As the world becomes more mindful of the environmental impact of our actions, recycling is becoming increasingly important. Scottsdale, Arizona, is no exception. With a population of over 250,000, the city has a significant waste output that must be managed responsibly. Keep reading this article to get some Scottsdale recycling tips in 2023.
How do you recycle in Scottsdale, Arizona? 2023 Scottsdale recycling tips
Recycling items in Scottsdale is pretty straightforward. However, not knowing how to dump your recycling can create more waste. Teaching yourself how to recycle is crucial to creating a zero-waste environment.
Know what can be recycled.
One of the most critical steps in effective recycling is knowing what materials can be recycled. In Scottsdale, residents can recycle paper, cardboard, aluminum cans, steel cans, glass bottles, and plastic bottles and containers marked with the recycling symbol.
However, not all plastic is created equal, and some are non-recyclable. Check the bottom of the container for the recycling symbol and the number inside it. Only plastics labeled with numbers 1, 2, 4, 5, and 7 are recyclable in Scottsdale. It is also essential to rinse and clean all items before putting them in the recycling bin.
Separate your recycling
It is essential to separate your recycling before placing it in the bin. Paper and cardboard should be separate from glass, metal, and plastic. Separating the materials makes it easier for the recycling center to process them and ensure that everything gets recycled properly. If your recycling bin is overflowing, take your excess items to a local recycling center or wait until your next pickup day.
Clean and dry your recyclable bottles and jars
Cleaning your bottles and jars is crucial, especially if you use single-stream/commingled recycling. Dumpness and grease can render your recyclable items waste and could end up in landfills instead of recycling.
Soggy recyclables can contaminate the good recyclable batch and damage the recycling equipment. How clean should your recyclables be? Your recyclable bottles and jars don’t need to be squeaky clean. A good rinse to remove all the contents inside is enough. So go ahead and run a little water, let them dry, and toss them in the recycling bin.
Reuse and reduce
Recycling is vital to waste management, but reducing and reusing are equally important. Consider ways to reduce the amount of waste you generate. For example, bring your reusable bags to the grocery store, purchase products with less packaging, and avoid single-use items like water bottles, disposable plates, and cutlery. When you generate waste, look for ways to reuse items before recycling them. For example, use glass jars as storage containers or repurpose cardboard boxes as organizers.
Use a local recycling center.
While curbside recycling is convenient, there are other options. In Scottsdale, residents can also use local recycling centers to dispose of items that cannot be placed in the curbside bin, such as electronics and hazardous materials. Many centers also accept items like clothing and furniture that can be reused or repurposed. Consider donating items in good condition to a local charity or thrift store.
Educate yourself and your community.
Educating yourself and your community about recycling is one of the most effective ideas to promote responsible waste management. Consider attending local events and workshops that focus on recycling and waste reduction. Share your knowledge with friends and family and encourage them to take action to reduce their waste output. Consider starting a recycling program at your workplace or school to promote responsible waste management on a larger scale.
Know the recycling day.
Did you know you can have trash and recycling on your curbside? You can create a pickup day for recycling, waste, or both. Mark your collection days and ensure you take out your recycling for collection.
What happens to your Scottsdale recycling?
Your recycling items go through different stages at the material recovery facility. First, the facility workers sift through the recycling trash to eliminate non-recyclables and contaminants.
After that, the debris goes into the conveyor belt, which picks up various items at different stages. For instance, the vibrating machine will separate cardboard and paper.
Further along the conveyor belt, magnets pick up aluminum cans. Eddy currents will pick up the aluminum cans; the next item in the line is plastic. The recycling center uses optical scanners to eliminate plastic from the line.
Glass is the conveyor’s remaining item and drops into a collection container. Each recycled material will be taken to respective manufacturers to produce new things. Look for a recycled item every time you go to the store, and you’ll e supporting the sector.
Why is recycling in Scottsdale crucial?
Need more Scottsdale recycling tips? There is no better way to save our non-renewable resources than recycling, ensuring we protect our virgin materials and the environment for future generations.
Recycling can also boost our economy by creating jobs. Plus, using recycled raw materials consumes 95% less energy than processing organic materials,
Recycling is an essential part of responsible waste management, and Scottsdale residents will have many options for recycling in 2023.
Team Clean and Haul is at your service when you need a Scottsdale hauler. Contact us at your earliest convenience, and we’ll provide the right services.