Home Recycling Center TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-314 -- More Projects »
Organization expert Pam Hix drops by TIPical Mary Ellen to provide tips for setting up an efficient recycling system in the home. - Check with your local recycling center to find out what they will and won't pick up during curbside collections. Most communities generally allow newspapers, mixed paper, glass, plastic, aluminum and steel cans and cardboard.
- Create a recycling area somewhere in your home. Because most recyclable are kitchen generated, the kitchen is a good area to collect them.
- Many people don't like the mess that recycling can create, so they balk at recycling. One way to overcome this is to have a permanent designated area such as a garage, basement, mud room or back hallway for storing recyclables.
- Collect the cans, newspapers, junk mail, etc., and on a daily basis, deposit them into containers that have been set up in this designated area. Containers could be paper bags, plastic bins or garbage cans.
- A great idea for recycling cans is to crush them so that they don't take up as much room. To do this, build your own can crusher by taking two scraps of 2 x 4-foot wood, a strap hinge, and some jar lids. Attach the two pieces of wood at one end with the hinge, and at the other end attach the lids--one on each side to make a holder for the can. If you want to make it even easier, attach an old handle. Now your crusher is ready. Just dent the can a little and place it in the crusher.
- Many recyclable items can be taken to drop-off centers or local businesses for recycling.
- Service stations may accept used antifreeze, motor-oil filters and car batteries.
- Some malls, discount stores and grocery stores have bins set up and will accept small batteries, plastic bags and old telephone books.
- Dry cleaning companies and small tailoring shops generally accept wire hangers for reuse.
- Local community organizations and vision centers accept used eyeglasses. They repair them and distribute them to individuals who cannot afford new ones.
- Check with your local utility company to see if they will pick up working refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners.
- You can even make money with some of your recyclables. For example, some businesses buy aluminum cans and scrap metal by the pound.
- Some music and bookstores that will buy and resell used records, tapes, compact discs and books.
- Donating items is another way to recycle. Hospitals, schools and nursing homes accept magazines, jigsaw puzzles, craft projects and games. Be sure to remove the address labels from the magazines before you donate them.
- Children's homes and crisis nurseries can always use games, toys, children's books and clothing.
- Homeless shelters can use unopened travel-size containers of shampoo, lotions and soaps.
- To set up a recycling system for these types of recyclables, designate one corner or shelf as your collection area. Use sturdy labeled boxes to contain the items.
- Always contact any agency, business or community organization to find out their policies, times they are open, and what types of items are accepted. When in doubt, check it out.
Guests Pam Hix
Organization Consultant, Everything's Together Organizing Services
13012 June Terrace
Minnetonka, MN 55305-2740
Phone: 952-939-8080
E-mail: pjhix@aol.com
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