A 2019 Reminder That These Items Cannot Be Recycled

The Following Items Are Often Erroneously Recycled

Is recycling on the list of 2019 resolutions?  Recycling is a simple way to live a greener life and can provide a positive impact to the environment. 

For those recycling more this year, it is important to keep in mind that the following items are often mistakenly recycled even though these items are not recyclable. 

1) Plastic wrap: Even though this material has "plastic" in the name, plastic wrap is a type of material that cannot be recycled and should be thrown away.  This is similar to bubble wrap, gift wrap and plastic bottle caps.  Typically, if the plastic material is labeled with a three or seven, it is not recyclable. 

2) Contaminated food containers: Many food containers, like plastic to-go boxes and pizza boxes, are recyclable.  However, if these items are contaminated (dirty or smeared with old food/ grease) they cannot be recycled.  It is important to wash out food containers before recycling to ensure the containers can be recycled properly.  This is similar to items like pet food cans: the aluminum can be recycled but needs to be cleaned first.

3) Styrofoam: Styrofoam is often found in the recycling bin but Styrofoam containers or packaging can never be recycled in any condition.  Styrofoam should always be thrown away in the garbage.

Recycling can be a great, and simple, way to promote GreenLiving as long as the recycling bin is filled with the correct and appropriate items!

Grady's GreenLiving Tips was created in 2014 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

The Symbols That Everyone Who Recycles Should Know: 2019 Edition

These Symbols Are Used to Organize Plastic Materials

Plastic containers often feature a recycling symbol on the back or bottom of the product with a number in the middle.  But what do these symbols mean?  Read this numeric guide to learn more.

If the container has the following number, it means:

#1- This plastic is the most common plastic found in recycling bins.  Typically, this plastic product is found in soda and water bottle and food containers.

#2- Known for not being transparent, this plastic is typically found in products such as household cleaner bottles, shampoo bottles, and detergent bottles.

#3- This plastic makes up pipes, food wrap and containers, and more.  This plastic is not recyclable.

#4- Found in shopping bags, food wrap and packaging, and fabric materials.  Oftentimes, these plastic materials are not accepted into recycling bins but these products can be recycled if taken to an appropriate recycling plant.