10 Recycling Tips with Skip Bins
The Environmental Impact of Skip Bin Recycling
Do you want to recycle more but find it confusing or overwhelming?
Many of us care about recycling but aren’t sure where to start.
The good news is that recycling can be simple and impactful, especially when you use skip bins.
Skip bin services provide a convenient way to separate and collect recyclables.
Just follow these 10 skip bin recycling tips to become a recycling pro in no time.
Recycling Seems Complicated and Time-Consuming
Trying to live sustainably can feel like a lot of work. Between sorting everything properly, rinsing containers, and carting materials to drop-off centers, recycling might seem like more trouble than it’s worth. Who has the time for all that?
The thought of changing our habits of waste management and figuring out new systems is stressful and overwhelming for many people. It’s easier to just throw everything in the trash, right? Wrong.
Recycling is Easier Than You Think with Skip Bins
The good news is that recycling is actually pretty straightforward, especially when you utilise skip bins. Skip bins make it simple to sort and store recyclables until collection day.
When you use skip bins to separate materials at home or work, recycling takes just a few extra seconds per item. Hardly any effort at all. Once your bins are set up, waste management and a recycling system are a breeze.
1. Set Up Color-Coded Bins for Each Material
The first step is obtaining 2-3 skip bins and labeling them for key recyclables like paper, plastic, metal, and glass. Color coding your bins makes it even easier to sort as you go. Here’s a suggested color system:
- Blue bin for metals and plastics
- Green bin for glass
- Yellow bin for paper and cardboard
Make sure bins are lined with plastic bags for easy emptying. Place them together in a convenient spot in your kitchen, garage, office or wherever you generate the most types of waste.
2. Know What’s Recyclable in Your Area
Not all recyclable materials are created equal. Accepted items can vary by region and a wide range of waste collection providers. Check with your local council about specifics for your area.
Some common recyclables are:
- Paper and cardboard – newspapers, magazines, junk mail, cereal boxes, etc. Remove plastic linings first.
- Plastic bottles and containers – check the bottom for a recycling symbol and numbers 1-7. Rinse first.
- Aluminum and steel cans – including food tins and empty aerosol cans.
- Glass jars and bottles – all colors. Rinse first.
When in doubt, leave it out of the recycling bin. Wish-cycling does more harm than good.
3. Recycle All Paper Products
One of the easiest materials to recycle is paper.
Place all types of paper products in your paper recycling bin, including:
- Newspapers and magazines
- Envelopes and junk mail
- Office paper and shredded paper
- Cardboard boxes – flatten first
- Paperboard like cereal boxes – remove plastic liners
- Paper bags
- Paper egg cartons
- Paperback books – remove covers first
Just remember to empty any plastic or metal pieces first. Then toss the paper into the bin without any need to sort by type.
4. Empty and Rinse All Containers
Food residue and liquids can ruin whole loads of recycling. That’s why it’s important to give containers a quick rinse before tossing them in the bin.
For example, give plastic bottles and jars a quick swish of water before recycling. Same for aluminum cans and steel tins – a quick rinse removes any food particles.
You don’t need to scrub meticulously, just swish some water around to dislodge residue. And be sure to empty all contents fully.
5. Flatten Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard shipping boxes are bulky but recyclable. To save space in your recycling bin, be sure to break down boxes before depositing them.
Removing any plastic or foam cushioning, flatten boxes by folding along seams and corners. Break down into a stack of flat sheets, if possible.
If you accumulate a lot of cardboard, consider placing flattened boxes alongside your bin for collection rather than stuffing them all inside. Just check with your waste provider that this method is allowed.
6. Avoid “Wish Cycling”
We all want more of our waste type to be recyclable like commercial waste. But tossing non-recyclable items in your recycling bin can do more harm than good.
Known as “wish cycling,” this can contaminate whole batches of recycling at the processing and recycling facility. Common un-recyclable offenders are:
- Plastic bags – return to designated drop-off points like supermarkets instead
- Foam cups, takeaway containers and packing peanuts
- Bubble wrap and plastic film
- Ceramics and porcelain
- Clothing, fabrics, and shoes
- Garden hoses
When in doubt, leave it out of your curbside recycling bin. Check with your council for the most up to date guide of what’s accepted.
7. Recycle Hazardous Materials Properly
Some hazardous household items like chemicals, CFL light bulbs, building materials, bricks, batteries and electronics require special handling. Never place them in curbside recycling bins.
Instead, look for council drop-off days or permanent facilities that accept hazardous materials or construction materials in your area. Or consider consolidating and arranging a pickup from Sustainability Victoria.
Properly disposing of dangerous goods keeps them out of landfill sites and our waterways. Check with your council for local waste disposal options.
8. Consider Composting Food Scraps
One major source of household waste, green waste, or garden waste is organic material like food scraps and yard trimmings. Luckily, these can be diverted through composting.
Composting converts food waste into nutrient-rich fertiliser for your garden. Many councils and waste management providers like Pro Skip Bins Brisbane now offer compost bins at subsidised rates to residents.
Alternatively, try worm farming which can process food scraps indoors year-round. Worm castings are like superfood for plants.
Either method helps reduce waste sent to the landfill. Less organic matter also reduces greenhouse gases like methane.
9. Donate Usable Items
Think twice before sending usable goods to landfill. Chances are someone else can benefit from items you no longer need.
Consider donating quality clothing, books, furniture, electronics, kitchenware and more to charity shops. Or list them on “buy nothing” community groups.
Non-profits like accept a wide variety of household goods for resale or distribution to those in need.
10. Invest in Quality Recycling Bins
The right equipment makes all the difference when setting up a recycling system. Invest in sturdy and well-designed bins to simplify sorting.
Quality skip bin hires like those are designed for convenience and functionality. With sturdy steel construction projects and heavy-duty wheels, these bins withstand years of use at construction sites.
Customise with your own labels and choose the right number and skip bin size and cost for your household or business.
Following these handy tips will transform you into a recycling pro in no time. With the right knowledge and equipment, sustainability can easily become second nature. Let’s all do our part to reduce waste – our future depends on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main materials that can be recycled?
The most common recyclables are paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and containers, aluminum cans, steel tins, and glass bottles and jars. Always check with your local council on specific accepted materials.
Do I need to clean recyclables before binning them?
Yes, it’s important to rinse or wipe food residue off containers, bottles, cans and jars before recycling. This prevents contamination at the sorting facility.
Can I recycle used pizza boxes?
If completely clean, cardboard pizza boxes can be recycled. But boxes with any food or grease residue must go in the general rubbish. When in doubt, throw it out.
How do I find recycling drop-off locations for hazardous waste?
Start by contacting your local council about scheduled household chemical collections or permanent drop-off sites. You can also arrange pickups through Sustainability Victoria.
What are compostable materials I can divert from landfill?
Food scraps, yard trimmings like leaves and grass clippings, shredded paper, and more can all be composted at home or through council collections. This reduces organic waste.
Conclusion
Sustainability starts at home.
By following these handy tips for recycling with skip bins, we can all divert more waste from landfills.
Skip bin providers offer eco-friendly waste management solutions for mixed waste, electrical waste, human waste, and more.
Investing in quality bins and building recycling habits has an environmental impact.
Doing our small part today clears the way for a greener tomorrow.
Contact a skip bin provider now to start your sustainability journey.
