Did you know that there’s a surprisingly long list of recycling mistakes that you can avoid to improve the quality of your used materials?
From the way you should break down your recycling haul to what not to recycle down to the garbage, there are plenty of secret pitfalls to be aware of that can make or break your next recycling mission.
So what are the most likely mistakes you’ll appreciate knowing in advance? We’re here to help! Read on for our top common recycling errors to avoid when moving your business.
1. Glass Contamination
To avoid this, do not mix different colors of glass together as they will need to be separated for recycling. Avoid putting any non-recyclable materials, such as plastic or metal, into your glass recycling bin as this can contaminate the glass.
Make sure that all of your glass is clean before recycling it, as dirty glass can decrease its value. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your business’s glass is recycled properly and without contamination.
2. Piggybacking
Designate an area for each type of recyclable and clearly label each bin. This will make it easier for your employees to recycle properly and will help you avoid contamination fees.
Before you start recycling, do your research and make sure you are only recycling items that your facility can handle. Be sure to keep your recycling bins clean.
This will help you avoid contamination fees, and will also make it more likely that your employees will actually recycle.
3. Electronics and Data Disposal
Most businesses are aware of the need to recycle their electronic waste and dispose of data securely, but there are still many recycling errors that are made.
Some common recycling errors include:
- not wiping data from devices before recycling
- relying on the factory default data wipe
- recycling electronics with batteries
- throwing away electronic waste
To help you with this issue, you can hire recycling services like cjdecycling.com which offer services for businesses, including bulk data destruction, data center decommissioning, and tailored pickup services.
4. Leaving Lids On
Make sure all lids are removed from cans and bottles. Otherwise, they can end up in a landfill. Another guidance on recycling materials is for you to not forget to recycle the lids separately from the cans and bottles.
You can check with your local recycling facility to see if they accept lids. If you can’t recycle the lids, make sure to dispose of them properly. Don’t just leave them on the ground or in the garbage.
5. Too Much Cardboard
Remove cardboards that are dirty or contaminated. This can contaminate other recyclables and make them unusable. Break them down before recycling different materials. This will save space in the recycling bin and make the cardboard easier to recycle.
Avoid mixing different types of cardboard together. For example, don’t mix corrugated cardboard with other types of cardboard, as this can make the recycling process more difficult.
Be Wary of These Common Recycling Errors
Now, if you’re running a business, it’s important to avoid making these common recycling errors that could end up costing you time and money. Remember that recycling centers may charge you more for excessive cardboard.
To avoid these issues, break down cardboard boxes before throwing them away, and only put a small amount in your bin at a time. And if you have data and electronics that need to be recycled, you can hire a professional to do this.
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