How to Use Plastic Crates for Recycling

The process of recycling can easily become disorganized and messy if you don't have enough storage containers for all of your recyclable items. In many cities, residents are asked to sort their recyclables, but are given only one bin to use--a situation that makes it difficult for people to keep their recyclables separated. It also doesn't give most families enough room for all of the materials that need to be recycled. The key to successful recycling is to make the process as simple and as clean as possible. One idea is to set up a recycling center with separate bins for each type of recyclable item. The durability, strength and water resistance of plastic crates makes them an ideal choice for a home or business recycling center.

Things You'll Need

• Permanent marker or label maker

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Instructions

• 1

  Determine how many plastic crates you will need for your recycling center. In some locations, you may need separate bins for plastics, glass, paper and household waste. If you collect deposits on recyclable cans and bottles, create a separate bin for these items.

• 2

  Purchase plastic crates in different colors, if possible--one color for each type of recyclable that you want to sort. Depending on the amount of space you have for your recycling center, consider getting stackable crates that you can keep in your pantry or beside the kitchen trash can for convenience.

• 3

  Assign each bin to a different type of recyclable and label them clearly with permanent marker or a home label maker.

• 4

  Check with your local recycling center to see if they will accept recyclables from plastic crates as part of the curbside recycling program. If not, get a permit to drop off your recyclables at the recycling center yourself. You can obtain permits by contacting your Department of Public Works.