Of course, nobody wants to spend half an hour trying to find out whether something can be recycled. Everybody needs a quick and reliable guide to the issue: what can I recycle, where should I bring it, and what special things do I have to know when throwing away an item?
Unfortunately, the recycling rules are far from being universal. There are things that are accepted by some local recycling programs but not accepted by others. Some things go to curbside recycling bins, other have to be taken somewhere else.
Thus, there is always a need for a quick local check.
RecycleNation provides a search tool that helps determine which local recycling opportunities are available. The user is able to type the name of the material or item to be recycled together with ZIP code and find all the possible recycling spots. According to the website, RecycleNation database includes more than 100,000 unique data points that relate to more than 50 different items and materials.
This is particularly useful in regard to those products causing ambiguity: old electronics, peculiar plastics, batteries, specialty packaging, or home items not covered in your recycling guidelines.
And remember, the trick is not to assume that the recycling symbol grants you the authority to recycle the product regardless of the actual situation.
So, before posing the question, "What can I recycle?" use the following steps:
Name the item. Check the local acceptance of the item. Identify the correct destination.
Such an approach will save you from the two major dilemmas of improper disposal: contamination of the recycling stream and throwing away something recyclable.
Being a specialist in recycling is not necessary to dispose of the item in the right way. The only thing needed is the proper information.