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4 Tips for Better Home Recycling
Explore four effective tips for better home recycling. Learn how to reduce contamination, increase participation and recycle better as a household.Byline: BTB Author
April 16, 2025 / Time to read: 3 minutesRecycling starts at home. When we lead by example — and establish the right framework for successful recycling — roommates, partners and kids can be positively influenced and participate too. And considering only 21% of residential recyclables are recycled, according to The Recycling Partnership’s
Nearly three-quarters (73%) of all U.S. households have recycling access, but only 43% participate in recycling, and eight out of 10 items that could be recycled end up in the trash. To put things into perspective, here’s how much of some of the easiest-to-recycle materials end up in U.S. household trash cans:
- Seven out of 10 cardboard boxes
- Three out of four milk jugs
- Four tons of mixed paper
- Seven out of 10 glass containers, aluminum cans and PET bottles
Improving your recycling habits is a realistic and achievable goal, and you can see a measurable increase in household recycling by making a few easy changes.
Ready to brush up on what to recycle at home? Want to know how to recycle more effectively? Keep reading for four simple
Understand the Basics
If you’re not totally sure how to recycle — and what to recycle — you’re not alone. Before you set up your recycling station, it’s best to
It’s equally important to
Set Up Your Recycling Station
It’s important to set up a recycling station that works for everyone. First, choose a central location to successfully recycle better. It’s a good idea to put your station where your household typically generates recyclables — for most people, that’s the kitchen. You may also opt for the garage or entryway to make it easier when you put your recycling out for pick-up or bring it to your local recycling center. Since plastic bags aren’t recyclable, place recyclables directly in the bin to ensure they can be easily sorted at the recycling facility.
Make it Easy for Everyone
If you have a service pick up your recyclables, you can likely put all your recyclable items straight into your recycling bin. If you bring your recyclables to a recycling center, you may need to separate your recyclables by category, like paper and cardboard and plastics and glass, for instance.
Help household members remember what goes where by labeling bins and posting an acceptable/unacceptable list on your fridge. You can color-code and use images to help visually guide younger recyclers.
Reduce Contamination
Your recyclables don’t need to be sparkling clean — no need to scrub with soap — but it’s important to ensure items are
Make Recycling a Habit in Your Home
By committing to recycle better and setting your household up for success with the right tools and resources, you can help increase the amount of correctly recycled items and reduce contamination. Don’t forget to set a reminder on your phone to empty your recycling bin so it doesn’t overflow and you don’t miss pick-up day!
Learn more about recycling and how it supports
