The importance of cleaning: it's more than just a rinse

Think of your recycling bin as the first step in a journey, one that transforms discarded items into something new. Every item you place in it embarks on this path, but that journey can be easily derailed. Contamination, often in the form of food residue, is a major obstacle. It’s not just about aesthetics, it’s about the integrity of the entire recycling process.

Food residue: the silent saboteur

That seemingly harmless bit of leftover sauce in a plastic container? It can contaminate an entire batch of otherwise recyclable material, rendering it unusable. Food waste degrades the quality of the recycled material and can even damage processing equipment. The result? Costly downtime and, sadly, perfectly good recyclables ending up in a landfill.

The cleaning imperative:

• Thorough rinsing: Make it a habit to thoroughly rinse all containers that have held food or beverages. This applies to glass, metal, and rigid plastics.
• Scrubbing when necessary: For stubborn residues like oils or sticky sauces, don't hesitate to use a brush or sponge. A little extra effort here can make a big difference.
• Empty everything: Similar to removing food residue, make sure that all containers are completely empty. For example, a half-full milk carton can leak, soaking otherwise perfectly good paper and cardboard.
• Label removal: While not always essential, removing labels, especially those made of non-recyclable plastic, can improve the purity of the recycled material. Some adhesives can also interfere with the recycling process.

Decoding the material world: a guide to common recyclables

• Paper and Cardboard: These are generally recyclable, but contamination is a major concern. Grease stains, such as those often found on pizza boxes, can render paper and cardboard unrecyclable. Remove and discard any soiled portions, such as the greasy bottom part of the pizza box. Wet cardboard also loses its structural integrity, so ensure your cardboard is dry before placing it in the bin, and be sure to flatten boxes to make sure there is enough space for everything.
• Plastics: The world of plastics is complex. Those numbers within the chasing arrows symbol (resin identification codes) don't always guarantee recyclability. They simply indicate the type of plastic resin. Local guidelines dictate what's accepted.
  • PET (#1): Commonly used for beverage bottles, PET is usually recyclable. Empty, rinse, and crush them to save space and help with sorting.
  • HDPE (#2): Milk jugs, detergent bottles, and similar rigid containers fall under this category. They are widely recyclable. Rinse them thoroughly.
  • PVC (#3): Often found in piping, PVC is less commonly recycled due to its chemical composition.
  • LDPE (#4): Think plastic bags and flexible packaging. These are generally not accepted in curbside programs but can often be recycled at designated drop-off locations. Ensure they are clean and dry.
  • PP (#5): Yogurt containers and bottle caps are often made of PP. While recycling programs for PP are expanding, check your local guidelines.
  • PS (#6): Polystyrene, including Styrofoam, is generally not accepted in curbside recycling. These items belong in your garbage. Styrofoam is difficult to recycle due to its low density and tendency to break into smaller pieces.
  • Other (#7): This category is a catch-all for various plastics, including bioplastics and mixed materials. Recyclability varies widely.
• Glass: Glass is highly recyclable, but broken glass is a safety hazard. Rinse all glass containers. Check with your local program to see if they have any specific requirements.
• Metal: Aluminum and steel cans are valuable recyclables. Rinse them and crush them to save space. Empty aerosol cans are generally accepted as well.

Sorting: the key to efficiency

Some areas have single-stream recycling (everything in one bin), while others have multi-stream recycling (separate bins for different materials). Either way, knowing what goes where is key! Multi-stream systems, where materials are separated at the source, often lead to higher-quality recycling and less contamination.

Common sorting mistakes to avoid:

• Wishcycling: The well-intentioned but generally harmful practice of tossing questionable items into the recycling bin hoping they'll be recycled. This contaminates the entire stream. When in doubt, always consult your local guidelines.
• Bagging recyclables: Unless specifically instructed by your local program, don't bag your recyclables. Bagged items often can't be processed and end up in landfills. Plastic bags, in general, should never be put in the curbside recycling bin as they can tangle and damage equipment.
• Ignoring local guidelines: Every municipality has its own set of rules. What's accepted in one area might not be in another. Always refer to your local guidelines, usually found on your municipality's website.
• Tangling items: Avoid putting items such as hoses, wires, or clothing in your recycling bin, as they can wrap around equipment and cause disruptions to the recycling process.
• Ignoring the nuances of packaging: Multi-material packaging, like chip bags or juice pouches, are often not recyclable. Cups with wax or plastic coatings are also a no-go.
• Hazardous and special waste: Items like batteries, paint, and chemicals should never be put in the recycling bin. They require specialized disposal methods. Many municipalities have designated drop-off locations or special collection events for these items. For example, some retailers like Home Depot may accept used paint for recycling. You can also check productcare.org to find a drop-off point near you.

Beyond the basics: Evirum's specialized recycling solutions

Evirum goes beyond conventional recycling. We recognize that certain waste streams require specialized handling to maximize their recycling potential and minimize environmental impact. This is why we offer innovative solutions for materials like:

• Cigarette butts: Often overlooked, cigarette butts are a significant source of pollution. Through a specialized partnership, we facilitate the collection and recycling of cigarette butts, diverting them from landfills and transforming them into valuable materials like plastic pellets and insulation. This program is ideal for events, office buildings, and public spaces.
• Used tires: Improperly discarded tires pose environmental hazards. Evirum offers a comprehensive tire recycling program that ensures used tires are collected and processed responsibly. These tires can be transformed into valuable resources for various applications, including road construction and playground surfacing. This program is a perfect fit for motorsports and the automobile industry.
• Baler programs: For businesses that generate large volumes of cardboard, a baler can be an ideal solution. It reduces the space occupied by the used cardboard and maximizes the recycling efficiency.

The "why" behind the rules: understanding the recycling process

It helps to understand why these guidelines exist. Recycling isn’t magic, but rather an industrial process with specific requirements and limitations.

• Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs): These facilities are the heart of most recycling programs. They employ a combination of automated and manual sorting processes to separate different types of materials. Contamination, improper sorting, and the presence of non-recyclable items can significantly hamper the efficiency of these facilities.
• Market Demand: The value of recycled materials fluctuates based on market demand. High-quality, well-sorted materials are more valuable and more likely to be recycled into new products.
• Downcycling: It's important to note that not all recycling is created equal. Many materials, particularly plastics, are "downcycled" into lower-value products. For example, a plastic bottle might be recycled into a carpet fiber, but that carpet fiber may not be recyclable again.

Reduce, reuse, recycle: the hierarchy of waste management

While recycling is a crucial component of sustainability, it's essential to remember the other two "Rs": Reduce and Reuse. This hierarchy emphasizes that preventing waste in the first place is always preferable to managing it later.

• Reduce: Be mindful of your consumption habits. Choose products with minimal packaging, avoid single-use items whenever possible, and buy only what you need.
• Reuse: Find creative ways to repurpose items instead of discarding them. This could involve using containers for storage, repairing broken items instead of replacing them, or donating gently used goods to charity.
• Recycle: When you must discard something, ensure it's properly cleaned, sorted, and placed in the correct recycling bin.

The Evirum edge: leading the way in sustainable waste management

At Evirum, we're not just passionate about recycling; we're experts in it. We understand the intricacies of the waste management landscape and the challenges that businesses face. That's why we offer comprehensive solutions designed to simplify and optimize the recycling process for your enterprise.

We provide the tools and resources you need to recycle effectively, from educational materials to innovative equipment like our specialized sorting bins and balers. Our team of experts works closely with clients to develop tailored waste management strategies that align with their specific needs and goals. We can help you:

• Conduct thorough waste audits to identify areas for improvement.
• Implement customized recycling programs for a range of materials.
• Educate your staff and stakeholders on proper sorting and recycling practices.
• Navigate complex regulations and stay ahead of industry best practices.
• Provide the right equipment for your needs.

The future of recycling

Recycling is a crucial part of a sustainable future, but it's not a magic bullet. It requires a collective effort, a commitment to continuous learning, and a willingness to adapt to evolving best practices. By becoming more informed and engaged recyclers, we can all contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet.

Let Evirum be your partner on this journey. We're dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses with the knowledge and tools they need to make a real difference.