Are you doing your part in the recycling effort? Home recycling requires a small amount of time, yet offers significant benefit to you as a homeowner as well as helping the environment. Recycling is a great way individuals can make a difference, both locally and globally.
Did you know paper takes up the majority of landfill space, and every ton of recycled paper can go towards saving around 20 large Fir trees? Newspapers and cardboard can soon mount up, just from buying your favourite newspaper every day, shopping, and receiving mail. It's very easy to recycle; sort them into separate piles, newspapers, cardboard, magazines and envelopes, etc. and stack them neatly.
Don't put anything that is dirty or smelly into your recycled products as these won't be taken, or appreciated! When you put it outside for collection make sure it is covered and can't get wet as this is also no good when it goes to the recycling plant.
Plastic is another product that you should be recycling as it doesn't break down in landfills, however it can be put to further use in the production of all kinds of goods. Not all plastics are recyclable, so next time you go shopping take a close look at the packaging to see if it has the symbol for recycling. Buy yourself a cloth shopping bag and stop using the plastic grocery bags provided by most stores. Also, think about where you buy your take-away food, and what it comes in; most take-away containers are made from polystyrene which doesn't biodegrade.
Save your glass jars, bottles and containers as nearly all of them can be recycled and reused to make new items. You'll notice at the recycling bins that glass is sorted into colours - green, brown and clear. Take off the tops, wash them out and leave the labels on, they will be removed once they arrive at the centre.
Aluminium cans are in demand for recycling, wash them out and ensure the lids are off as you don't want any sharp edges jutting out. Flatten them and you will be able to fit in lots more. Recycling for the home doesn't have to be time consuming or difficult, once the systems are in place it is simply a matter of putting the items in the right containers.
Just take a look around your home and it's guaranteed you'll be able to count at least 10 electronic appliances. As technology advances so does the number of electrical products we buy to make our life easier and get things done quicker. They may be making our lives easier now, however if not disposed of correctly they will cause harm to the environment, and affect the health of our children.
If you have a new laptop or computer and don't use the old one anymore then consider giving it away. Selling it probably isn't worth the effort but there is going to be someone out there who can't afford their own and would appreciate a freebie. Give it to the local school, children's home, or a charity.
Some companies will actually take away your old computers, printers and cartridges and other unwanted hardware, they may give you money or coupons that can be used for future purchases.
With people buying a new mobile phone every time an updated model comes on the market there is a big demand for recycled products; look online and you'll find plenty of companies that will take them off your hands. They'll either take them away for free or give you a set amount based on the model and how much the phone is still worth.
Disposing of e waste has to be taken seriously, there are companies to be found in most areas that can help you recycle your electrical products. As well as coming to your home to collect it, they'll take it to a suitable recycling unit where it will be re-used or recycled for future use. Check out your nearest waste management facility for information and further advice on e-waste and skip bins Australia.