The U.S. recycling system uses a “single-stream” model that focuses on the big blue curbside bin. Unfortunately, people throw all sorts of unrecyclable items into the bin in the hope that they will be recycled. Known as “wishful recycling,” this results in contamination that prevents some of the reusable material from being successfully processed. Do you know what doesn’t go in your bin?
The U.S. recycling system uses a “single-stream” model that focuses on the big blue curbside bin. Unfortunately, people throw all sorts of unrecyclable items into the bin in the hope that they will be recycled. Known as “wishful recycling,” this results in contamination that prevents some of the reusable material from being successfully processed. Do you know what doesn’t go in your bin? Every week, Earth911.com challenges you with quizzes that test your sustainability savvy and help you make environmentally friendly choices when you shop, use products, and dispose of unwanted items.
It’s early on the morning of your recycling pick-up day. As you roll the bin out to the curb, you notice that your ceramic coffee cup is chipped. Can it go in the bin?
Whether at the home office or in a well-organized office with a recycling program, is shredded paper a candidate for the recycling bin or does it need to be handled differently?
That pile of old T-shirts and jeans looks like a good candidate for a trip through the recycling system. Should they be put in the bin?
Aerosol cans still play a role in home cleaning products, shop, and automotive repairs. Should the empties be put in the bin?
Whether an old-fashioned CRT TV or new LED screen, can a broken television (or anything with a similar screen) go in the bin?
Earth911 Quiz #39: Wishful Recycling
Does shredded paper belong in the bin?
Does old clothing go in the bin?
Do aerosol cans belong in the bin?
Should that old TV go through the curbside program?
Making smart sustainable choices requires practice. Earth911’s weekly sustainability quiz helps you hone your ability to recognize earth-friendly products and services. Through your daily choices — from transportation mode to purchases to waste disposal — you can make a positive difference.
Feature image courtesy of djedj, Pixabay
Editor’s note: This quiz was originally published on November 29, 2018.
The post Earth911 Quiz #39: Wishful Recycling appeared first on Earth 911.
