Christmas is no doubt festive times for all of us with loads of gifts, good food, fun and frolic. But have we ever thought about the volume of trash that is created during this time? Gift wraps, food boxes, gift boxes are the main contributors in this section.
Research has shown that 25% more trash is generated during Christmas and holiday season when compared to usual times. Therefore pressure on recycling bins is also quite high during this time of the year.
Mentioned below are 7 highly effective tips for holiday recycling:
1. Cardboard boxes need to be handled carefully
More and more people are buying things online and these are usually delivered in cardboard boxes in varying sizes and shapes. Cardboard boxes are excellent packaging materials as they are high value recyclables. The only problem is that their volume is high and hence they tend to overflow in the trash bins. For effective disposal of these boxes, break them and lay flat to minimize space occupancy. Send them for recycling as per convenience.
2. Don’t be duped by the three arrow triangle
Many people think that the three arrow green triangle signifies ‘recyclable’ materials. But such symbols can also be seen on plastics, which are not recyclable. It might indicate resin code or the kind of plastic from which the material is made. Different resins can be recycled by different municipalities. However, the most commonly recycled resins are number one and number two type. Understand the material with which the product is made and recycle accordingly.
3. Expand your recycling horizon beyond the kitchen
When we talk of recycling in the home, we mainly remain confined to the kitchen. However, recyclable items can be relegated in the trash. For instance if there is a party at home, place a recycling bin in a place apart from the kitchen. This will help in collecting trash from other parts of the home and recycled later.
4. Refrain from using shiny wrapping papers
We have a tendency of wrapping Christmas gifts in fancy and shiny wrapping papers. For additional décor, we often attach colorful ribbons with wired mesh on the gifts. The laminated and glossy wrapping papers and fancy ribbons are non-recyclable. Instead of these items, try giving the gifts wrapped in natural fiber paper, newsprint or paper grocery bags. These are recyclable and can be used again and again.
5. Use trash or compost bins for disposing napkins, paper towels and disposable plates
Paper napkins, paper plates and cups are not recyclable in nature and so are paper towels. Though they are made from paper, they cannot be recycled. The best thing is to choose items that are reusable than choosing ones that are disposable. Throw these items in a trash bin or a compost bin. However, it is interesting to see that many plastic varieties and cardboard varieties have become recyclable.
6. Don’t put plastic bags in the recycling bin
People tend to throw anything and everything in the recycling bin without understanding. Refrain from throwing packaging supplies like plastic bags in the recycling bin as the whole recycling system gets clogged with these items. The process of recycling might get hampered for more than an hour until the plastic bags are untangled. Try shifting to reusable bags for ease and convenience.
7. Empty the jars – they need not be cleaned
Glass jars can be recycled without problem. Just make sure that they are empty. However, there is no need to clean them thoroughly.
