5 Easy and Convenient Recycling Tips- Midwest Recycling Center St Louis MO.

Preserving the environment is a pre twenty- first century phenomenon. However, conserving resources is just as important and relevant now.  Here are past and present recycling tips that will help save the planet and save you money.

Tip #1: Recycle rain.

People have been collecting rain in rain barrels to water crops for over 3,000 years. Rain barrels are a great, green cost-effective way to recycle water.  As an additional bonus, rain barrels are usually made from recycled materials. Rain barrels can be made or purchased, and can be elaborate or inexpensive. Using a rain barrel will conserve energy, conserve money, and conserve resources.

Tip #2: Avoid e-waste from electronics like cell phones and computers.

Did you know that the average household in the United States contains approximately 25 electronic items? Imagine all of those items being disposed of improperly. Two million tons of e-waste are discarded every year.  By donating electronics, using them longer, and disposing them at proper electronic recycling places, you will be contributing to the environment. In fact, according to the epa.gov, there are laws in several states concerning proper disposal of electronic waste, as electronic waste contains chemicals that can damage the environment. Therefore, it is important to dispose of them improperly.

Tip #3: Recycling books, magazines, movies, and music.

Donate books, magazines, movies, and music. Rather than throwing away your used paperbacks or back issues of your favorite magazine subscriptions, why not recycle them through donations?  Places like Goodwill and public libraries will accept your donations. Ask for a receipt, because your donated items are tax-deductible. Not only will you clear the clutter on your bookshelf, you will keep the items out of the landfill and into the hands of patrons.

Tip #4: Recycle newspapers.

If you receive copies of the local or national newspapers, binding newspapers with twine is an efficient way to take up less space in your recycle bin. You can donate copies of newspapers to academic and public libraries. If you wish to assist animals, you can also donate newspapers to an animal shelter, pet store, or universities that have veterinary or vet tech programs. Recycling newspapers can help the animals and the environment.

Tip #5: Recycle or reuse glass. 

Glass bowls, jars, water and wine bottles can be recycled at local recycling centers. Glass can be reused an indefinite amount of times. More people are recycling glass: in 2009, consumers recycled four times more glass than in 1980.  Also, glass can be reused as attractive candle holders for candles of various sizes or for flower vases for the home and garden. Recycled glass helps with manufacturer’s costs of creating new glass and helps keeps consumer and environmental costs low.

From the sky to the sand that forms rain and glass, the 5 recycling tips listed above will help you find new places for previously discarded items. You will clear clutter from your home, pass on materials to someone else who will reuse them, and give the earth a well-deserved break. Those of you who live near St Louis, Columbia, Independence or Kansas City Missouri, be sure to visit Midwest Recycling Center to dispose of your electronics properly.