We all know by now that recycling is good for the planet, right? It’s a simple way to cut down on waste, conserve natural resources, and keep landfills from overflowing. But even though the concept is straightforward, many people still toss common recyclables into the wrong bins. Think you know what can and can’t be recycled? Let’s test your recycling knowledge!
Mountain Disposal is a waste management company. And while we don’t provide recycling services for the public, we know it’s all in our best interest to learn as much as we can about keeping our communities in Southern Colorado as beautiful and clean as possible. Let’s break it down and highlight the top items you should recycle in your home and business to make a real impact!
Paper: Beyond Just Old Newspapers
Paper is widely recyclable, whether it’s newspapers, magazines, cardboard, and paperboard (think cereal boxes and shoe boxes) or even the packaging from online orders. Recycling paper helps save trees and reduces the energy needed to create new paper products.
It’s important to remember that not all paper is recyclable. For instance, paper that’s heavily coated with plastic or food contaminated (like greasy pizza boxes) may not be accepted by most recycling programs. But paper that’s clean and free of those additives can go into your recycling bin, helping create new products like books, notebooks, or even insulation for homes.
Plastic: A Major Recyclable Player
Plastic can feel tricky because there are so many different types. It’s easy to toss everything plastic into the trash, but a large chunk of plastic waste can actually be recycled. Think about all the plastic bottles, food containers, and even packaging materials you use daily. Many of these items are made from PET (polyethylene terephthalate), one of the most widely recycled plastics.
Milk jugs, detergent containers, and yogurt cups can often be recycled, but they must be rinsed out first. Clean plastic containers are much more likely to be properly processed, and this little effort can make a big difference in the success of your recycling efforts.
Plastic bags are not typically accepted in curbside recycling bins because they can get tangled in the machinery at sorting facilities. However, many grocery stores offer plastic bag recycling stations for your plastic bags. So, make sure to bring a bag full of bags the next time you make a trip to the grocery store or a big box store, and look for the designated bin for dropoff!
Glass: An Eco-Friendly Favorite
Glass is one of the best materials to recycle because it can be reused endlessly without losing quality. Unlike many other materials that degrade, glass can be used repeatedly to create new glass products. Glass bottles and jars are prime examples of recyclable items that can be turned into new bottles, windows, or even countertops.
Glass is heavy, so keeping it out of landfills is especially important, where it would take thousands of years to break down. Many recycling programs accept glass containers, but it’s a good idea to remove any lids, rinse the containers, and ensure no food is left inside.
While glass is fantastic for recycling, some glass items, such as mirrors, ceramics, or window glass, might not be accepted in all programs. These types of glass can be tricky to process, so always check with your local recycling program to ensure you’re recycling the right kind.
Aluminum Cans: A Champion of Recycling
Aluminum cans are one of the easiest and most valuable items to recycle. Recycling aluminum saves significant energy compared to creating new aluminum from raw materials, making it an eco-friendly choice for anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Like glass, aluminum can be recycled repeatedly without losing its quality. Soda cans, beer cans, or even aluminum foil (as long as its clean) can be easily melted down and repurposed into new cans or even new products like bicycles or cars.
Because aluminum is highly sought after by recyclers because of its high value, it’s in your best interest to get it into the right bin.
How Recycling Has Grown Over the Years
Recycling rates in the U.S. have steadily increased, with people recycling everything from paper and plastic to electronics and clothing. According to the EPA, the recycling rate in the U.S. reached 32.1% in 2020, with materials like paper and cardboard leading the charge. While this number is an improvement from earlier decades, there’s still room for growth.
As recycling technology improves, and more people realize its benefits, recycling rates are on the rise. With better sorting systems and expanded programs, it’s becoming easier than ever to recycle—and the impact on the environment is huge. Companies are also stepping up by making their packaging more recyclable, and cities are finding new ways to manage waste more sustainably.
Small Recycling Efforts Add Up
Recycling is a simple way to cut down on waste, save resources, and do your part for the planet. Whether it’s paper, plastic, glass, or aluminum, making sure it goes in the right bin really adds up. Every item you recycle helps create a cleaner, more sustainable world!
If you’re looking for more details on recycling many items in Southern Colorado, you can check out the Pueblo County Recycling program here. It provides great guidelines and information about what to recycle.
Mountain Disposal serves communities in Pueblo, Huerfano, and Custer Counties as well as the San Luis Valley with waste management services (but not recycling services). We provide curbside services, dumpster services, roll-offs, and portable toilet rentals. Please contact us for your waste disposal needs.