Recycling is an easy and effective way to reduce waste by converting reusable materials into new items rather than dumping them in landfills. While the process is simple, there are some best practices to follow. To make the most of your efforts, use the do’s and don'ts below. 

Do:

Empty food and drink containers beforehand.

Food and beverage containers, such as plastic yogurt cups, aluminum soda cans, and boxes, make up a vast majority of residential recycling. But many individuals don't realize that the leftover food within these containers can contaminate recyclable materials, making them ineligible for the program. That’s why you need to empty, rinse, and dry food containers before tossing them in your recycling bin.

Sort items by type.

Waste treatment facilities collect and recycle items by their material. In some cases, items not sorted before they're picked up can’t be recycled and end up in the landfill.

To maximize your recycling rate, sort your items into appropriate groups: aluminum, plastic, cardboard, glass, and paper. 

Don't:

Put your recyclables in bags.

Many individuals place recyclable materials in plastic bags to make them easier to collect for pickup. Unfortunately, these materials can get caught in waste treatment machinery and damage the equipment. Because bundled materials can't be sorted at the facility, all recyclables collected in bags are sent to the landfill. 

Flatten bottles and cans.

In the past, waste management companies encouraged individuals to flatten bottles and cans to free up space in collection trucks and bins. Recent advances in technology have changed that recommendation, as modern sorting equipment uses the unique shape of certain materials to detect what the item is for sorting.

For reliable recycling services, turn to the professionals at Honolulu Disposal Service. With over 50 years of service, they’re known as one of Hawaii's oldest refuse management companies, specializing in recycling, dumpster services, and open-top container hauling. Contact them today at (808) 845-7581 to schedule a pickup, or visit them online to learn more about their services.