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Recycling does not have to be difficult. With the tips below, anyone can recycle and help our environment for current and future generations:
Tips for Recycling, Reducing and Reusing
Reduce the amount of products you buy, use and throw away
Set up a recycling bin. Your home should be equipped with recycling bins throughout the house. Make it easy to separate recyclables from other trash.
Recycle as many cans, bottles, books, metal, aluminum, glass, newspapers and electronics you can
Reuse things as much as you can – turn that old t-shirt into a car rag!
Shut off the water when brushing your teeth
Stop buying disposable paper products altogether.
Unplug chargers for your cell phone when not using it
Put your PC to sleep instead of leaving it running with the screen on
Turn off lights you are not using
Some Do’s and Don’ts of Recycling
It is important to know what we should and should not do in recycling. Here are some simple tips:
Do’s of Recycling
Check local recycling requirements. Not every plant is set up the same way to handle the same items.
Separate your items. Most cities today require that trash and recyclables be separated into different containers.
Recycle paper containing staples or envelopes with plastic. The metal and plastic is eventually sorted out.
Separate lids and jars, cartons and bottles so the containers can be crushes easily during the recycling process.
Recycle junk mail. Most adults get large quantities each week and most of it can be recycled. Glossy and matte paper is okay too.
Remove caps from all glass bottles. Also verify if your community takes glass from curbside recycling containers.
Rinse aluminum and steel cans to make them easier to process.
Separate e-waste. Most of it can be recycled but it generally needs to be taken to a recycling center and not placed in curbside containers.
Don'ts of Recycling
Don't try to recycle broken glasses and bottles. These should be thrown away.
Don't try to recycle waxed cardboard or styrofoam.
Don't put trash in the recycling bin.
Don't recycle mirrors, fluorescent tubes, light bulbs or safety glass
Don't recycle food waste. Food can be composted, but it cannot be recycled. Also, all food cans, bottles, and containers should be free of food waste before being recycled.
Where can I recycle in Boone County, Missouri?
City of Columbia, Missouri
City of Columbia Recycling
Information about Columbia’s curbside recycling service and drop-off bins, as well as a “Waste Wizard” search tool to find out if an item is recyclable.
Household Hazardous Waste Disposal – Columbia
Information on where to dispose of hazardous household waste and a list of common hazardous products, such as batteries, paint, aerosol cans, etc.
Missouri's Materials Management Directory This Directory will allow users to find local contractors, vendors and drop off locations offering recycling, reuse, and disposal services.
Mid-Missouri Solid Waste Management
Provides “A Guide to Recycling in Mid-Missouri,” plus information on upcoming tire and electronic waste collection days in the region. There is a small fee for tires and some electronic waste items.
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