Introduction
So, you want to be more environmentally friendly and start recycling, but don’t know where to begin. Recycling in your kitchen is one of the easiest ways to make a big impact. The good news is, setting up an effective recycling system in your kitchen is simple if you follow a few tips. In just a few minutes a day, you can divert pounds of waste from landfills and do your part to save the planet.
All you need are some recycling bins, labels, and the determination to make a change. Once you get into the habit, recycling in the kitchen will become second nature. Your future self and Mother Nature will thank you. Ready to get started? Here’s how to set up the ultimate recycling station right in your own kitchen.
Decide What You Want to Recycle
The first step is deciding what types of recyclables you want to collect in your kitchen. The big ones are paper, plastic, glass, and metals like aluminum and tin.
Paper products like newspapers, office paper, paper bags, and paperboard are easy to recycle and take up a lot of space in landfills. Get a paper bin and collect things like junk mail, paper bags, napkins, and paperboard boxes.
For plastics, check the number on the bottom—most curbside pickup accepts #1 (PET or PETE, like water bottles) and #2 (HDPE, like milk jugs) plastics. Get a bin just for bottles and jugs and rinse them before recycling.
Glass jars and bottles are also easy to recycle. Give them a quick rinse to remove excess residue and add them to your glass recycling bin.
Aluminum cans, tin cans, and aluminum foil can all be recycled. Give cans a quick rinse and crush them to save space. Ball up aluminum foil and add it to the bin.
Set up your recycling station
Get bins, baskets, or containers and label them for the types of items you want to recycle. Place them together in an area of your kitchen for easy access, like under the sink or in a pantry. Rinse and sort items as you use them and empty the bins into your curbside recycling as needed.
With the right bins and consistency, recycling in your kitchen can become second nature. You’ll be reducing waste and doing your part to help the environment in no time. And remember, when in doubt, check with your local waste and recycling department to see what they accept. Every little bit makes a difference!
Choose the Right Recycling Bins
The right recycling bins are key to making recycling second nature in your kitchen. Focus on bins that are clearly labeled, easy to access, and fit your space.
You’ll want separate bins for paper, plastic, glass, and metals. Label each bin clearly based on your city’s guidelines. For example, you may need separate bins for plastics #1-2 and #3-7. Keep the labels simple – just write “Paper,” “Plastics #1-2,” “Plastics #3-7,” “Glass,” and “Metals.”
Place the bins together in an easy-to-reach spot, like under your sink or in a corner by the trash. Make sure each bin is large enough to hold a week’s worth of recyclables for your household. If space is tight, you can get stackable recycling bins. For the best results, choose bins that are all the same size and style so they look uniform and tidy.
For convenience, get bins with flip-top or swing-top lids. Look for bins made of durable, easy-to-clean materials like stainless steel, enamel, or plastic. Avoid bins with difficult to remove lids or those made of materials like wood that can harbor germs more easily.
An effective recycling system in the kitchen means you’ll recycle more and waste less. Take the time to set up a system that fits your needs and you’ll be doing your part for the environment in no time!
Label Your Bins Clearly
To make recycling in your kitchen effective, clearly labeling your bins is key. This simple step will ensure everyone in your household knows exactly what goes where.
Choose a Consistent System
Decide on either a color-coding system (blue bin for recycling, green for compost, etc.) or a written labeling system. Either can work well, so go with what makes the most sense for your needs and space. If you have kids or visitors, written labels may be more foolproof.
Label Each Bin Clearly
On each bin or lid, place a label with large, bold lettering indicating its content:
- Plastic Recycling: Include the resin numbers accepted in your area like #1-7. List any non-recyclables as well, e.g. no plastic bags.
- Paper Recycling: Include office paper, newspapers, paper bags, etc. Note if any coated papers are not accepted.
- Glass Recycling: Note if you accept all colors of glass or only certain ones.
- Metal Recycling: Aluminum cans, tin cans, aerosol cans, etc.
- Compost: Food scraps, coffee grounds, yard waste, etc. Note if any items are not compostable in your system.
- Landfill: For non-recyclable waste. Use this bin as a last resort.
Train Everyone in Your Household
Explain your new system to all members of your household and show them what items go in each bin. Place prompts on the bins at first to help everyone remember. Check bins regularly to ensure items are sorted properly, and re-train as needed.
An effective recycling system in your home requires the participation of everyone. By clearly communicating how it works, you’ll turn recycling into a habit and help minimize waste in your kitchen. Keep at it, make changes as needed, and feel good about doing your part for the environment!
Place Bins in Convenient Locations
An effective recycling system starts with convenience. Place recycling bins in easy-to-reach spots in your kitchen where you actually use and discard the items—near the trash can, under the sink, or next to the dishwasher. The easier it is, the more likely you are to recycle.
\n\n###Under the Sink
Under your kitchen sink is an ideal spot for bins. You can find pull-out cabinet organizers that hold multiple bins side by side. Label each bin clearly for glass, paper, and plastics. When cooking or cleaning up, you can simply pull out the cabinet organizer, sort your recyclables into the appropriate bins, and slide it back in.
\n\n###Next to the Trash
Keep your recycling bins right next to your trash can. This way, recycling becomes second nature when you go to throw something away. You’re already standing in the same spot, so you just have to decide whether the item goes in the trash or recycling. Choose a bin system that has separate but attached bins for paper, glass, and plastics. Some have color-coded or labeled lids to make sorting even easier.
\n\n###Near the Dishwasher
After emptying the dishwasher, you’ll have lots of recyclable containers like glass jars, plastic bottles, and aluminum cans. Place some bins near your dishwasher so you can recycling everything in one trip. A multi-section bin, drawer, or cabinet placed within arm’s reach of the dishwasher door is very handy.
You’ll find that the more convenient your recycling system is, the less likely you’ll be to throw recyclables in the trash out of habit or frustration. Review how and what your local waste and recycling department accepts to ensure you have bins for all accepted items. The environment will thank you for setting up an recycling system that’s effective and easy to use!
Conclusion
So there you have it, the basics for setting up an effective recycling system in your kitchen. By dedicating separate bins for your different waste streams and placing them in convenient spots, you’ve made recycling a habit that will benefit both your wallet and the environment. Give your new system a trial run and make any needed tweaks.
Before you know it, recycling in your kitchen will become second nature. And think of the impact—by recycling more of your waste, you’re reducing pollution, conserving natural resources, and creating a healthier planet for future generations. Not too shabby for a few small changes in your daily routine! Keep up the good work—together we can all make a difference.