Organizing Solutions for NYC Home Recycling
Since we celebrate Earth Day this month (it’s April 22), this seemed like a good time to focus on NYC home recycling and some home organizing solutions that would help facilitate the process. Did you know that the average person generates 4.5 pounds of trash every day? That’s about 1.5 tons of solid waste per year. And although the EPA estimates that 75 percent of solid waste is recyclable, only about 30 percent is actually recycled. Surely we can do better. But with limited space in your NYC home, recycling can be a challenge. Employing some home organizing solutions and specially-designed products can help make household recycling in your NYC home part of your routine.
One organizing solution for your home is to create a temporary storage location for recyclable items in your home so that they aren’t cluttering your countertops or taking up valuable floor space. The Hidden Recycler from Rubbermaid attaches to the inside of a cabinet door (a great spot is under the kitchen sink). The bag has handle so you can easily lift it out and carry the contents to your building or community recycling collection area.
Another option is a 2-bin container that has compartments for both trash and recyclables but takes up no more floor space than a typical kitchen trash can. There are lots of products available, including this 2-Bin Recycler from The Container Store. This 2-Bin Pull-Out Recycler provides space to collect trash and recyclables using cabinet space.
Think that city living means you can’t compost food waste? Think again! This odor-free countertop compost container holds vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, eggshells, greens and other food scraps that can be used to make compost for potted plants and outdoor gardens.
Though reusable grocery bags are widely available and in greater use than ever, we still inevitably end up with plastic bags now and then. These bags aren’t typically recyclable except through in-store collection bins, but they’re easily re-usable for lining small trash cans and cleaning up after pets. The question is how to store them so they don’t pile up on the floor of your pantry. Grocery bag holders, such as this stainless steel one, are a great organizing solution to keep bags contained and out of the way until you need them.
In addition to the household waste we produce on a daily basis, products such as home electronics, automotive products, cleaners, and solvents pose a particular recycling challenge. NYC SAFE Disposal Events are scheduled this April and May. Grow NYC offers a number of recycling events this spring, focusing on electronics and textiles recycling. Take advantage of these opportunities as you undertake your spring cleaning.
While home recycling in NYC can pose challenges, with some creativity, good home organizing solutions and the right products, you take big steps toward a more “green” lifestyle.