Recycling Plastic in Austin: Not All Heroes Wear Capes, But They Do Toss Their Water Bottles in the Blue Bin
Let's face it, Austinites are a quirky bunch. We like our breakfast tacos strong, our music live, and our recycling...well, sometimes a little confusing. Especially when it comes to plastic.
Fear not, fellow green warriors! This handy guide will have you tossing those plastics?a (pronounced "soo-ah," that's Vietnamese for milk, for all you fancy folks out there) jugs and ketchup bottles into the right bin like a champ.
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| What Plastics Can Be Recycled In Austin |
The Heroes of the Recycling Bin: Plastics Worthy of a Second Chance
- The Dependables: Water bottles, soda bottles, juice bottles - if it held your beverage and has a neck, it's probably good to go. Just rinse 'em out first, nobody wants a sticky situation.
- The Tough Guys: Milk jugs, laundry detergent bottles, shampoo bottles - all these sturdy fellows can be recycled too. Just make sure they're those hard plastics, not the squishy kind (we'll get to those later).
- The Unexpected Stars: Plastic takeout containers (minus the greasy bits!), yogurt containers, even those handy little tubs your margerine came in - all can be recycled as long as they're clean and haven't met their oily demise.
Remember: When in doubt, check the little recycling symbol on the bottom of the plastic. If it has a number 1 or 2 inside, it's likely your curbside pal.
The Rogues Gallery: Plastics That Don't Belong
- The Sneaky Villains: Plastic bags, those clingy wrap things from your lunchbox, and those six-packs held together by those evil plastic rings - these guys are not welcome in your blue bin. Fret not, many grocery stores have take-back programs for these fiends.
- The Deceptive Duplicates: Styrofoam! It may look like plastic, but it acts more like a stubborn, space-hogging menace. This one needs to go in the trash.
Pro Tip: If you can squish it, it probably doesn't belong in the recycling bin.
QuickTip: Read step by step, not all at once.
Recycle Right, Live Large (and Reduce Your Landfill Footprint!)
Recycling plastic isn't rocket science, but it is an awesome way to help keep our city (and planet) a little cleaner. So next time you're emptying that La Croix can (we see you!), remember the heroes and villains of the recycling bin.
Together, we can turn those plastic bottles into sweet, sweet fleece jackets (because, hey, who doesn't love a good recycled fashion statement?).
Recycling FAQs: Plastic Edition
How to know what type of plastic something is?
QuickTip: Pause to connect ideas in your mind.
Look for the little recycling symbol with a number inside (usually on the bottom). Numbers 1 and 2 are your friends for curbside recycling in Austin.
How to recycle those pesky plastic bags?
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Many grocery stores have plastic bag take-back programs. Look for the designated bins near the entrance!
QuickTip: Slow down when you hit numbers or data.
How to recycle that giant plastic thingy from your new TV?
Large or bulky plastics often need to be taken to a special recycling center. Check the website of your local waste collection company for details.
How to convince my roommate to finally rinse their yogurt containers?
QuickTip: Highlight useful points as you read.
Lead by example! Plus, maybe offer them a nice, cold beverage out of a freshly recycled bottle?
How to feel like a superhero every time you toss something in the recycling bin?
Easy! Just remember, you're helping the planet, one plastic bottle at a time. High five!
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