R is for Recycle

When I was a kid, I was threatened with dismemberment if I tossed trash out of the car window or left messes–she was probably joking, but then again…. This seemed unfair since my dad had enough metal machinery parts lying around to tilt magnetic north by at least a degree or two.

That early training may be why I value a good trash bin now and why recycling has become near and dear to my heart. I live in a rural area, and nothing bothers me more than trash strewn along the roadside, trash in the crystal-clear rivers, or trash dumped indiscriminately in the woods.

Sadly, my ruby red state provides little encouragement to keep the place clean, even though we rely on tourism dollars from tourists who come here for the natural beauty.

How is recycling related to activism and the Resistance?

When you support a progressive cause, you are an activist. Supporting causes is one way grannies and granddads can be a part of the more significant movement. Recycling is only one cause that might float your boat. Spaying and Neutering cats and dogs, senior citizen outreach, food banks, and a myriad of other causes benefit the community and spread the word that empathy, kindness, and activism never go out of style.

Even as we protest, write letters, and shout from the rooftops about the current political situation, we can work to further those causes. Every time I crush a can and toss it into the bin, I’m shaking a fist at the people who call such things Woke. Funny how cleaning up after yourself is somehow controversial.

Tell me about your causes in comments!

Anyway, here’s my guide to recycling.

What Can Be Recycled?

The first step in successful recycling is understanding what materials are recyclable. Most curbside recycling programs accept the following:

Paper: Newspapers, magazines, cardboard, office paper, and paperboard (like cereal boxes). I live in a rural area, so I use these in my furnace or to start bonfires.

Plastics: Usually bottles and containers labeled with recycling symbols #1 (PET) and #2 (HDPE). Some programs accept plastics #3–#7, but check with your local guidelines.

Glass: Clear, green, and brown glass bottles and jars.

Metals: Aluminum cans, tin cans, and other food-grade metal containers.

Rinse out containers before recycling them. Dirty or food-contaminated items can ruin an entire batch of recycling.

Remove lids and caps, as they are often made from different materials.

What Not to Recycle

Some items can’t go in the recycling bin and may require special handling:

Plastic bags and film (recycle these at store drop-off points). Walmart and Kroger’s often have bins for plastic bags.

Styrofoam

Greasy pizza boxes

Electronics (e-waste)

Batteries

Hazardous materials like paint or chemicals

How to Recycle at Home

Set up a convenient sorting system at home. Keep a bin or box for recyclables in the kitchen, garage, or wherever you generate the most waste. Make sure to sort according to your local guidelines, which may differ slightly from one town to the next.

If you live in a community with curbside recycling, place your sorted recyclables in the correct bin for pickup on the scheduled day. If not, you’ll need to take them to a recycling center.

How to Find a Recycling Center Near You

If you don’t have curbside pickup, or you need to recycle items like electronics, batteries, or large appliances, you can find recycling centers using the following resources:

Earth911.com: This site has a search tool where you can enter your zip code and the type of item you want to recycle.

RecyclingCenters.org: Another easy-to-use site for locating recycling facilities.

Local government websites: Most cities or counties provide recycling information, including locations, hours of operation, and what’s accepted.

Retailers: Stores like Best Buy, Home Depot, and Staples offer recycling programs for specific items like electronics, batteries, and light bulbs. Walmart and Kroger often have bins for those annoying plastic bags.

You can also call your local waste management company or utility service to ask about drop-off locations and recycling events.

Make It a Habit

Recycling doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with the basics, educate yourself on local rules, and make it a part of your daily routine. Small efforts—like rinsing containers and avoiding wish-cycling (putting non-recyclables in the bin, hoping they’ll be accepted)—can make a big difference.