Psst — the color-coded ✱ icons in this story are clickable. Tap one for a recycling rule, a recycling benefit or a bit of need-to-know trivia.
It was supposed to be a typical practice. But when the lead guitarist of noise-rock cover band Heavi Metale — Heavi — strummed the strings, it was as if he thrummed the very strings of fate.
As the music swelled, so too did Precious Metale’s excitement — causing her to break into a wicked impromptu drum solo. Her kit, made from metal cans scavenged from recycling carts, You found a recycling basic! NEVER recycle aerosol cans … because during the recycling process, these can ACTUALLY explode.let out an explosive sound under her drum sticks.
“Stop, stop, stop!” Heavi shouted, his gray fur puffed in agitation. “Can’t we get through one practice without you going rogue?”
“Sorry, man, but that’s just not rock ’n’ roll. If I feel it, I play it!” Precious said with a shrug. It was a fight they’d had often. Despite both raccoons’ shared love of Fun fact: Recycling your metal cans saves on natural resources! Making a can from recycled aluminum takes up to 95% less energy than a brand-new one.metal (both music and recyclables), the dynamic duo was often at odds.
“I’ve had it!” Heavi snapped, shoving his guitar in its case. “I got an offer from a group of jazz cats anyway, so I’m out!”
Precious watched, mouth agape, as Heavi stormed out. Full of righteous fury (and determined to have the last word), Precious sprinted out into the dark alley. In her haste, she toppled into a trash can, sending the contents flying.
Under the shallow light of a crescent moon, Heavi had disappeared and Precious hissed — her anger worsened by the sight of You found a recycling basic! Relatively grease-free pizza boxes, rinsed and emptied metals like tuna cans, and paper envelopes (even with plastic windows) are all recyclable curbside!perfectly good recyclable pizza boxes, tuna cans and paper envelopes mixed into the trash at her feet.
“’Tis a right shame, isn’t it, Lass,” a voice said, making her jump.
Precious whirled around to see a raccoon sporting a checkered cap approaching from the mouth of the alley. “It seems the humans still have a long way to go when it comes to learning the rules of recycling,” he said while looking at the mess.
A set of paper bagpipes slung across his back caught her eye. “Nice pipes. Pawmade?”
“Yes, and out of Newspapers, magazines, non-glittery wrapping paper, envelopes and more can all be recycled curbside (or given to Paper to make into bagpipes!).recycled paper too! You’ve a fine eye for instruments.”
“Thanks, I’m in — I was in a band … but that’s over now,” she said, shaking her head. The strange raccoon began cleaning the mess as she watched, sorting out recyclable items with care.
“The name’s Paper MacKay, and it seems we’re both in luck. As fate would have it, I’m putting together an ensemble of my own. Any interest in joining a new group?”
“Think you can handle my sound?” Precious asked, starting to grin.
“Lass, bagpipes are nothing BUT sound! I think we’ll get along jus’ fine.”
“I’m in. What’s your group called?”
“The Recycling Raccoon Squad.”