Although recycling is becoming a common practice, many individuals and businesses continue to be unsure about what they can and can’t recycle. Others may be uncertain about how much work they need to do to prepare recyclable products for disposal. Thankfully, the team at RTI Trash in Russellville, AR, has answers to many of your top recycling questions. 

Top 4 Recycling FAQ

Which Items Shouldn’t I Recycle?

While most people understand that food waste and other similar items aren’t recyclable, many other materials frequently get put into the recycling bin by mistake. The most common offenders include batteries, paper towels, foam products, and partially used aerosol cans. These items should always go in the trash.

Do I Need to Clean My Recyclables?

Most recycled plastics and glass were previously used to hold food or drinks. While you don’t need to scrub these items clean, it is recommended that you rinse them out to remove any remaining food particles.

What About Dirty Cardboard?

Cardboard recycling is fairly straightforward. If it has oil stains or food residue (such as what frequently happens with pizza boxes), it should be thrown away rather than recycled. Scuff marks and dust aren’t an issue, and cardboard with such markings can be safely recycled.

Does Recycling Really Help the Environment?

Absolutely: each ton of recycled office paper saves 17 trees and 7,000 gallons of water. Recycling newspaper, plastic, glass, and even aluminum and steel also greatly reduces the amount of energy that would otherwise be used to make new materials. By also reducing how much trash ends up in landfills, it has a very real impact.

When done right, recycling can be a major help to the environment — and that’s something everyone can get behind. RTI Trash helps with reliable trash and recycling services so you can keep your property clean. To learn more about what they can do for you, visit them online or call (479) 890-2662.