Whether you already recycle at home or you want to turn your household into a more environmentally friendly space, it helps to learn a few essential facts before you begin. Follow these simple steps for creating an efficient and effective recycling setup at home, and learn to make it easy as well.

1. Research local guidelines. Every area has different rules when it comes to recycling, and it is very important to learn your area’s guidelines before you begin. Find out what materials your local recycling facility accepts (for example, some cities don’t recycle glass) and learn when and where pick-up is in your neighborhood.
2. Add a separate recycling bin. To make separating recyclables easier, add a designated bin aside from your garbage can. Single-stream recycling programs enable you to put all of your recyclables in one bin, but if your city practices a dual-stream program, you’ll have to add separate bins for things like glass, paper products, and plastics.
3. Recycle less common items. Though many people don’t realize it, you can also recycle things like batteries, automobile fluids, and electronics. Search sites like Earth 911 to learn where these types of recycling facilities exist in your area.

Making Recycling Work at Home [Earth911.com]
Recycling Made Easy With Oliver Heath [Recycle Now]
Residential Waste Systems Blog [RWS]

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/Quinn Dombrowski