When you’re out and about, whether running errands, meeting good friends for lunch, or shopping, what do you do with your recyclables? If you get bottled water with lunch, for instance, or a soft drink out of a machine, what do you with the container once you’re done drinking?

Newspapers, disposable cups, plastic flatware, and miscellaneous packaging are also tricky to dispose of when you’re on the go. A couple of cities have public recycling bins from the curb, but such bins are uncommon.

Here are some suggestions to help keep your commitment to recycling even when you’re not at home.

* Carry a folded cloth tote with you in your purse or backpack. Toss your used plastic bottles, metal cans, paper, etc. into the tote. Thankfully, these things are lightweight. Set the tote into your auto and take it home to recycle correctly, or carry it to some suitable bin.

* Keep small recycling bins in your car. This is even better if you pass by the recycling center while you’re out, because you can drop off the material as part of your regular errands.

* Or you could try avoiding the problem all together by cutting down the amount recyclables you generate to begin with.

Here are some suggestions.

1. Use a travel mug or reusable water container when you’re out. Then you certainly won’t need a recycling bin for your plastic water bottle or the to-go cup from the restaurant.

2. Pass the paper on – When you are finished reading through the newspaper on the bus or other public transportation, ask if anyone else would like it. The same goes for magazines or other reading materials that you’d ordinarily recycle.

3. Transform your local area – If you’d like recycling to be easier for people on the go, then approach your community officials or local small businesses to add a recycling service alongside the trash cans in public areas.

Issues on how to recycle when outside the home have been addressed by the U.S. Environmental Defense Agency (EPA). Their web site has ideas on the way to begin your unique local community recycling plan, with recommendations about where to place bins at a variety of venues and other helpful tips.

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Filed under: Recycle Centers

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