Recycle right this summer. Learn more about recycling some common summer materials below:
Hydration is crucial during the summer, and so is recycling those plastic containers – including sunscreen bottles and tubes.
Some other plastic items that are accepted in your recycling include peanut butter containers, empty ice cream containers, yoghurt cups and condiment containers.
How to recycle:
Did you know?
Recycling one tonne of plastic saves approximately 5,774 kWh of energy—that’s enough to power a small home for months!
Aluminum is one of the most efficient materials to recycle, as it can be melted down and repurposed indefinitely without losing quality.
Some examples of recyclable aluminum and foil include formula tins, pet food cans, tin foil and foil take out containers.
How to recycle:
Did you know?
Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to power a TV for three hours.
Paper plates, and wrapping paper from summer events can often be recycled, provided they are clean and free of food or grease stains.
Some examples include brochures, magazines and paper shopping bags.
How to recycle:
Did you know?
Recycling one tonne of paper saves 17 trees and 28,0000 litres of water. That’s enough to fill up to 127 bathtubs!
Your packaging from pool toys, grills, and beach gear is likely made of cardboard and can be recycled.
Examples of recyclable cardboard include product packaging boxes, take out boxes, cereal boxes and empty snack boxes.
How to recycle:
Did you know?
Cardboard, once recycled, can be turned into new boxes in as little as two weeks.
Not everything belongs in your recycling. Throwing the wrong items into recycling creates contamination, which can result in entire batches of materials not being recycled.
Reusable plastic and aluminum containers, such as steel coffee travel mugs, reusable plastic water bottles, and Tupperware that are meant for long-term use are not recyclable.
String lights, balloons, ribbons, glitter cards and foil wrapping paper are not recyclable.
Metal utensils such as grills, tongs, cutlery, and propane canisters are not recyclable through curbside programs. These items can cause significant damage to recycling machinery and should be handled separately. Safely recycle them at a designated drop off location.
Leftovers from your picnic or barbecue? Food waste cannot be recycled in regular recycling bins, but it can often be composted.
Inflatable pool toys, floaties, and beach balls are typically made of PVC, a material that most curbside programs do not accept. Consider donating them or recycling them at a designated drop off location.
Garden hoses are considered “tanglers” and can damage recycling machinery. Plan for proper disposal or look into specialized facilities that accept hard-to-recycle items.
Organize your space by having clearly marked bins for recyclables and non-recyclables. This helps avoid contamination and makes recycling a daily habit.
Recycling rules vary by region. Check your local recycling website to understand exactly what items are accepted in curbside recycling.
Recycling may seem like a small effort but its impact is profound. By understanding what to recycle, how to do it properly, and avoiding common mistakes, you play a vital role in protecting the environment.
This summer, keep the fun going and the planet thriving. Remember, every can, bottle, and piece of cardboard makes a difference.
