Sorting It All Out: 5 Tree Hugging Toss-Ups

Not sure if you've caught on, but recycling is big here at GreenBox HQ. It's in our Earth-obsessed, pizza-lovin' bones... and we're thinking it's in yours, too.

So when we found out that the recyclable materials in the U.S. waste stream would generate over $7 billion if they were recycled, well, that got us going. How is this possible? And most importantly, what can be done to fix it?

We could speculate for days (with the help of an extra large pepperoni pie, of course), but we thought this list might be a good place to start. We've put together a roundup of some of the biggest recycling mix-ups, hoping that we'll learn a thing or two along the way. Because if we don't make a change now, who will?

1. Keep it Capped

Back in the day, tossing the cap before recycling the bottle was the way to go. But as of 2012, facilities across the U.S now accept plastic bottles, caps included. And since 25 million of these are recycled per hour, it's nice to know the cap can come too. Simply empty the bottle, crush it (the best part, obviously), replace the top and you're good to go. Sidenote: since not every municipality has hopped on the cap-crazed bandwagon, make sure to check with your recycling center to confirm.

2. Peace Out, Plastic

"Paper or plastic?" You know the drill. Collectively, we discard over 1 trillion plastic bags annually - but it's a myth that these can't be recycled. 

In fact, plastic bags are often transformed into playground equipment (weird, but cool), backyard decking, piping, fences and yes.. even new bags. 

But recycling curbside may not be the best option, as most local facilities do not have the manufacturing capabilities to recycle such thin, lightweight plastic material. But never fear, Target is here. Most large retailers like Wal-Mart and Home Depot provide collection bins at the front entrance (you know, conveniently close to the gum ball machine). Your local grocery store might even recycle them, too. Check here for a list of drop-off centers near you. 

Still craving canvas? Lucky for you, we're Etsy obsessed - and they've got some of the cutest re-usable grocery bags around. Your eggs (and the Earth!) have never been more excited.

3. Donezo with Details

Labels. They're everywhere. And I swear they're super glued on just to bug me. Don't pretend like you haven't spent 20 solid minutes, sweating, trying to remove every last bit of paper from your recyclable container. But come to find out, it's a totally unnecessary step. The same goes for staples or other metal fasteners stuck in cardboard, as recycling centers use massive magnets to do the work for us. So let's save ourselves the stress (or in my case, a freshly manicured set of nails) and toss 'em in - labels, staples and all.

4. Did You Shred It? Forget It.

In the U.S., we recycle 60% of all paper products (cue us patting ourselves on the back). But when it comes to the shredded stuff, you've got to forget it. Most often, this material is incompatible with recycling center machinery... and just ends up sprawled across the facility floor. Fun times. But glossy paper products, such as old magazines are fully recyclable (but only 20% of them make it to the bin). A good rule to live by? When it comes to paper, if you can rip it, recycle it!

5. A Toss In Toss Up 

Think twice before you trash an old CD or 90's video game (especially if it's Mario Kart, in which case we call dibs). Even old appliances, mattresses, furniture and that pile of wire hangers from the dry cleaners could be kept of out landfills based on the rules of your local recycling department. 

Earth911 has a trusty tool we live by, where you enter an item and your zip to find out how best to recycle it. And, in case you're wondering, the recycling center in my area accepts old trophies. Excuse me while I collect my slew of "participation" awards. :) 

Recycle by Colors

We're big fans of recycling around here. In fact, as I look up across my desk, I catch a glimpse of our extra large green bin - piled high, overflowing with reusable goodness.

Ah. Be still my heart.

So when we saw that our recent post, Recycle by Numbers was a hit with readers - we figured, why stop there? Let's keep this educational train running.

Today, we bring you a handy guide on how best to re-use and recycle some of the most common materials. From your car battery to that 90's TV and everything in between, we guarantee you'll think twice about how to get rid of that hot pink Razr phone.

Oh, stop. We know you have one.

Let the learning begin.

Aluminum

Americans discard about 2.7 million tons of aluminum each year. But - only half that amount is recycled.

And, there's no excuse. Across the U.S., over 10,000 locations buy back aluminum cans. Plus, who doesn't love some extra cash? 100% recyclable, cans return to the shelves as new within only 60 days after dropping them into the bin. Oh, and recycling just one saves enough energy to run your TV for three hours.

Now that's a lot of Netflix binging.

Aluminum foil is no exception. Last year, Americans discarded almost 500,000 tons of the material - all of which could've been recycled. Re-use it as much as possible (it's easily wiped down) and give it a good rinse before dropping it into your bin. Better yet? Splurge a little for the 100% recycled foil. This kind uses 5% less energy than traditional foil during the manufacturing process.

Voila!

Glass

In the U.S. today, most glass bottles contain at least 27% recycled material. But, when it comes to recycling this sturdy substance, even the smallest remnants of food waste or dirt can contaminate the entire batch. Cue memories of mom nagging you to "rinse out the recyclables!" Yup, she was right... again.

Here's an interesting tidbit: brown glass, the most common color for beer bottles, is manufactured by adding nickel, sulfur and carbon to molten glass. Since this brown color can't be removed, recycled brown bottles = more brown bottles!

Pizza & a brew, anyone?! In the GreenBox, of course. ☺

So, feel free to toss your clear, green and amber glass into the recycling (rinsed clean!) - but mirrors, Pyrex and ceramics (such as dishware and ovenware) aren't accepted.

Batteries

Car batteries are the most recycled product in America. That's right - in the U.S. alone, about 100 million batteries are replaced a year, and 99% of these are recycled. Cool, huh?

Each car battery is made up of about 60% lead and contains three pounds of plastic - most of which can be reclaimed to produce new batteries. Oh, and the sulfuric acid contained within the product can be neutralized, purified & released as clean water.

Minds. Blown.

Bottom line? Many retailers (like AutoZone!) will take back batteries, but contact your local municipality to find out where to recycle yours. Easy as pie.

Computers

Each day, over 130,000 computers are dumped in landfills. But, guess what? Nearly 100% of your old computer can be re-used. Plastic, metal, glass... it's a recycling center's dream!

So, no need to chuck that dust-gathering laptop. Apple, Dell, HP and IBM are just a few of many manufacturers that offer trade-in options. Circuit City and Best Buy will also accept your "e-waste," and Staples even welcomes desktop printers, faxes and all-in-ones. Ta da!

TVs

Making the switch to a 75", HD, wall-mounted flat screen? Us too. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that only 18% of TVs discarded last year were recycled. That leaves 20 million televisions, each containing about 8 pounds of lead, polluting our landfills.

Check with your local municipality for drop-off centers, or find a retailer that offers a TV recycling program (LG and Sony do!). Or, if your TV is still in working condition, here's a list of non-profit organizations that would gladly take that clunker off your hands. They'll even scoop it up for free. 

Cell Phones

At this moment, over 1 billion gadgets are catching cobwebs in our junk drawers. And - only 10% of these will be recycled.

Trashed cell phones (hello, Blackberry) represent about 65,000 tons of electronic waste each year. For every 1 million cell phones we recycle, 35 thousand pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver, 75 pounds of gold and 33 pounds of palladium can be recovered.

Yeah, we said it. Gold.

Before you toss that iPhone 4 (we know, it's so yesterday), consider a program like Eco-cell. They'll even pay you for your old smartphone! AT&T and Verizon both offer trade-in programs, and our personal favorite - Cell Phones for Soldiers - will ensure that your working device gets into the best of hands.