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How to Separate Your Recycling. Recycling your garbage is noble, and in many places
mandatory. But it also can be very confusing. This guide will clear up the rules. You will
need A trash can Recycling bins and string. Step 1. Check the local laws regarding recycling
in your town. Not all communities recycle the same things. Step 2. Rinse glass bottles,
plastic containers, and aluminum and tin cans. Labels do not have to be removed. Recycle
the plastic caps of water and soda bottles, but toss the ones from laundry detergent and
food containers. If you’re confused about whether a plastic item can be recycled, look
for its resin identification code – a triangle with a number inside. Products marked "1"
and "2" are recyclable. Don't recycle unmarked plastic containers. Step 3. In general, containers
that held food, beverages, household cleaners, or personal care products like shampoo and
mouthwash are all recyclable. Separate plastic; glass; aluminum, tin, and aerosol cans; and
aluminum foil. Light bulbs, drinking glasses, crystal, window and mirror glass, ceramics,
and kitchen cookware don't get recycled. Step 4. Contact your local sanitation department
for instructions on how to dispose of anything that held potentially hazardous material such
as motor oil, pesticides, paint, solvents, and batteries. Step 5. Place together all
newspapers, magazines, catalogs, junk mail, letters, envelopes, and promotional advertisements.
Be sure to keep all paper dry. Be careful about recycling that can be used to steal
your identity, like financial statements and unsolicited, pre-approved credit card applications.
Shred them before recycling. Step 6. Remove any tape from cardboard boxes and brown paper
bags before flattening them. Check if items like pizza and cereal boxes are recycled in
your area. If they are, include them, too. Step 7. Find out when your city picks up recycling
– sometimes on a different day from when garbage is collected – so you know when
to leave those bins and boxes by the curb. Did you know Americans throw away 2.5 million
plastic bottles every hour.