The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our lives in more ways than one.
Maybe you have had to work from home. As a result of the kids being home from school, you've had to meal prep more. Even travel has dealt with its restrictions.
One constant is recycling. Do you know how to recycle properly? Whether in a pandemic or not, it's something you ought to learn how to do.
Below is our guide on how to recycle during COVID-19. Read it and pass it along!
HOW TO RECYCLE DURING COVID-19
If you're wondering how to recycle during COVID-19, you're not alone. You are still able to recycle the things you normally would otherwise. This includes scrap metal recycling, glass, cardboard, plastic, paper, and cartons.
When it comes to waste management, there are some necessary precautions to take due to the pandemic.
PRODUCTS
Pay attention to the recycling symbols on products first and foremost. When learning how to recycle plastic, you'll want to be aware of different types of plastics.
Single-use beverages, mouthwash, and food packaging will be marked as PET. Milk jugs, yogurt, and detergent bottles are considered HDPE plastics. These HDPE plastics are recycled into pens, outdoor furniture, and floor tile.
Grocery bags and plastic wrap are marked as LDPE. LDPE items are then recycled into flooring, bubble wrap, and garbage cans.
Brushes, pallets, trays, and battery cables come from PP items such as food containers.
Municipal groups won't accept styrofoam as a recyclable. Other non-recyclable items include sunglasses and baby bottles since they contain BPA.
If you're wondering how to recycle batteries, weed killers, and paints—just set them aside until it's safe to drop them off at our recycling depot and follow local guidelines.
CLEANING
To ensure a proper recycling process, you'll want to be sure you rinse your items. Don't think you need to perform a deep clean, as a simple rinsing out will do. When you do so, food bits won't clog up the machinery at the recycling center.
During the pandemic, recycling helps in providing the items people need most. This includes items such as paper towels, packaging, and sanitizing wipes.
CONTAMINATED ITEMS
The majority have become accustomed to wearing masks during COVID-19. You don't need to learn how to recycle paper protective masks—just don't! Put the masks in the trash bin with other personal care items.
Latex gloves, sanitizing wipes, and plastic bags should stay out of your recycling during the pandemic too. This is to avoid cross-contamination.
Other paper products such as the newspaper, mixed paper, and receipts are fine to recycle.
POST-PANDEMIC PLANS
Thank you for reading our guide; we hope you learned something valuable.
Lives are forever changed post-pandemic. When you know how to recycle properly, everyone benefits.
If you're in the area, feel free to contact D.B.L. Disposal Service or visit in person for a drop-off.