Each year, millions of tons of waste go to dumpsites and landfills, where they will sit for many years.
Although these dumpsites and landfills may be far from you and, hopefully, other people, these places pose a danger to the environment and living organisms.
Waste in dumpsites and landfills can contaminate soil and water and alter nearby fauna. They can also cause fires and explosions and are prone to collapse, which can lead to people getting hurt.
Additionally, dumpsites and landfills release methane, carbon dioxide, and other toxic gasses that contribute to climate change and increase the earth’s temperature.
To help curb the buildup of waste, recycling in Dubai plays a crucial role in minimizing waste that ends up in dumpsites and landfills.
This practice can help you save energy as well as lend a hand in conserving resources and protecting the environment.
Things You Should Put in Your Recycle Bin
Segregating your trash is the first step to recycling.
But which old or used household items should you always put in your recycle bin?
Here are the top ten that should be on your list:
1. Plastic Bottles and Jugs
There are several ways to recycle plastic bottles, jugs, and other containers at home.
You can use them as containers for homemade cleaning solutions and liquid products that you can buy as refills.
Additionally, you can repurpose plastic soda bottles into bird feeders and plastic jugs into scoops and dustpans.
However, recycling facilities can do more to plastic bottles, jugs, and other products. Their machines can transform them into different items, including new bottles and containers.
Plastic bottles can also be recycled into reusable crates and pallets, wheel bins, composters, food trays, and even guttering with the right processes and systems in place.
Once recycled, some plastic bottles and containers can be used for or added to the production of PVC pipes.
2. Paper
Old newspapers and magazines, junk mail, used bond paper, packaging, and other paper products are also best segregated and sent to recycling facilities.
These discarded paper materials will undergo several processes, including the removal of printing ink, adhesives, glue, plastic film, and other contaminants.
The last steps of the process involve bleaching, rolling, and cutting the processed paper and turning them into new blank, clean paper sheets.
These sheets can then be used for newspaper printing, wrapping, and printing papers.
3. Crayons
If you have kids, you likely have a drawer or container full of small or broken crayons they don’t use.
However, instead of throwing them in your regular trash bin, collect and separate them for recycling.
Some recycling facilities and non-profit organizations melt down small and broken crayons to make new ones. They either sell or donate the products to charity.
As such, make it a habit to collect all crayons that your kids are not using anymore since they can be recycled and given to those who need them.
4. Coffee Pods and Capsules
The popularity of coffee pods and capsule machines have paved the way for millions of single-use containers landing in dumpsites and landfills.
If you are using this type of coffee-making machine, you don’t have to mix the pods and capsules with your regular trash; you can recycle them.
Most coffee pods and capsules are made of plastic, aluminum, and paper and hence, can be placed in the recycle bin.
But before you put the capsules and pods in the recycling bin, you have to separate the components. Start by removing all coffee grounds from the container.
Next, you have to peel back the top of the capsule or pod manually or use a tool to do it. You can then put the plastic, aluminum, and paper components in different bags for recycling.
5. Rubber Shoes
If you have amassed plenty of old running and rubber shoes over the years and your family has several in their cabinets as well, collect them for recycling.
Look for a recycling program that targets old sneakers. Nike and other well-known shoe brands and stores accept worn trainers since those can be recycled into rubber courts that children can use to play sports.
Local recycling facilities may also have other ways of recycling rubber shoes, so don’t hesitate to ask them if you can’t find shops that accept them.
6. Batteries
In the past, you could throw rechargeable and single-use batteries with your regular trash. However, since they contain toxic materials, it is best to recycle them.
Most recycling facilities accept both rechargeable and single-use batteries.
However, other organizations and public institutions, such as libraries and post offices, also accept these items for reprocessing.
Take the time to check your state or national government website to know their recommended methods for disposing of old batteries, including car batteries.
7. Ink Cartridges
Like batteries, printer cartridges contain toxic substances. Because of this, you should never dispose of them in your regular trash bin.
Find out which recycling centers near you accept printer cartridges. Many office supply stores and suppliers of printers themselves can take them off your hands for reprocessing.
Some sellers of printers and printer cartridges also offer discounts and other perks for giving them empty cartridges.
Certain companies will even reward you for doing the right thing by giving you a discount on the next ink cartridge you purchase.
8. DVDs, CDs, and VHS Tapes
With streaming services providing a more convenient way to watch movies and TV shows and listen to music, you may want to get rid of your DVD and CD collections.
These items are recyclable, and hence, you have to put them in your recycle bin.
If you have old VHS tapes, you have to remove the film first and dispose of them separately. You can then place the plastic case with your other recyclables.
9. Inhalers
Millions of people throw away their inhalers each year. However, since the actual inhalers are made of metal, they can and should be recycled.
The plastic dispensers used with inhalers can be recycled as well.
Find out which pharmacies near you have recycling programs for inhalers so you can be sure they can be safely reconditioned.
10. Corks
Wine corks are recyclable and can be used as materials for flooring tiles, insulation, and sports equipment.
Many organizations can also repurpose these items and turn them into soles for shoes.
As such, avoid throwing the cork immediately in your regular trash bin when you open a bottle of red or white and add them to your collection of recyclables.
Some companies, including laundry service providers, also offer free recycling services. They often accept plastic products, paper, cardboard, and other packaging supplies for reprocessing, which is done by their partner recycling facility.
It will be worth your while to look for such companies so you can get help with recycling some of your items and avoid throwing them the usual way.
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