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Quick Tips

Recycle Right

  • Recycle drink boxes and milk cartons.  Only about 25 percent of U.S. households have curbside recycling for drink boxes. To find out if yours is included, contact the Aseptic Packaging Council. The site also provides information and support for the creation of curbside drink box recycling. You can direct your local department of sanitation there to encourage drink box recycling or choose washable drink containers instead.
  • Recycle polystyrene.  As part of a new "Foam from Home" program, you can bring Styrofoam trays, cups, and packaging to schools or businesses that have a Styro Solve system. This converts Styrofoam into a compact, recyclable gel. You can also bring those irritating packaging peanuts to most postal supply and packaging stores to be reused. See also: Seven Misconceptions About Plastic and Plastic Recycling.
  • Recycle computers.  In 1998, some 20.6 million PCs were retired from use, but only an estimated 11 percent have been recycled. Find out where to donate or recycle your computer.
  • Recycle batteries.  In 1995, Americans threw away 1.9 million tons of lead-acid batteries, which leach toxins from landfills and pollute the air when incinerated. Instead use rechargeable (nickel-cadmium) batteries. When they eventually quit, the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation will help find recycling centers near you. (Call your local department of sanitation to how to dispose of regular batteries.)
  • Recycle cardboard.  In 1997, Americans threw away 10 million tons of corrugated boxes. If your town lacks curbside cardboard recycling, ask officials for it. In the meantime, you can often give unsoiled boxes to grocery stores or other businesses for recycling or reuse. You can find more recycling information at the Grass Roots Recycling Network.

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