Recycling

Everybody loves the idea of saving the planet, especially by doing something as simple as recycling. It takes just one second of thought and you get a good feeling. The problem is a lot of people don't know how to recycle. I work at a fast food shop and the bag for recycling is more often than not just put in the trash, because most of what people are putting in the bin is trash. It is a hard truth to learn but most employees are not going to sort through the recycling, and even at the plant a lot of should be recyclables are thrown out because people do not know how to properly recycle. 

Here is a list some things that are NOT recyclable. 

1. Food. This sounds obvious, but apparently it isn't. Half full plastic bottles are not recyclable. Pizza crusts are not recyclable. Food is not recyclable. 

2. Straws. Drinking straws are not recyclable. Bottles and cartons with drinking straws in them are not recyclable. 

3. Bottle lids. The lids are not recyclable, any plastic you cannot push you finger through is not recyclable, and bottles with lids on them are not recyclable. 

4. Pizza boxes. These are sort of recyclable, when you can it is better to put them in the green bin. 

5. Coffee cups. Depends on the materials and the policy of the area, in Hamilton: no. However Tim Hortons cups can be put in the green bin. WITHOUT the lid. 

6. Milk cartons and juice boxes. Mixed paper products are not recyclable. 

7. Stickers. You did a great job on your test, but if you recycle it you are doing a poor job for the environment.