If your city or local municipality offers curbside recycling, you have an easy way to reduce the amount of trash your household produces every week. However, that doesn't mean you know everything you need to know to be good at recycling. Here are a few helpful tips you can use to have a better impact on your environment and be better at recycling.

Understand The Curbside Requirements

Each recycling company has its own way of doing business, and you'll want to make sure you know the rules for curbside recycling drop-off. Your company may use color-coded trash bins or open recycling crates. Some companies may even require you to sort paper, plastic, and other items into separate bins. Be sure you understand how to package your items, and remember that plastic garbage bags aren't typically allowed in recycling bins. If you prefer to keep your items in a bag until the recycling is brought out to the curb, consider using paper bags from your recent trips to the grocery store, if you have them.

Post A Reminder

Not all items you think are recyclable can go in the recycling bins. Plastic bags from grocery stores are one example. To be better at remembering what you can recycle, consider printing out a list of items that can and can't go in the bins. If you have small children, you may even want to use pictures in two columns so they can easily see what is a yes and what is a no for recycling. Post the list on your refrigerator or even on the bins themselves. For any items you are unsure about, contact your waste management company directly. They may even be able to send you a link or literature to help.

Rethink The Way You Shop

One way to make sure your items are recyclable is to consider the packaging of items while you are at the store. For example, consider sugar packaged in paper bags instead of plastic pouches. When you purchase items that come in recyclable packaging, you can prevent your trash bags from filling up with items bound for the landfill. Take some time to do comparison shopping online so you know which products to purchase before you even get to the store.

If you do not have access to a curbside recycling program, contact your local government. You and your neighbors may be able to influence the city to start a green initiative that involves a regular recycling program. For more information, contact a company like Industrial Services Inc today.