Feel a certain lack of chill in the air? It’s beginning to look a lot like springtime in Michigan! As you start to thaw out and put away your snow gear, I (your good friend Nyla) am here to share some recycling tips for your annual spring spruce-up.
“But Nyla,” you might be asking, “is recycling reaaaaally part of spring cleaning?” It is! Recycling has a huge role to play in keeping Michigan clean, green and sustainable. But don’t just take my word for it. Tracy Tomaszewski, recycling specialist for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), is also here to chime in, saying, “As the weather turns nicer and Michiganders are starting spring cleaning projects, we hope they’ll consider whether an item can be recycled or reused before they simply toss it in the trash. To kind of turn a phrase, ‘What’s old can often become new again.’”
Why waste, when you can recycle? Especially when the process is made easy with Nyla’s Patented Tips for Spring Cleaning!
Tip 1: Know the “No-No’s”
Sometimes, something you might consider recyclable is actually dangerous if you don’t take the time to clean and empty it properly. For example, containers that would be recyclable if empty are dangerous if they still contain chemicals like bleach or drain cleaner that can mix and cause fires at recycling facilities.
Other definite recycling no-no’s include:
- Aerosol cans
- Hazardous materials (fertilizers, chemical cleaners, paint)
- Sharp metal objects (syringes)
Tip 2: Batteries Are a Bust (Literally)
All batteries are technically recyclable … just not curbside. Why, might you ask? They cause fires at recycling facilities! Luckily there’s a solution — dropping old batteries off. You can safely get rid of your batteries at:
- Hazardous waste collection sites
- Auto parts stores
- Home improvement retailers such as Lowe’s and Home Depot
Tip 3: Don’t Muddle Over Metals
According to our friends at SOCRRA, pieces of metal, such as old grills, rusty lawn mower blades or pots and pans, do NOT belong in your curbside recycling cart. However, your local drop-off center or a scrap yard may accept them.
Tip 4: Take Out the Tanglers
Recycling facilities don’t want materials like hoses, boat shrink wrap or other flexible plastics because they can get tangled in their machinery. However, these things are ripe for reuse! Our human friends with the Kent County Department of Public Works encourage people to get one more use out of these items by repurposing them, if possible.
Here’s a couple ideas for reuse:
- Poking holes in a hose to turn it into a garden soaker
- Using shrink wrap as a painting drop cloth
- Reusing plastic bags as small trash can liners
In addition, the Michigan Recycling Coalition and EGLE have partnered on a boat film plastic recycling program. Check it out!
Tip 5: Donate Anything “So Last Season”
Clothing and textiles aren’t recyclable curbside and should never be put in your cart. Not to fear, though, because local thrift shops, friends and unsuspecting relatives are all places for you to donate your old threads.
Tip 6: When in Doubt, Drop It Off
If you run into a material while cleaning that feels … vaguely recyclable … rather than wish-cycling, check to see if it’s something you could drop off or return to a retailer.
Lots of items fit this category, like:
- E-waste (computers, TVs, smartphones, etc.)
- Mattresses
- Plastic flower pots and plant containers
- Plastic bags
- Batteries
Tip 7: Know When to Say Goodbye
Certain supplies, like items from the first cookout of the year, sadly cannot be recycled due to food contamination. This includes any used:
- Paper and plastic plates
- Styrofoam cups
- Plastic or paper straws
- Plastic utensils
Most of these should go in the trash, which is why it’s best to choose reusable or compostable options instead! The bright side? Pizza boxes, even if they’re greasy, CAN be recycled curbside — as long as they’re free of crusts and crumbs. https://recyclingraccoons.org/pizza-box/
Well, there you have it! I wish you luck on your spring-cleaning journey, humans. If you run into an item and need a little help, you know where to find me!