Recycling is a popular waste disposal method because it conserves resources and helps protect the environment. However, between the extra waste generated by holiday parties and the adverse weather, recycling pickup routines change during the winter months. To ensure your recycling is handled correctly this winter, follow these helpful do’s and don’ts.

Do:

Understand what items are recyclable.

The type of materials that can be included in the recycling pickup varies by location and putting the wrong items in adds strain on the processor. Before you start sorting through the trash and recyclables, you need to understand what exactly can go in the bin. Certain parts of Illinois, for example, don’t accept glass in normal recycling bins, so items made of this material need to be recycled in special facilities.

Educate holiday guests.

Not everyone who attends your holiday parties will be familiar with the local recycling ordinances. If you want to ensure everything is disposed of properly, make sure to let everyone know what your waste disposal policy is. You can even put up temporary signage to let people know what items should go in the recycling bin.

Clean items before tossing them.

You don’t have to run all of your recyclables through the dishwasher before tossing them into the bin, but you should rinse everything off. If there is leftover food or water on any of the items, it can spill out to the surrounding waste and ruin the quality of those materials. Make sure everything is empty and rinsed before disposing of them.

Don’t:

Put the bin out the night before.

It may seem convenient to take the bin to the curb the night before the pickup, but this isn’t recommended during the winter months. Heavy winds and the chance of snowfall can move the bin or make it inaccessible to the crew. Instead, take it out the morning of the pickup to ensure there are no issues.

Assume the schedule is normal.

Adverse weather and holidays will affect the pickup schedule. Always check with your provider to ensure you know how their schedule has been altered due to these events. That way, you’ll ensure your recyclables are always picked up and processed efficiently.

Forget to double-check the bin.

Double-checking the bin is especially important after hosting friends and family for holiday parties. Before taking the container to the curb, quickly sort through it and remove anything that wasn’t supposed to be included. This keeps you from being responsible for disrupting the recycling process.

 

Make sure your recycling pickup goes smoothly this winter by partnering with X Waste Inc. This Pekin, IL, company has been providing waste disposal services to local residents for almost 20 years. Family-owned and -operated, their trusted team will work with you to ensure all of your recyclables are processed efficiently and professionally. Visit them online to learn more or call (309) 353-4388 to schedule a pickup.