How to Recycle Paper & Metal

Recycling is easy, efficient and beneficial for the environment. Many materials are recyclable, but end up in landfills where they never become reused. You can live a "greener" life by recycling your household paper and metal materials in your home, as opposed to throwing them away with the rest of your garbage. All it takes is a little planning and preparation on your part to participate in this eco-friendly activity.

Things You'll Need

• Trash can

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  See if you already have a recycle bin in your home. City recycle bins are usually the same size as your garbage cans, but are a different color. If you live in an apartment or townhouse, check to see if you have a community recycle bin somewhere in the neighborhood for you to use.

• 2

  Set up a recycle can in your home next to your garbage can. Get a recycle can that is a different color than the garbage can so you and others in your home can distinguish the two. Do not line the recycle can with plastic garbage bags the way you do for your trash. Most garbage bags are not recyclable.

• 3

  Use the recycle can only for throwing away paper and metal materials. Wash all metal products before putting them into the recycle can. Products containing old food and liquids can not be recycled, so clean the materials first. The same applies for paper products. Additionally, if paper products contain tape, glue or adhesive substances, those sections must be torn off before discarding the paper into the recycle bin.

• 4

  Bring your in-home recycle bin to your larger garbage, or your community garbage bin, and empty the contents. The city collects the larger bins so you do not have to take the recyclable materials to the recycle collection center. However, if you do not have a recycle bin from the city in your home or community, you have to take your recycled garbage there yourself.

• 5

  Call your local recycle center to find out the hours, where it's located and how to go about dropping off recyclable materials, if you need to travel there yourself. Ask if the center collects both paper and metal products.