Building Sustainable Habits in 2025

It’s never too late to start recycling! While it may feel overwhelming at first, recycling the right way is simple once you understand the basics. The new year is a perfect opportunity to set meaningful goals and make positive changes, starting with how you handle waste. Recycling is one of the most impactful steps we can take to reduce our environmental footprint—and with a little effort, anyone can do it. Let’s dive into the essentials of recycling at home and work to set you up for success this year!

Understanding the Basics of Recycling

Recycling is more than just tossing items into the blue bin. It involves a commitment to ensuring materials can be reused and diverted from landfills. The first step is understanding your local recycling guidelines. Each community has specific rules about what can and cannot be recycled, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with them. Items need to be clean and free of food residue to avoid contamination—a simple rinse can go a long way in keeping the recycling stream effective. To make it easy for you, we’ve made a quick list of dos/don’ts so you can start fresh and recycle right.

Recycling Dos and Don’ts

Recycling is an essential part of reducing waste and conserving resources, but it’s easy to make mistakes that can impact the effectiveness of the recycling process. To help ensure that your efforts are as beneficial as possible, here are some key dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

1. Rinse out containers to remove food residue.

Food remnants can contaminate recyclables, making them unsuitable for recycling. Always rinse containers like jars, bottles, and cans before placing them in the recycling bin. This simple step helps to ensure that recyclable materials are clean and can be processed efficiently.

2. Flatten cardboard boxes to save space.

Flattening your cardboard boxes not only saves space in your bin but also helps the recycling facility process them more efficiently. Large, unflattened boxes can take up a lot of room and make it harder to separate materials for recycling.

3. Check local guidelines for accepted materials.

Different areas may have different recycling rules, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with local guidelines. What is accepted in one area may not be in another. For example, some areas may accept certain types of plastic, while others might not. Always stay informed to make sure you’re recycling the right materials.

4. Keep recyclables dry and separate.

Wet or mixed materials can become contaminated and may not be recyclable. It’s best to keep paper and cardboard dry and separate from other recyclables, especially when dealing with rain or moisture in outdoor bins.

5. Remove lids and caps from bottles.

Lids and caps are often made of different materials than the container itself and can interfere with the recycling process. Make sure to remove and recycle them separately if possible.

DON’T:

1. Place plastic bags in curbside bins.

While plastic bags are recyclable, they often require specialized facilities for processing. Most curbside recycling programs cannot handle plastic bags, and they can become tangled in recycling machinery, causing delays and contamination. Instead, take them to dedicated drop-off locations or use reusable shopping bags to reduce plastic bag waste. Many grocery stores have plastic bag recycling bins near the front entrance. To find one near you, you can search by zipcode using Earth 911.

2. Recycle greasy pizza boxes.

Pizza boxes that are stained with grease or food residues cannot be recycled. The greasy portions of the cardboard are considered contaminated, and recycling facilities may reject the entire box. If the box is mostly clean, you can recycle part of it, but always check for grease stains first.

3. Mix materials like bubble mailers or coffee cups with plastic linings into the bin.

Some items, such as bubble mailers or coffee cups with plastic linings (like those used for hot beverages), may appear recyclable but are often not. These materials can’t be processed efficiently because they are a combination of different substances. Make sure to check the packaging or look for a recycling symbol indicating that they are recyclable.

4. Recyclable items in the wrong bin.

Throwing recyclables into the trash bin, or non-recyclables into the recycling bin, can contaminate the entire recycling stream, making it more difficult to process materials. Always make sure you’re putting the right materials in the right bin to keep the system running smoothly.

5. Recycle electronics or hazardous materials in curbside bins.

Items like electronics, batteries, and freon require specialized recycling services. Placing them in curbside bins can not only cause contamination but also pose a risk to the recycling workers and the environment. Find local e-waste recycling programs and hazardous waste disposal centers to properly dispose of these items. If you live in Northern Michigan, BARC is here to help you recycle your electronic waste correctly.

Recycling at Home

Integrating recycling into your daily routine at home doesn’t have to be complicated. Setting up a designated space for recyclables is a great starting point. Whether it’s a few bins in the kitchen or a larger system in the garage, having a clear, organized spot for recyclables makes it easier to stick to the habit. Involving your family can also make a big difference—teaching children about recycling not only engages them but helps instill lifelong habits. Avoid the temptation of “wish-cycling,” where you toss items in the recycling bin hoping they’ll be recycled. Sticking to what’s accepted ensures you’re not inadvertently disrupting the system.

Recycling at Work

Bringing recycling into the workplace is another opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Offices and businesses often generate significant waste, much of which is recyclable if properly managed. Setting up centralized, clearly labeled recycling stations encourages participation and reduces confusion. For example, placing a paper recycling bin next to the printer can make it easier for employees to recycle unwanted documents instead of throwing them away. Beyond just providing the bins, regular reminders about what can and cannot be recycled keep the system effective. Taking time to evaluate your workplace’s waste can reveal areas for improvement and help identify materials that could be recycled instead of discarded.

Beyond Recycling: Reducing, Reusing, and Upcycling

While recycling plays an important role in managing waste, reducing and reusing are even more impactful in minimizing environmental harm. By focusing on consumption habits and finding new purposes for what we already own, we can significantly reduce our environmental footprint.

Buy From Businesses That Value Sustainability

One of the easiest ways to reduce waste is by buying from businesses that prioritize sustainability. Support companies that focus on recycling in their manufacturing processes, use minimal packaging, and actively give back to the planet.

Repurpose Items You Already Have

Instead of discarding items that may no longer serve their original purpose, consider finding new uses for them. For example, old glass jars can become storage containers for small items like office supplies, spices, or craft materials. Similarly, worn-out clothing can be turned into cleaning rags or creatively altered into new fashion pieces. These simple changes keep items out of landfills while enhancing your daily life.

Embrace Upcycling

Upcycling goes beyond simple reuse by transforming old or discarded items into something of higher value or utility. For instance, turning a worn-out wooden pallet into a stylish coffee table or repurposing vintage fabrics to create unique home décor gives new life to materials that might otherwise be discarded.

How BARC Can Help

Bay Area Recycling for Community (BARC) offers comprehensive recycling services to make sustainable living easier. Whether you’re looking to recycle electronics, mattresses, refrigerators, or hard-to-recycle items, BARC has you covered.