Georgia Power Greenkeepers, the company’s environmental stewardship group, is sharing tips on how to recycle at home and in your community in honor of National Recycling Day on Sunday, Nov. 15^th. 

Americans send 64 tons of waste to landfills during their lifetime. That’s 264 million tons of waste each year! Recycling matters because it: 

• Reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators

• Conserves natural resources such as timber, water and mineral

• Increases economic security by tapping a domestic source of materials

• Prevents pollution by reducing the need to collect new raw materials

• Saves energy. Residential LEDS such as ENERGY STAR rated products, use at least 75% less energy, and last 25 times longer, than incandescent lighting. 

Practical recycling tips that individuals can use at home, at their office and in their communities include: 

• Rinsing cans, bottles and jars. Items with foods, oils and other dirty residue are not recyclable and can contaminate other recyclables in the bins. Sticky peanut butter, jelly or honey containers are NOT recyclable unless cleaned with a brush warm, soapy water.

• Shaking all bags. All recyclable plastic bags should be shaken clean and free of residue. If they contain food or other residue, they are NOT recyclable and should go in your garbage bin. Paper plates, napkins and soiled pizza boxes are NOT recyclable. For these items check with your municipality for composting options.

• Thinking about reducing your waste and reusing items in a new way. Ditch disposable items such as plastic bottles and plasticware.

• Reducing paper and print. Flatten cardboard to make room for more recycling!

• Setting up designated recycling containers at home, work and school.

• Looking for products made of recycled materials when you shop.

• Identifying which types of plastic your building and neighborhood will accept.