From Guest Blogger Dixie Somers: Five Awesome Recycling Projects You Really Need to Be a Part of

If you are striving to live a green life, you are likely a habitual recycler. If you are an all-star recycler at home, you should know about the awesome recycling projects out there for recycling enthusiasts. Many companies and organizations have popped up over the years, instituting creative programs that promote recycling. Take a look at a few of the best resources out there to help you make a real difference in protecting the environment, and keep unneeded waste out of landfills:
Gimme 5 Recycling

Whole Foods Market has a program called Gimme 5 Recycling, where you can drop off all of your #5 plastics. You might be thinking, what are #5 plastics? Well, you’ll notice that every plastic item has a specific number which categorizes the type of plastic. #5 plastics contain polypropylene and are considered lighter and safer than #2 plastics. While #5 plastics are extremely common, many recycling programs won’t take them. That’s where Gimme 5 comes in. All you have to do is bring in your #5 plastics to the drop off bin at your nearest participating Whole Foods Market. You can also mail in your #5’s to PreserveProducts.com or “check in” recycling using Preserves Gimme#5 app. There you can get recycle points that you can use for discounts and deals on various products.

The WRAP Recycling Action Program (WRAP)

WRAP is a program/platform that specializes in recycling plastic film and bags. Their mission is to engage recyclers, local/state governments, brand companies, schools and retailers to educate and help create new and broader ways to facilitate film recycling. They have pilot programs starting in Wisconsin and are currently trying to branch out to states all over the U.S. You can also participate by posting information on Facebook about which film products can be recycled and where you can find the nearest drop off locations. You can also upload participation pictures to the WRAP social picture gallery.

TerraCycle

TerraCycle is a company that creates waste collection programs called brigades. Each brigade focuses on specific non-recyclable or difficult-to-recycle waste products. You can choose a brigade that recycles food packages or cosmetic supplies or even things like pens and construction tools. They convert the items and waste products into new products, everything from park benches to luggage and backpacks. There are more than 40 brigades to choose from. All you have to do is sign up and pick a brigade to support.

Crazy Crayons

Giving kids an avenue to learn about recycling is exactly what CrazyCrayons.com is trying to do. That’s right, they exclusively deal with recycling crayons. Their goal is to allow kids to directly participate in recycling in a unique and fun way. Kids can collect all of their old and broken crayons, create a shipping box, (they can decorate each box any way they like) and ship them directly to Crazy Crayons. All of the old crayons are recycled and turned into a new box for schools and kids around the country.

Call 2 Recycle

Recycling batteries is more important than most people realize. Batteries that are not recycled and dropped off at landfills can sit for years leaking toxic chemicals. If you need to recycle your batteries and want to know exactly where they’re going, consider checking out call2recycle.org. They’ve been recycling batteries for 20 years. With over 100 million pounds recycled, they guarantee a 100% diversion from landfills. Their website will provide you with information on where to find drop-off sites, and even how you can start your own drop or collection site.

There are plenty of ways to participate in a variety of recycling programs—all you need to do is find one you like. There are plenty of options, so once you find a cause that you can get behind, you can participate in an awesome recycling project in your area. These five projects allow individuals and groups to participate in their own way to help keep our planet and communities healthy and vibrant.

The information for this article was provided by the professionals at King Recycling & Waste Disposal Inc., who specialize in waste management in Brampton.