it easy to recycle so it is reasonable if it costs money.
- If you live in an apartment, there may already be a recycling box in the building.
Step 3. Remove your used plastic once a week to prevent build-up
Regular control of recycling waste will ease your recycling activities. If the nearest recycling center is quite far from your home, take your junk with you 1-2 times a month instead of just stocking it all the time.
Method 3 of 3: Reusing Old Plastic
Step 1. Reuse your plastic container when it's empty, instead of throwing it away right away
If the bottle is usually used to store soap, detergent, or cleaning liquid, you can refill it from a larger container. However, bacteria can easily be found in used bottles. So, preferably, used bottles are only used to store items that are not eaten/drinked.
For example, be careful about drinking from the same plastic bottle over and over again. If you decide to use a plastic bottle, only use it once or twice before throwing it away
Step 2. Put small knick-knacks in an old pill bottle or capsule
This small, hard-textured plastic bottle is perfect for storing small items such as coins, loose screws, and craft tools. You just need to make sure the labels containing personal information have been removed.
Step 3. Use plastic bottles to make handicrafts
From candy containers to pretty vases, there are many artful ways you can reuse used beverage bottles and reduce plastic waste. However, make sure you wash them thoroughly with soap and warm water first!
Step 4. Reuse the shopping bag
Instead of throwing away bags that can actually be used again, use them to carry your groceries.
Step 5. Pour water into the bottle and put the plant in it
Your home definitely needs additional decoration.
