If you’re looking to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle, I commend you, because you have taken the first step towards living sustainably, which is the hardest part. Getting into recycling and living in a more conscientious manner is no easy task, and can sometimes feel very confusing and complicated. The best tactic you can employ in order to start this journey is to get educated about the do’s and don’ts of recycling, which can vary greatly from county to county. Since this is Her Campus FIU, I thought that I would provide a quick and easy guide on the rules of recycling for Miami-Dade. Hope this helps, and happy recycling!
First things first, try not to get overwhelmed if you are brand new to the process of recycling, everyone has to start somewhere. There are various fool-proof items that you can recycle in Miami-Dade straight from your home. These include items such as magazines, regular paper, catalogs, and anything else you get from your mailbox – as long as they are clean and dry. Cardboard boxes are also a good idea, but keep in mind that this category does not include our beloved pizza boxes, because those tend to have grease stains which make the material non-recyclable.
Other items that are not fit for the recycling bin include garbage or food waste, plastic bags, and textiles such as clothing items, shoes, or bedding. While these items cannot be recycled, some of them can still be used in a sustainable way. Certain food items cannot be recycled, but they can be composted. These items include fruit, vegetables, tea bags (try to take off the staples first), coffee grounds, and even old wine! Clothes, on the other hand, can be donated to thrift stores or shelters, if they are in proper condition. This way, the clothes will serve a better purpose for other people that may put them to better use than a landfill will.
Aside from knowing what to recycle, and what to throw away, it’s important to know the guidelines regarding when to recycle. Recycling days vary by the location of where you live , and it should be placed at the front of your driveway by 7 a.m on those given days. Make sure not to overfill the cart, or stack things along it – only the items in the recycling bin will be collected. Also remember that plastic bags are not recyclable! So, make sure not to put the recyclables inside plastic bags.
This is just a short guide, but there is so much more that you can learn about living a more environmentally friendly lifestyle! If you find that this is something that you want to continue, make sure to keep educating yourself about the ins and outs of sustainability.
For more information about recycling in Miami-Dade, make sure to check out our county’s website.