How Do I Prepare Items For Recycling?

Although most recyclable materials, such as plastic, aluminum, steel cans, paper, and glass are fairly widely known, some are still unaware of how to prepare these materials so they are ready to put into your recycling. 

Are Packing Peanuts Recyclable?

According to the patent for packing peanuts filed in 1962, Robert E. Holden was named as the inventor.

Packing peanuts, used for packaging fragile items, was also touted as a material that could be used as insulation since it proved to be a good heat insulator.

Originally packing peanuts were made of foam, but since the 1990s there have been more “green” ingredients used such as corn or grain sorghum. “Polystyrene-based packing peanuts were invented in 1965 and have been used ever since…and can be used over and over again.

Are Gum Wrappers Recyclable?

Chewing gum, regardless of brand or flavor, is made from the same basic ingredients. These basic ingredients are gum base, softeners, sweeteners and flavorings.

Gum base is the main ingredient in chewing gum, which makes it soft and chewable. Although the main ingredients of gum are the same, some of the flavoring ingredients are kept a secret with very guarded recipes.

Are Candy Wrappers Recyclable?

Candy is used as a gift, a reward, an incentive, and a treat. In all actuality, a very small percentage of people don’t like candy.

“Candy canes, candy corn, candy hearts: whether Christmas or Easter, Halloween or Valentine’s day, every holiday has its trademark sweet, and customers are more than happy to hand over the money for a bit of holiday cheer. 

Are Telephone Books Recyclable?

“The first telephone book was published in New Haven, (Connecticut,) by the New Haven District Telephone Company in February 1878. It was one page long and held fifty names. No numbers were listed, as the operator would connect you.

The page was divided into four headings: Residential, Professional, Miscellaneous, and Essential Service listings.” The page measured approximately 5.5”X8.25”.”

Are Pet Food Bags Recyclable?

Purina puts a great deal of thought and research into the type of bags their pet food goes into,  Things like strength, durability, moisture control, and the ability to resist tearing are among the top priorities.   

and many factors are considered in this process.

Purina's material of choice to encompass all of these areas is polypropylene.  Although many of their criteria are met by using it and plastic is technically recyclable, some recycling centers are not yet equipped to recycle polypropylene.

How Small Is Too Small To Recycle?

As referenced in a previous blog titled, “Do You Have Recycling Bias?” the term “Recycling Bias” refers to the propensity of people to throw larger or full sheets of paper into the recycling bin while bits and scraps of paper went into the trash.” 

But how small is too small when it comes to recycling?