Simple Green: Get an Extra Recycling Bin

Let’s face it: it’s easy to get lazy when things aren’t in reach. We’ve experienced too many times that something might get thrown in the trash just because there not a recycling bin nearby. For example we recently had a houseguest who threw a toilet paper roll and empty shower bottle into our bathroom trashcan. We know that she’s aware these things can be recycled, but she was just on autopilot because the trashcan was there and recycling wasn't.

So why not just make it easy on everyone and get an extra recycling bin – if not everywhere there’s a trashcan, than at least one on each floor of your home. We'd even challenge you to turn an existing trashcan into a recycling bin, but if you’re looking for something new, try one of our favorite recycling receptacles:

• Best of 3: Home Recycling Storage Solutions
• 15 Recycling Solutions from IKEA
• Containers for Recycling and Compost
• Ecopod Home Recycling System
• Ben the Bin: Stylish Modular Recycling
• CHUCK Wastepaper Basket by Studio CRANK

(Image: Flickr member Bruno Girin licensed for use under Creative Commons)

We have single stream recycling now but I still keep separate bins for paper and plastic/metal just because it stores more easily. We only have pick up every two weeks and by the end of that both bins are usually full. I also keep a basket for papers right by the front door to get rid of junk mail as I enter the house. But I live on one floor so one plastic/metal bin is all I have room for. Even two trash cans in every spot (one for trash, one for recycle) is a bit much in an apartment.

posted by Charlotte on October 16th 2009 at 9:59pm
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