Recycling is one of many ways we can make a difference every day for future generations. As fast as paper, plastic, and cardboard come in, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of recycling in your home or at work. Recycling can be easier with a little planning and a good routine. You can keep more out of the landfill while keeping your home tidy and eco-friendly. Here are 25 easy ways to recycle in your daily life.

Recycling Systems and Routines Made Simple

• There are a series of steps in recycling paper, plastic, cardboard, and metal. Make your recycling simple by breaking the steps into chunks that are manageable in your home. Create the process for yourself depending on how you work best.
• Your recycled items should be clean before recycling. It is best to wash your recycling daily, and if possible, have a place for it to dry.
• Set up a recycling station by using bins or baskets. You might choose a station in your kitchen or laundry room for gathering your recycling, then move it to the garage where you have a large recycling bin that goes to the curb.
• Separating recycling depends on where you recycle. If you have single-stream recycling, no need to separate. If you do need to separate, know which items can be kept together. Use a separate bin for each. Make it easy to drop items in a container in your home and then to an additional area in your garage. Choose what you recycle depending on how easy it is to group the items.
• Recycle cardboard by breaking down boxes. If you break down the boxes, you save room in recycling containers. You can nest the boxes together, too.
• Reuse glass jars and containers as storage. These make great containers for leftovers and making salad dressing.
• Recycle aluminum foil and trays by rinsing and then crumbling them up to save space.
• Plastic bags can be recycled at local grocery stores. Take these with you when you grocery shop.
• If you have curbside recycling, place your container at the curb early each day. Set an alarm to remind you early.
• If you have community recycling, make it a routine to drop off each weekend that recycling is available.

Easy ways to recycle items in your home

• Use cloth napkins instead of paper. This might add to your laundry once a week, but this cuts down on waste.
• Donate gently used clothes rather than trashing them. Local charities and shelters always welcome clothing.
• Pass along books and magazines by dropping them off at local waiting rooms. You can also share with friends or Little Free Libraries.
• Many dry cleaners take back plastic or wire hangers. Gather these and drop off when you drop off dry cleaning.
• You can repurpose towels and sheets by donating them to local animal shelters, where they are used for clean-up and bedding.

Be mindful of Electronics

• The City of Houston and many large cities host electronics recycling events. Look on social media for these upcoming events to drop off your items. Be sure your devices are digitally cleaned up without your information on them.
• Retailers like Apple, Best Buy, or your carrier often accept electronic trade-ins. Each time you upgrade, let go of your used items.
• You can also sell your older devices online at spots like Swappa, Gazelle, or ItsWorthMore.
• Recycle used printer cartridges by bringing them to office supply stores, where you can get a credit for purchases when you bring them back.
• Routinely review the cords and chargers in your home. Set up a travel charger system to carry with you when you travel and donate the extra cords. Not surprisingly, these sell well at thrift stores.

On the Go Recycling

• Bring a reusable water bottle to keep hydrated. This cuts down on single-use plastic bottles and, therefore, plastic recycling.
• Double up your cooking portions to make your lunch. Bringing lunch saves money and styrofoam.
• Bring your reusable bags when you grocery shop. Leave these in the car to have them handy. Keep an insulated tote in your car too.
• Empty your car of recycling items each evening when you return home. Your car stays tidy, and you have contributed to saving the planet.
• It may take a little driving but it is well worth it. Properly dispose of paint and chemicals by checking local and city-wide ordinances on recycling. Check your city for hazardous waste collection days.

Recycling doesn’t have to be complicated. Choose one simple solution to make it easy to do. With a few simple habits, you’ll reduce clutter and protect the environment. If you get behind in your recycling, find a recycling center for the largest items and make a trip there on the weekend. You are making a difference in creating recycling systems and routines that work with your busy lifestyle.