Am I Doing It Wrong? Making Sense of Recycling with Nena Shaw
Jul 11, 2024
Nena Shaw, Director of Resource Conservation and Sustainability at the EPA, shares her expertise on recycling and waste management. She tackles common misconceptions about recyclability, highlighting the importance of local guidelines. The conversation dives into the challenges of plastics and the impact of 'wish cycling' on recycling efforts. Shaw also discusses the benefits of composting food waste and offers tips for sustainable shopping. Listeners are encouraged to rethink their recycling habits and engage in proactive waste management.
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Know Your Local Rules
- Check your local rules to determine if an item is recyclable.
- The chasing arrows symbol does not guarantee recyclability.
Resin ID Codes
- Resin ID codes indicate the type of plastic, not recyclability.
- Plastic cups are generally not recyclable, despite often having the symbol.
Separating Recyclables
- Know your local rules regarding separating recyclables.
- Rules vary across the country, with some areas requiring separation and others not.