Recycle: It's So Easy, A Three-Year-Old Can Do It

Earth Day is Saturday, April 22nd.  Over the last several years, there has been a movement towards reducing our carbon footprint on the planet.  Recycling is one of the biggest ways we can do our part, and even my three-year-old can do it (still struggling with my 40-year-old husband, but we are making progress😄).  The best news is that you don't need a high dollar recycling bin set up in your home to do it.  Here's what we use, and it only takes up a small space in our garage:

Check out our high-tech recycling operation

Each reusable bag is designated for the specific recyclable item.  One bag holds plastic products, another for cardboard, a third for newspapers/magazines and paper products, a fourth for glass, and a final one for aluminum cans.  We also have a separate bag that holds light bulbs, batteries, and other items that can only be recycled at special recycling events held throughout the year.  Do I label the bags?  No.  My three year old can't read anyway.  He's smart enough to look inside to see what each bag holds.  Plus, if we put them in the same order every week, he knows which items go where.  When the bags are no longer usable, guess what? We recycle them.

Every Saturday morning between 8 a.m. and noon, we load up our four (or so) bags and take them to the Wayne Transfer Station located at 110 Windom Street.  The Transfer Station is also open on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  They usually have staff on hand to assist you if you need help unloading your recyclables.  In addition, the containers are clearly labeled so you know where to dump your items. Plus, if your kids help, the staff provides them with a special treat to keep them excited about helping each week!

Recycling isn't hard to do.  In fact, it's so easy, a three-year-old can do it.  Although it takes a little extra time and effort, recycling is one small thing we can do to keep our planet in good shape for future generations who will be calling it home.  We can all make a difference.  Welcome Home!