Recycling helps significantly in preserving our environment, conserving natural resources, and minimizing the waste that ends up in landfills. Recycling seems as simple as tossing items like plastic bottles, cardboard, and cans into the bin. However, misconceptions about what can and can’t be recycled lead to confusion and contamination in recycling programs.
At Apex Property Clearing & Recycling, we are committed to sustainable practices, helping not only with property clearing but also with the proper disposal and recycling of materials. We specialize in removing large volumes of waste from properties, construction sites, and even hoarding cleanouts. We work diligently to recycle as many materials as possible during our cleanups, making a tangible impact in reducing environmental waste. In this blog post, we will explore what can and can’t be recycled, as well as how Apex’s recycling services can help individuals and businesses ensure proper waste management.
What Can Be Recycled?
Recycling may seem straightforward, but understanding what truly belongs in your recycling bin is crucial. Let’s start by outlining some of the most common items that can be recycled:
1. Paper and Cardboard
Paper products like newspapers and office paper are widely accepted by most recycling programs. Similarly, clean cardboard, like boxes and food packaging, is recyclable. But be sure to keep these materials free from food residue or liquids, as they can contaminate the entire batch.
Recyclable:
Office paper, junk mail, cardboard, magazines.
Not Recyclable:
Greasy pizza boxes, paper towels, napkins.
Apex’s Role:
During property cleanups, we ensure that paper and cardboard are sorted and sent to recycling facilities whenever possible. This includes removing large volumes of unwanted or unused materials from homes, offices, or construction sites, ensuring proper recycling of clean paper and cardboard items.
2. Plastics
When it comes to recycling, there is a lot of confusion around plastics. In general, plastics labeled with recycling codes 1 (PET) and 2 (HDPE) are accepted in most programs. This includes water bottles and laundry or dish detergent containers. However, it is important to note that not all plastics are recyclable, especially if they are made of mixed-materials or have food contamination.
Recyclable:
Fully rinsed and clean plastic bottles, containers, and jugs.
Not Recyclable:
Plastic bags, Styrofoam, plastic straws.
Apex’s Role:
When clearing properties or sites, We sort plastics that can be recycled and ensure they reach the appropriate facilities. In cases where large quantities of plastic are involved, such as during construction or renovation projects, Apex helps clients reduce plastic waste and divert recyclables from the landfill.
3. Metal
Aluminum and steel cans are highly recyclable. Metals can be melted down and reused without losing their quality. Items such as empty food cans, clean tin foil, and beverage cans should always go into your recycling bin.
Recyclable:
Aluminum cans, steel food cans, tin foil.
Not Recyclable:
Metal coat hangers, batteries, or electrical wiring.
Apex’s Role:
In demolition and cleanup projects, we frequently encounter large amounts of metal waste, including steel, aluminum, and iron. We ensure that metals are separated and sent to recycling centers for processing.
4. Glass
Glass bottles and jars are recyclable and can be recycled endlessly without degrading. However, ensuring the glass is fully clean is important. There are also some types of glass that can not be recycled, such as mirrors or light bulbs.
Recyclable:
Glass bottles, jars.
Not Recyclable:
Light bulbs, mirrors, window glass.
Apex’s Role:
We carefully handle glass during their property cleanouts, particularly in hoarding situations or construction sites. By properly recycling glass, we help prevent contamination in the recycling stream and contribute to more sustainable waste management practices.
Things Many People Think Can Be Recycled (But Can’t)
Even with good intentions, many people accidentally throw non-recyclable items into their recycling bins. These items often contaminate recycling streams, leading to entire loads of recyclables being sent to the landfill. Let’s explore some of the most common misconceptions:
1. Plastic Bags
While plastic bags may seem recyclable, they are a significant problem for most curbside recycling programs. Plastic bags can tangle in sorting machines, disrupting operations at recycling facilities.
What to do instead:
You can often find plastic bag collection bins at many grocery stores. The plastic bags collected in these bins are sent to specialized recycling centers.
Apex’s Role:
During cleanups, we avoid contamination by correctly sorting out plastic bags and ensuring they are properly disposed of or sent to appropriate recycling centers that accept them.
2. Styrofoam
Most curbside programs do not collect styrofoam (polystyrene). Styrofoam is lightweight, and tends to break down into tiny particles, which makes it hard to collect and recycle.
What to do instead:
Whenever possible, avoid using Styrofoam products, or find a facility that accepts Styrofoam for recycling.
Apex’s Role:
In construction site cleanups or home clearouts, we come across Styrofoam, especially packaging materials. We carefully sort and find the appropriate methods of disposal to prevent Styrofoam from ending up in landfills.
3. Pizza Boxes
While cardboard is recyclable, pizza boxes contaminated with grease or food waste are not.
What to do instead:
Throw the greasy parts of the box in the trash, and recycle the clean parts when possible.
Apex’s Role:
Whether dealing with office clearouts or home junk removal, Apex ensures that contaminated materials are sorted and disposed of properly, reducing contamination risks for recycling batches.
4. Frozen Food Boxes
Frozen food boxes may look recyclable, but they are often coated with plastic or wax to prevent moisture from affecting the contents. This coating makes it difficult for recycling facilities to process them, as it makes them harder to break down.
What to do instead:
Repurpose the boxes in some way (e.g. a craft project), or opt for more eco-friendly packaging if possible.
Apex’s Role:
We ensure that recyclable plastics, particularly those from property and construction site cleanups, are sorted correctly. We also advise clients to reduce plastic waste by choosing recyclable or reusable alternatives when possible.
5. Batteries
Batteries should not be placed in your curbside recycling bin, as they contain hazardous materials. They require specialized handling to avoid environmental damage.
Apex’s Role:
We also handle electronic and hazardous materials, including batteries. We ensure that batteries are safely disposed of or recycled at the proper specialized facilities, helping our clients reduce the environmental harm caused by improper battery disposal.
Contamination and Its Impact on Recycling
One of the biggest challenges recycling programs face is contamination. When non-recyclable items or dirty recyclables are mixed with clean items, it can cause entire batches of recycling to be sent to the landfill.
Common Sources of Contamination:
Food residue: Items like plastic containers and aluminum cans must be fully rinsed to prevent contamination.
Plastic bags: As mentioned, plastic bags tangle easily in recycling machinery, causing delays and breakdowns.
Wrong materials: Items like batteries, electronics, and textiles should not be recycled in your curbside recycling bin due to hazardous materials.
Apex’s Role in Reducing Contamination:
At Apex Property Clearing & Recycling, we pride ourselves on educating clients about proper recycling practices. During cleanups, our team ensures that recyclables are clean and free of contaminants. We also offer specialized recycling for items like electronics, ensuring safe handling of hazardous materials and keeping them out of landfills.
How Apex Recycles and How We Can Help You
At Apex Property Clearing & Recycling, we are more than just a property clearing company—we are committed to sustainable practices that protect the environment and support our clients in making more eco-conscious decisions. Here’s how we can help you with recycling:
1. Property and Estate Cleanouts
Whether it’s a residential estate cleanout or a business clearing project, we help clients recycle as much as possible. We sort through materials to find items that can be recycled, such as paper, plastics, metals, and glass, and ensure that these items reach the proper facilities whenever possible.
2. Construction Site Cleanup
Construction projects often produce significant amounts of waste. At Apex, we specialize in sorting and recycling materials like wood, metal, and plastic to minimize the environmental impact of the construction industry whenever possible. We work with contractors and developers to develop recycling plans that are tailored for each project.
3. Hoarding Cleanouts
Hoarding situations present unique challenges, often involving large quantities of mixed waste. Apex not only helps clear the clutter, but also ensures that recyclable materials are properly handled. Our respectful and professional approach helps families and individuals manage these cleanouts while adhering to best recycling practices whenever possible.
4. Electronics and Hazardous Waste
Items like batteries, electronics, and hazardous materials cannot go into standard recycling bins, but Apex can help. We partner with specialized facilities whenever possible to ensure that items are safely disposed of or recycled without harming the environment.
Conclusion: Partner with Apex for a Greener Tomorrow
Recycling is a crucial part of creating a sustainable future, but it’s important to know what can and can’t be recycled. Apex Property Clearing & Recycling takes the guesswork out of the process by handling recycling and waste management for you. At Apex, we do our very best to ensure that as many materials as possible are recycled.
Partner with Apex Property Clearing to clear out clutter and debris while also making a positive impact on the planet. Whether you’re a homeowner or business or need city or county cleanup, our commitment to sustainability, recycling, and responsible disposal can help you reduce your environmental footprint.
If you’re facing a cleanup project and want to ensure your waste is handled responsibly, contact Apex Property Clearing & Recycling today! Let us guide you through the process of eco-friendly disposal and recycling.