Is recycling important to you & do you even go out of your way to recycle items not widely recycled?

However, see the next step for exceptions, which can include recyclable products just because there are no practicable recycling facilities in your area. 4Know what cannot be recycled. Some items can't be recycled for reasons ranging from complexity to hazards.

Although technology continues to change all the time (in which case, keep an eye on what new items can be recycled), there are still some items that cannot be recycled. Don't put these into the recycling containers because they create problems and can potentially contaminate the recyclables too. Items such as Tetraj-paks (wax coated or lined cartons), batteries, paint (tins), oil, polystyrene, tin foil, clothing, etc. may be recyclable depending on what processing plants are in your vicinity.

In most cases, these items need separate sorting and often require a specific drop-off rather than being collected from your household; even then, they may not be able to be recycled at all in some areas… yet. If your area doesn't collect milk or drink cartons, reuse them for many home uses including garden use or donate to a school or kindergarten for art projects. Ditto for foam peanuts, polystyrene and clothing.

And some things that shouldn't even have to be said but have unfortunately turned up in recycling from time to time––dead animals, medical waste, used diapers (nappies) or sanitary ware, used syringes and unwanted live animals. Adding such items (and in the latter case living beings) is simply irresponsible, cruel or ignorant. Find out what recycling programs or centers exist in your area.

Find out what recycling programs or centers exist in your area. If you're not already a part of an organized recycling collection, you may need to look for what opportunities exist in your area, or perhaps you're looking for somewhere that can take those recyclables that your local collector cannot. Computers, cameras and other electronics/devices – check the manufacturer's site first, then look for specific programs that deal in these potentially hazardous waste items; some communities carry out special collection days every now and then, so that you can gather all the items awaiting recycling and hand them over on those dates.

If such a program isn't in your area, think about starting one or lobbying for one. Keep an eye out for special one-off recycling events in your local area that you can participate in or even help out with. These will often be promoted through social media, newspaper articles and the websites of participating groups, organizations and companies.

Set up your own personal recycling system that works best for your home. Set up your own personal recycling system that works best for your home. Recycling takes up space in the home, so it's important to work out how to deal with this in a way that doesn't impact living area space or create a hazard in any way.

There are lots of great options that you can either buy or make to keep recycling sorted and safe within your home before putting it out for collection. Some of your choices may depend on the preferences of the collector––in some areas, mixing recyclables is just fine, while in others, they'll only collect separated recyclables or perhaps only collect different types of recyclables on different weeks. If mixing your recycling is not an option, you'll need some extra sorting space.

Tubs or pull-out drawers kept under the sink. These could be purchased or custom-made.