All the Details You Need to Know About Your Waste
Keeping our environment clean and healthy is a big responsibility, and recycling is key to achieving that goal. Burlington County in New Jersey has a robust program designed to make it easier than ever for residents to recycle their waste. But with so much information out there, finding the right details can seem daunting. Don’t worry! This guide is here to demystify the process and ensure your recycling efforts are on point.
One of the first things to understand is that Burlington County doesn’t have a universal single-stream sorting system like some municipalities. Instead, they operate with a tiered system that requires a bit more attention than simply tossing everything in one big bin. This approach keeps our environment from getting overwhelmed and ensures certain materials are recycled effectively.
Here’s what you need to know about the 2022 recycling schedule in Burlington County. We’ll break down the most frequently asked questions into concise, easy-to-understand explanations. First, let’s dive into the different bins we use for recycling:
**Waste Stream Breakdown:**
**1. Paper and Cardboard:** This category encompasses all our newspapers, magazines, catalogs, boxes (flattened and properly bagged), and paperboard products like cereal boxes. Remember to break down cardboard into manageable sizes before tossing it into your recycling bin.
The key here is **“clean”**. Keep the items free of food residue, sticky substances like glue, and other materials that might contaminate the rest of your paper and cardboard. If you’re unsure whether something is recyclable, a good rule of thumb is to err on the side of caution – check with Burlington County’s website or official guidelines for clear details.
**2. Plastic:** Now, this one gets a bit more complex! Unlike paper and cardboard, plastic needs a little extra care. To ensure proper sorting, it’s crucial to understand the different types of plastics: The numbers on the bottom of a plastic bottle or container provide valuable information about what kind of material it is.
* **#1 (PET):** This often appears as clear or colored bottles for drinks like water and soda, as well as yogurt containers. These items are typically recyclable in all Burlington County programs but always check with your local rules.
* **#2 (HDPE):** This type is commonly found in milk jugs, shampoo bottles, and detergent containers. It’s usually recyclable in most programs.
* **#3 (LDPE):** This plastic often appears in sandwich bags, cereal liners, and other flexible containers. These typically need to be separated from the rest of your recycling to ensure they are properly processed.
**Important Note:** Do not include food-contaminated or otherwise dirty plastic with your recyclable items. These materials can negatively affect the whole batch as well as clog up sorting machines. Clean everything before you toss it!
**3. Glass:** Glass, like plastic, has its unique recycling process. To avoid contamination and ensure a smooth journey through the recycling program, remember these key points:
* **Types of glass**: Typically, you’ll find different types of glass in your recycling bin, from soda bottles to jars to wine bottles. * **Cleanliness:** Before tossing them in your recycling bin, ensure the inside of the glass is clean. Food residue can get trapped and potentially contaminate other items or even clog up sorting machines. * **No mixed glass**: Try not to mix different types of glass together. This helps make the sorting process more efficient.
**4. Metals:** Metals, like aluminum cans and tin cans, are usually recyclable and contribute greatly to sustainability efforts. However, they must be sorted properly to ensure their successful recycling! Here’s how:
* **Aluminum cans**: They can often be recycled right alongside the paper and cardboard. Keep them clean and free of food residue before adding them to your bin. * **Tin cans**: These typically need a slightly different approach – check with local guidelines for specific instructions on their proper handling. Often, they’ll need to be separated from other metallic recyclables.
**Important Note:** Avoid mixing metals together. This can lead to contamination issues and make the recycling process more challenging. Be sure to always sort them carefully!
**Other Important Considerations:**
* **Electronics:** When it comes to electronics, you’ll want to dispose of these items responsibly. Find out how you can drop off your old electronics for proper recycling in Burlington County or contact local electronics recyclers. * **Batteries:** Do not throw batteries in regular trash. They contain potentially harmful materials and need a safe and responsible disposal method. Check with local authorities about battery recycling programs or visit the website of a company that specializes in battery recycling – it’s crucial to follow proper guidelines.
**Always check your local government websites for specific details and any updates on recycling rules. They provide valuable information, so don’t hesitate to consult them whenever needed.**
* **Special Waste:** Do you need help with other types of waste? Certain materials like paint, oil, or hazardous chemicals require a different approach. Make sure to check your local program or contact Burlington County for guidance on how to safely dispose of these items.
**Recycling is a big deal! It makes a real difference in our world and helps protect the environment.**
