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As industries look to produce products and packaging that contain certain percentages of recycled materials, your average water or beverage container has become the most viable plastic product on the market for recycling. But what about the cap?

Material recovery

Plastic bottle caps for beverages, or any other plastic containers, are typically made from a different type of plastic than the bottle itself. The caps on these containers are usually made from high-density polyethylene or polypropylene. For this reason, years ago, plastic recycling required you to remove caps to reduce contamination by keeping plastic types separate.

Sorting small items

Small items such as bottle caps are not accepted at most recycling facilities due to their size, so these plastic bottle caps were being lost in the trash with no hopes of material recovery. A good standard to sort by is that items smaller than a credit card should not go in your recycling bin. This is because most sorting machinery cannot identify or sort small items, so they end up discarded or, even worse, sent into the wrong batch of material.

Plastic pollution

With nearly 600 million plastic bottles and containers produced in a year, this could lead to innumerable plastic caps ending up in landfills, or worse, contributing to plastic pollution. A 2016 analysis of coastal plastic pollution by the North Sea Foundation found that plastic bottle caps are one of the top five littered items on beaches around the world.

The need for change

As the need for reducing plastic pollution grew and additional methods for recycling more plastics developed, the industry standard began to change. Now most recycling facilities in North America ask that caps are left on bottles and containers to collect the caps in an efficient manner.

There are a few reasons why these two different materials being kept together is no longer a problem. First, some sorting facilities will shred the plastic into small pieces. Then, while submerged in water, the PET will sink and the HDPE or polypropylene cap pieces will float, allowing it to be skimmed off the top and separated.

PET and HDPE or polypropylene also have different melting points, so the caps would melt away from the PET bottles before reaching their melting point, allowing the materials to separate naturally.

The Association of Plastic Recyclers has also determined that the marketability of plastic bales of bottles with caps on does not decrease the recyclability of either type of plastic and is helping to make it easier for residents to recycle both items if they are kept together.

Not every facility has changed their procedures and requirements for recycling yet. It is always important to check with your local facility to find out what their recycling requirements are regarding keeping caps on or off.

What about metal caps?

Some plastic bottles have caps with metal in them. What should you do with those? Unfortunately, these should not be kept on bottles because the metal will not sort out in the same way as plastic bottle caps. The metal will sink with the PET fragments and end up contaminating the entire plastic bale. Remove these metal caps and place them in the garbage, even if they have plastic on them as well.

You can always check with your local recycling facility to see if they have any alternative collection program for small metal caps such as these. There is a chance there could be a drop-off method, but if not, these are doomed to the landfill.

Keeping up with changes

The current standard is to keep your plastic bottle caps on beverage bottles and other plastic containers that are accepted for recycling in your area, but make sure your facility has updated this requirement before changing your ways. Even though there are constant advancements in recycling technologies, you need to follow the requirements of your specific recycling facility based on what machinery and methods they currently have.

It's always good to keep up with what new procedures your facility has established and if any additional materials are being added to the accepted list. Recycling procedures are not set in stone and vary greatly from location to location, so make sure you look up whatever items you are trying to recycle so that you help keep your program running efficiently and effectively.

Disposing of bulky items is a problem everyone faces from time to time.

One of the most challenging items involves a good night's sleep and where you spend a good chunk of time: your mattress!

Keep reading to learn what to do with one that's ready to be replaced.

Donate

Putting circularity first means trying to keep your mattresses out of the landfill for as long as possible. Donating is one way to help give them a second life, though many locations don't accept mattresses due to the risk of bedbug infestations.

Check with friends and family to see if they need an extra mattress before you toss it, or call around to shelters, charities, donation centers, or furniture banks to ask about their rules.

Sell

If your mattress is still in good condition, head on over to your online marketplace of choice, or plan to make it part of your next yard sale. Even if you list it for free, you would still be doing the environment a favor and keeping it out of the landfill.

Refurbish

Mattresses aren't often an item we think of when considering refurbishing furniture, but there is at least a possibility of improving your sleep quality by adding a pillowtop or mattress pad instead of getting rid of it.

If you have a spring mattress that needs repair, check with a local upholstery service or mattress store to see what's possible.

Recycle

Recycling is not the common disposal method for such a bulky item, but it is worth a quick search to see if there are any programs in your area.

Upcycle

Repurposing a mattress may be a large feat to take on, but if you are up for a challenge, see if you can use some of the foam or filling to stuff pillows. You might be able to remove the metal coils to use for some crafty gardening art, or at least bring them into a scrap metal yard.

(Make sure you know what's actually inside of your mattress before you start cutting into it! Many memory foam mattress contain fiberglass material as a fire retardant, which can be dangerous if inhaled. Older mattresses are unlikely to have this material, but it's always safest to check the tag before you cut into one.)

Garbage

The most likely disposal your city or town requires is to put these out for garbage, but with an item this large, it's not always a straightforward process. Most municipalities have very specific bulk item pick-up requirements, which may include payment for pick-up, scheduling pick-ups, or specific curbside pick-up days.

They may even have special requirements for mattresses specifically, again due to the risk of bed bugs. Make sure to check with your local rules about what the procedure is for mattresses.

Junk Removal

If no pick-up or drop-off is available to you, you may have to hire a private junk hauler to remove the mattress. This is an ideal disposal choice if you are unable to get the mattress to the curb for your city's bulky pick-up requirements because most junk removal services will even remove the items from inside your house upon request.

Look it up

When it comes to disposing mattresses, you have many options to try and forego the landfill! Make sure to look up how to dispose of mattresses in your city or town.

Eco-Friendly Party Supplies: Sustainable Alternatives for Your Next Celebration

Are you throwing a party and looking for some eco-friendly party supplies to help you reduce your waste? Keeping your event sustainable can be tricky with all the options for single-use plastics and disposable items. Parties can end up filling up your garbage bins since many party supplies are not recyclable. Let's look at the most common party supply items and some sustainable alternatives you can try to reduce your event waste.

Balloons

Balloons are not accepted for recycling. In fact, this fun-filled decoration causes a lot more problems than you may realize. Balloon litter is a pervasive problem due to balloon releases. When you do a balloon release at a party or event, those plastic or foil balloons can harm aquatic life or wildlife. Many animals ingest balloon fragments or get entangled in the plastic or ribbon.

Swap balloons for:

• Planting a tree as a special commemoration instead of releasing balloons.
• Adding a festive element with a bubble machine.
• Hanging cardboard cutouts instead of balloons.

Crepe Paper Streamers

While stringing up crepe paper streamers creates a stunning display, the waste it generates is significant. Crepe paper is not recyclable because the paper fibers are broken down into the smallest usable pieces, which cannot be recycled into anything new.

Swap crepe paper for:‍

• Fabric strips or bunting that can be used over and over.
• Rerolling crepe paper to use a second or third time, although it breaks easily.
• Hanging reusable paper lanterns as decorations instead of disposable streamers.

Birthday Cake Candles

Candles are not accepted for recycling but are reusable. Birthday candles do not need to be thrown away after one use!

Instead of tossing candles:

• Use a single ornate candle instead of many to represent an age.
• Reuse candles year after year.‍
• ‍Melt down candle remnants and combine them with a new wick to create a decorative candle for your home.

Disposable Plastic Cups

The classic red Solo cup! These cups are 50/50 on recyclability, depending on your location.

Swap plastic cups for:

• Your glassware or reusable plastic cups, reducing plastic waste despite the extra dishes.‍
• ‍Asking guests to bring their own reusable bottle or travel mug, especially for outdoor BBQs.‍
• ‍Labeling disposable cups so only one cup is used per guest to minimize waste.

Paper Plates

Many think that since paper plates are made of paper, they can be recycled, but that's not usually the case. Many paper plates have a plastic coating, making them difficult to recycle.

Instead of paper plates, try:

• Using regular plates, reducing waste but increasing dishes.
• Serving food in reusable take-out containers for easy leftovers.
• Offering finger foods to reduce waste and cleanup.

Plastic Cutlery

Single-use plastic contributes significantly to plastic pollution, and very few recycling programs accept plastic cutlery.

Swap plastic cutlery for:

• Your normal silverware.
• Finger foods to avoid the need for cutlery.
• Bamboo cutlery, an organic option that decomposes more easily.

Napkins

Napkins are necessary for parties but not recyclable due to their small paper fibers and common soiling with food.

Swap paper napkins for:

• Cloth napkins, which can be washed and reused.
• Towel stations near garbage cans for guests.
• Hand sanitizer stations for guests to clean their hands.

Plastic Tablecloths

Disposable plastic tablecloths make cleanup easy but are not sustainable as they cannot be easily recycled.

Swap for:

• Traditional cloth tablecloths that are reusable after washing.
• Compostable tablecloths for easy backyard composting.

Going without a tablecloth and adding a flower center piece instead.Make sure you know the disposal rules of all your party decor and tableware by checking your local municipality for what is accepted. Always choose an eco-friendly option to reduce your waste. Party on!

Got some used furniture you're looking to get rid of? Before tossing it to the curb or dropping it off at your nearest landfill, consider a different option. Sure, it might look like garbage to you. But to someone else, it's a perfectly usable dining set or couch.

Disposing of old and unwanted furniture is a drag, no doubt about it. It's clunky and heavy. So much so, that just getting it outside can be a back-straining ordeal even if you've managed to rope your friends into helping you out. Thankfully, there are better ways to go about it. Instead of landfilling used furniture, you can ensure that it gets a second life by helping the environment and someone in need.

Donate it

One of the best ways to dispose of used furniture is by donating it to a charity or a non-profit organization in your area. Not only will you be helping get a usable piece of furniture into a new home of someone who needs it, but you will also be reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfill.

In some cases, you might have to haul your old furniture to a drop-off location just to donate it. But that's not always true. Sometimes, you can arrange to have it picked up, too. Plus, all donations can be deducted from your taxes.

Furniture Bank Association of North America (FBANA) Through FBANA, you can locate your nearest furniture bank. Furniture banks provide furniture to those in need at little or no cost. Many will pick up gently used furniture straight from your house.

Goodwill and Salvation Army If you don't have a local furniture bank, check your local Goodwill or Salvation Army. Some will even pick up. Convenient, right?

Habitat for Humanity ReStore ReStores pick up gently used furniture, among other things, in most communities and resell it at a reduced price.

If these options don't appeal to you, homeless shelters, women's shelters and thrift stores are also usually looking for furniture. Feel free to get rid of used furniture at these locations too.

Sell or trade it

Every time you toss out a used piece of furniture, you create more waste. And potentially waste more cash. Turns out, that old recliner might be worth something to someone. There are tons of classified websites out there with people looking to buy. Start with Craigslist. If you're in Canada, give Kijiji a look, too.

There are plenty of virtual platforms to sell used furniture on as well, such as Facebook Marketplace, NextDoor, or Letgo. It's beneficial to use your network of social media contacts to spread the word.

Trade networks are also worth checking out. Instead of selling an item, trade it for something you need. This is an easy way to participate in the circular economy. There are several sites and apps that cater to trades like Freecycle or Bunz.

Repair or repurpose

Sometimes all that is needed to salvage an old piece of furniture is a little elbow grease. Repairing furniture instead of disposing of it can not only keep it from landfill, but it can also help save you money since repairing furniture is typically much less expensive than buying something new.

If you're tired of that piece of furniture, you can also step it up a notch by refurbishing it. Sanding and repainting wooden furniture is a great way to make something feel new in your home again. Or you can turn old furniture into something new in your garden, or using pieces to create a new piece of furniture all together.

Junk removal

For something hands off, you can have someone else pick up your old and unwanted furniture for you. Companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK? take care of everything, all you have to do is arrange a time for them to come by and pick up your stuff. And they claim to recycle and donate everything they can.

If you absolutely have to, landfill it

We get it, sometimes you don't have any other options. Maybe that old sofa is infested with bedbugs. Maybe it's just not salvageable. Whatever the case might be, before you drop it at the curb, make sure your municipality's curbside program accepts bulky items. If not, you might have to bring it to a drop-off location. If your city's part of the Recycle Coach network, it's as easy as downloading the app and searching our What goes where? tool to find out your municipality's bulk furniture procedure.

Know your options

Getting rid of used furniture doesn't have to be a hassle. By following these steps, you can easily avoid the landfill whenever possible, while also contributing to the circular economy. So, make sure to look into the different options available in your area, and help reduce waste.

As each new advance in technology progresses, old tech slips farther into disuse. Many people don't think about how past popular equipment is filling up our landfills because they are no longer needed. CDs, DVDs, VHS, and cassette tapes are among the top contenders for this build-up of waste.

Understanding the materials

These plastic items are not typically cherished in the way that Vinyl Records are. VHS and cassette tapes typically have a #5 plastic covering that holds the tape. This tape itself was made of mylar with a magnetic metal coating containing chromium. This part of the VHS and cassette is not easy to dispose of and can sometimes be considered hazardous waste depending on your local regulations.

There may even be some specialty recycling programs in your area that collect this specific item to capture the recyclable pieces while safely disposing of the other parts.

While CDs and DVDs are generally considered non-toxic, they are not accepted at most recycling facilities. They may still be accepted at e-waste collection facilities or events, so check to see if this is possible.

CDs and DVDs are made of mostly plastic and aluminum. When two or more materials are bound together in an item, it is typically more difficult to recycle due to the fact that materials need to be separated in order to be recycled. Typical municipal recycling facilities do not separate plastic and aluminum in these types of products, so only specialty recycling programs may have this option.

Upcycle opportunities

CDs and DVDs are particularly fun items to upcycle in order to keep them out of the landfill. Since they are reflective, they can be used in many flashy ways to spice up your space! Here are a few upcycling projects to consider:

• Break them into small pieces to glue onto a picture frame as a mirror mosaic.
• Create a DIY disco ball planter in the same way.
• Paint them and connect them to make an artsy room divider.
• Get really crafty with etched garden flowers that make beautiful reflections in the sun.
• Add a little felt and fabric to make homemade drink coasters.

The possibilities are endless with CDs and DVDs, but VHS and cassette tapes are a bit trickier. These vintage displays will help you keep the nostalgia of your music-loving journey alive, or you can paint them to keep the nostalgia while hiding some of the embarrassing tapes you once bought:

• Make a succulent planter with four cassettes and a base.
• Evenly space your favorite cassette tapes on a canvas to display them as art.
• Add a zipper to make a change purse.
• Add some LED lights to make decorative nightlights out of VHS tapes.
• Make a retro shelving display by gluing VHS tapes together.

When in doubt, donate

While these items are becoming obsolete, the nostalgia around each, combined with the films and music that they hold, makes many of these collector's items. That means it's still worth the effort to donate any usable CDs, DVDs, VHS, and cassette tapes in case someone may be able to keep using them.

It's always best to find ways to keep these materials out of the landfill whenever possible through donation, upcycling, e-waste recycling, or specialty recycling programs. When these options are not available, make sure to check with your municipal programs to find out the correct disposal before adding this to your bin.

When election season finally comes to an end, the last thing most people are thinking about is how to properly dispose of their political yard signs, but it's an important aspect you should be considering! Let us help you navigate practical uses for those signs once you're done with them.

Follow the bylaws

Every election cycle, a plethora of plastic signs pop up all around our cities, towns, and neighborhoods. When putting these signs up, you often need to consider municipal bylaws and regulations regarding where to post them and what can be posted. Did you realize many municipalities also have requirements for how long you can keep these signs posted in your lawn too? Each city and town has its own requirements to remove election signs, but it's likely within a few days after the election.

Are they recyclable?

The big question is: are they recyclable? Yes and no. The typical election sign is made of corrugated plastic, or Coroplast, with a metal H-shaped piece to stake into the ground. While it seems like both items should be recyclable, they are not accepted for the vast majority of curbside collection programs. However, some municipalities may offer recycling drop-off options for these items, as well as some campaign offices.

Upcycle ideas

If there is no special collection or recycling program that accepts these in your area, it's a good idea to find other ways to keep them out of the landfill. These are essentially durable posters that could be reused in other ways. Here are some easy reuse ideas to try:

• Paint over it to make a decorative sign. This could be an easy way to even just make a yard sale sign. If paint is too messy, you can just tape your printed sign on top.
• Cut out holes in a grid pattern to turn them into garden trellises for your tomatoes, beans, etc.
• Use chalkboard paint and put it in a frame to make a DIY chalkboard for your home.
• Cut and trim strips to fit inside your drawers, then duct tape together to create easy drawer dividers.
• Fold and tape the signs to make your own storage bins for organization.
• Cut them to fit a reusable bag to make a sturdy bottom.

This versatile material is durable and easy to cut, making it an ideal item for reuse. You can cut it and tape it to any type of container or decoration you need. Get creative and reduce your waste at the same time!

Useful reuse

Another way to keep these items from the landfill is to donate them to organizations that may be able to reuse them. Schools may be able to use them for craft materials, or community centers may be able to reuse them to advertise local events and programs. Even artists may be interested in using the materials for something. You can post on social media or neighborhood groups that you have election signs to give away.

Check locally

As always, you should check with your local program to see if there are any special programs or specific instructions for recycling or disposal of election signs before tossing them, or find a good way to reuse or upcycle these items whenever there is no collection possible.

Proper disposal of common household items is essential for protecting our environment and public health. Household hazardous waste (HHW) programs play a crucial role in safely managing dangerous substances, preventing pollution, and reducing health risks. Let's explore how to properly dispose of some common household items that require extra precautions for safe disposal.

Metal paint cans

If you've got leftover paint in a can, see if anyone might want it for small projects before tossing it out. Using up the paint is the best option! If you can't find a taker, take the can (with any leftover paint) to your local HHW drop-off.

Most paint cans are metal and can be recycled if they're clean and dry. Check with your recycling facility first!

To prepare an empty can for recycling, remove dried paint. For water-based paint, scrape or peel the dried stuff off. If that doesn't work, soak it in soapy water for about an hour and scrub it out. For oil-based paint, soak the inside of the can in mineral spirits, roll it every 15 minutes, then wipe out the loosened paint. Add some dish soap to cut through the oil, and you might need to repeat this a couple of times before rinsing it clean.

Pressurized tanks

Aerosol cans, propane tanks, butane canisters, and oxygen or helium tanks can be super dangerous if tossed in regular garbage or recycling. The risk of explosion is real if these tanks get crushed or compacted during transport!

Due to their flammable materials, pressurized tanks generally require safe disposal at HHW facilities. Some areas may allow empty aerosol cans for recycling, but be sure to check with your local center and follow their guidelines for proper emptying.

Some tanks, like oxygen or propane ones, might have refill or replacement options available, so check out what's in your area!

Motor oil and automotive fluids

When it comes to disposing of lubricating oils like engine oil, transmission fluid, or brake fluid, you'll want to take them to a designated hazardous waste facility. These centers are equipped to handle hazardous automotive materials safely.

Keep these fluids in their original containers if possible, as the labels help facility staff identify them. If you don't have the originals, clearly label any new containers. Tightly cap all containers to prevent leaks during transport.

Cleaning chemicals and containers

Just like automotive fluids, cleaning chemicals should be clearly labeled and taken to HHW facilities. Some cleaning solutions are non-hazardous (think basic soap), but if a label has a warning, it's better to be safe and dispose of it properly.

Even if the containers are plastic, glass, or metal, if they held hazardous chemicals, they belong at a hazardous waste facility.

Fertilizers and pesticides

Fertilizers and pesticides are packed with synthetic chemicals that can pose risks to human health, so they should only be disposed of at HHW facilities. Tossing these in the trash can contaminate recycling and put waste workers at risk, not to mention the potential for groundwater contamination or air pollution!

Medications

While medications typically don't need to be dropped off at HHW sites, they do require safe disposal. Most pharmacies can guide you on how to return qualified medications so trained professionals can dispose of them properly. Your pharmacist can also tell you if some medications can be flushed or tossed in the trash.

Check with your local recycling facility about accepting plastic pill bottles. Acceptance can vary by location, so it's always good to ask!

By following these guidelines and utilizing available resources, we can ensure that hazardous materials are managed responsibly, contributing to a cleaner and safer environment for everyone.

Cooking oils are a liquid, but they don't get disposed of like most other food source liquids. Many people may dispose of these oils like other liquids, but that may cause problems. Let's see how to properly dispose of cooking oils in this guide.

The kitchen sink?

When disposing of most beverages or liquids used in cooking, the typical go-to is to pour everything down the sink. If you do this with cooking oil, though, you are in for an unpleasant surprise!

Some oils solidify while others stay extremely greasy, but either way, these oils can slowly build up in your pipes, causing blockages and drainage issues. Do you ever get that backup in your sink where the water won't drain? It could possibly be a buildup of oils in your pipes.

The bathroom?

Unfortunately, the bathroom drains will be similarly affected. Even if you add used cooking oil to the toilet, it can end up causing buildup and blockages. Never pour cooking oil in any drains in your home.

Backyard compost?

Cooking oils can decompose, but it may come with a cost. Animal-based oils, such as bacon fat or lard, will likely attract animals and pests. To avoid this, only add vegetable or plant-based oils to your compost.

In backyard aerobic composting, the drawback is that oil may decrease the airflow within the compost heap. If too much oil is added, it can cause water resistance, leading to drainage issues. Too much oil can also lead to unpleasant odors.

Organics collection?

There are some municipalities that accept cooking oil in their organics collection. Check with your local organics program if you have one to see if they accept this and how they require collection to take place, as there may be very specific instructions for this particular material.

Recycling?

Oil or containers with oil on them are not welcome in recycling. If you have oil bottles and want to recycle them because they are accepted glass or plastic, make sure that the oil is off the container by washing it thoroughly with soap.

There are some select recycling centers that may collect large quantities of cooking oil as a drop-off item, but this should never go in any curbside recycling bin. It's worth a look to see if your program may have this system!

Garbage?

Garbage is the likely disposal method for most municipalities. Here are some tips to keep it as clean as possible, so waste workers don't end up drenched!

• For small amounts of oil, use a paper towel, newspaper, oatmeal, sawdust, or even kitty litter to absorb the oil before tossing it in the trash.
• For less than a cup of oil, once cooled, place it in a sealable container to add to your trash.
• Let oils or grease solidify to harden, then deposit them in the garbage.

Household hazardous waste?

While cooking oil doesn't seem hazardous, many transfer stations that don't accept liquids in the garbage may require you to bring large amounts of cooking oil to a household hazardous waste center so they can dispose of it properly.

Please check if your municipality requires this method for quantities over one cup of oil. Always transport cooking oil in a sealable container.

Reuse?

While you can't dispose of oil in the recycling bin, it can actually be reused several times. If you are using cooking oils for frying, make sure to let it cool, then store it in a glass container in the refrigerator or freezer for up to a month. You should strain out any pieces of food before storing. If the oil starts to smell bad or turns another color, that's when you should dispose of it.

For oil or grease that solidifies, such as bacon fat, use a similar process of straining and storing in the refrigerator or freezer, but you must do this while the liquid is still hot so you can pour it. Then you can use it to fry up whatever you'd like next time you cook, as it will quickly liquify in the pan.

Look it up

It is important that you check with your municipal programs to find out the proper disposal in your area. Cooking oil can cause a lot of issues with drains or in recycling containers, so it is important that you properly dispose of it. Safely reusing oil, or recycling it at drop-off centers, organic collections, or household hazardous waste facilities are the most sustainable options to dispose of your cooking oils. But if these are not available options in your area, please make sure to dispose of oil in the garbage by storing it in a sealable container.