TRAINING

TIPS FOR BETTER M-PASS RECYLING RESULTS
1. Compress all recyclables to create more space in your container as well as in the bins.
2. Remove all lids and other closures from plastic bottles and containers
before placing them in the bin. These items are normally a different type of plastic other than #1 or #2 and are considered contaminants.
3. Keep your recycle container in a convenient place so that all members of the team will be more likely to participate in recycling.
4. Do not place aerosol containers of any kind in your recycling bin. These items are hazardous.
5. Do not dispose of left over paint, paint thinner, household cleaners,
batteries or any other toxic materials in your recycling bin.
6. Please do not place string, plastic wrap, strapping tape or any rubber or vinyl in your recycle bin, as these are not included in our program.
7. Please remove newspapers from the plastic sleeve.
8. 90% of all trash is recyclable in some way, if we all pitch in and be aware of our consumption and trash, we can shift the world into a healthier, happier environment.
9. Please RINSE or EMPTY your recyclables before you place them in the recycling bin.
10. Make Recycling a Priority.

WHAT CAN BE RECYCLED

*HDPE Plastic Containers (# 2) - includes: milk jugs and miscellaneous household bottles and containers. (look on the bottom for #’s)Please no #7 plastics.

*PETE Plastic Containers (#1) - includes: soda bottles, water bottles, juice bottles, etc.(Please make sure they are empty before recycling)

*Glass Jars & Bottles (all colors) - includes all food and drink containers, these containers provide the most significant contribution to our landfill weight reduction program.

*Aluminum & Steel Food Containers that are clean
- includes all shapes and sizes.

*Mixed Paper - includes: magazines, catalogues, junk mail, telephone books, office paper, cereal, shoe boxes, carrier stock; fridge packs, 12 packs, etc.

*Office Paper & Newspaper - includes all newspaper and the inserts that come in the newspaper.

*Cardboard - will be taken, as long as it is broken down and placed in the designated space.

Recycling 101
A refresher course in the basics, plus tips to take your recycling game to the next level.

Recycling is one of the most feel-good and useful environmental practices around. The benefits go
way beyond reducing piles of garbage -- recycling protects habitat and biodiversity, and saves energy, water, and resources such as trees and metal ores. Recycling also cuts global warming pollution from manufacturing, landfilling and incinerating.

Recycling means a lot more than bringing your newspapers and cans to the curb. Truly successful recycling involves minimizing waste along the entire life cycle of a product, from acquiring raw materials to manufacturing, using and disposing of a product. Most environmental impacts associated with the products we buy occur before we open the package, so buying products made from recycled materials
is just as important as sorting waste into the right bins.

When we reduce the amount of stuff we buy in the first place, and reuse what we can, we reduce the environmental harm associated with acquiring raw materials and manufacturing.

Here are some tips that will help you cut down on waste and boost your recycling skills:

• Shop smart: Purchase paper and other products for your home and office that are made with post-consumer recycled content and packaged in recyclable materials. (See our paper guides
  for businesses and consumers)
• Buy in bulk when you can to reduce the amount of packaging that gets thrown away.
• Convenience is key: Put collection bins in various places around your home and office to make recycling convenient. Use different bins that follow your city's recycling policies, (see New York City's recycling guidelines as an example) so you don't have to separate it out later. If you tend to forget what's recyclable and what's not, make a sign like this one and post it near your bins.

• Don't forget to reuse: Paper, plastic, glass and cans aren't the only items that should be diverted from incinerators and landfills.
• Reduce the environmental impacts of organic waste by composting food scraps, and by leaving short grass clippings on lawns to decompose.
• Donate old clothing to homeless shelters, thrift stores, animal shelters and other community organizations.
• Take advantage of manufacturer take-back programs for your unwanted electronics.
• Make waste an endangered species: Bring your own reusable bags to local stores.
• Keep a ceramic mug for water or coffee at work rather than using disposable paper or plastic foam cups.
• Most cities in the United States have clean, drinkable water, so use tap water (you can filter it
  if you'd like) and refillable water bottles instead of buying bottled water.
• Talk to your local government and businesses: Encourage local officials to consider incentives and more ambitious recycling initiatives.
• Give positive feedback to store managers and manufacturers who are making good environmental choices.
• Take your good habits on the road: Recycling policies can vary from city to city and from state
  to state. A plastic container you recycle at home might be garbage-bound in another community. Or something you can't recycle at home might be recyclable in your school or workplace. When traveling away from home, learn the local rules (from the city's website or by reading signs)
  and follow them.