Recycling is one of the easiest and most effective ways to help preserve natural resources and reduce the waste sent to landfills. It also creates jobs and saves the energy that would normally be used to produce new products. Here are six simple ideas to help you recycle right:

Get started

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 75% of what Americans currently throw away is recyclable. If you want to start recycling, check with your local recycling office or  in.gov/idem/recycle/where-to-recycle to find out more about programs in your area.

Buy wisely

Try to seek out products made from recyclable materials.

Learn what to recycle

Visit your local city website to learn what materials are accepted for recycling. For starters, aluminum cans and glass bottles used for food and beverages can be recycled indefinitely, and magazines, newspapers and office paper — even with staples — are also recyclable.

Learn what not to recycle

Clothing, food, liquid, lightbulbs, mirrors, greasy pizza boxes and aerosol cans are all generally not recyclable. 

Prep your recyclables

Before you toss out your empty jars, bottles and cartons, try and make sure that you remove as much of the liquid and food as you can from the containers.

Return plastic bags to stores

Plastic shopping bags and other plastic films can’t be recycled curbside, but many retail locations like Walmart and Target provide in-store recycling kiosks for these items.