March Spotlight: The Garage Cleanout — Keep it Clean, Keep it Safe
The Challenge: Spring cleaning usually starts under the sink or in the garage — where “The Big Three” live: Corrosives (drain cleaners), Flammables (gasoline/oil-based paint), and Toxics (pesticides). When these leak in a recycling truck, they don’t just create a safety risk — they contaminate clean paper and cardboard, making them impossible to recycle.
The Rule: Keep the “Hidden Hazards” Out.
- Identify: Check labels for Caution, Warning, or Danger. These items belong at a designated Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility. Many of these items can be picked up through a special collection with Waste Management At Your Door.
- The Big Five: Stick to the core recyclables: Plastic Bottles/Containers, Metal Cans, Paper, Cardboard, and Glass Bottles/Jars.
- Clean & Dry: Only place items in your recycling bin that are empty, clean, and dry.
- The Second Life Rule: Before tossing old garden tools, pots, or patio furniture, consider donating them. True repurposing starts with keeping usable items out of the bin entirely!
The Core Goal
By keeping chemicals out of your bin, you ensure that the rest of your community’s recyclables can be successfully processed and repurposed into new products.
For more resources on core rules, visit https://www.wm.com/us/en/recycle-right.
Thank you for helping us keep our community’s recycling stream clean and efficient!
