3 Steps to creating a recycling hub in the garage

The extra space in your garage could be the ideal location for a recycling hub. With global warming being a constant issue and our landfills piling up, recycling is one of the easiest ways in which each of us can try to make an effort.

Did you know that nearly 75% of our current household garbage contents could be recycled? While there are many informal plastic collectors going through our trash weekly there are still other recyclables staying behind. It is worth it to do it yourself.

Recycle in 3 simple steps:

Step 1: Join a recycling programme

Before you do anything, research the recycling programmes in your neighborhood. In order for you to make recycling a lifestyle you need to find the progamme that fits the best. For e.g. if you have to drive 30km to drop off your recycling every week, the novelty might wear off quickly. Every recycling company is different with regards to the when and how they collect, so it is good to know the logistics before you set up a station.

Step 2: Learn the ropes

While recycling is simple enough, you have to learn which items are recyclable and which aren’t. Your recycling company will provide you with their exact rules, but here is a general idea of what can be recycled:

Metals: cold drink and beer cans, food tins, metal lids, aluminium cans, foil and foil packaging, cans (paint, oil, aerosol)

Glass: beverage boodles, jars/bottles (jams, mayo, sauces)

Paper: Office paper, magazines, books, newspapers, cardboard boxes (cereal etc.)

Plastic: Check for logos: PET: polyethylene terephthalate, HDPE: high-density polyethylene, LDPE: low-density polyethylene, PP: polypropylene

Step 3: Set up a recycling hub:

A recycling hub is the place where you will leave your recycling to accumulate until it is collected or until you will take it to the various drop-off points. A good place to store your recycling is somewhere conveniently close, yet spacious enough and out of the way. The answer? The garage! Choose a corner in the garage for stackable shelving with various bins or large trolley collection bins. Label each of your bins “metal”, “paper”, “glass” etc. and start recycling.

IMPORTANT: Items that contained food such as sauce jars or cold drink bottles need to be given a quick rinse.

Want to do more? Read how to go green in your garage.

The garage is such a useful space. If it has become an eyesore or dumping ground, read our various blog topics on how to revamp your garage into a place you can be proud of. At Righfit, we are ready to transform your garage doors to complement your project.

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