If trash could talk, it would mostly want to scream “I have a life!” every time we toss it in the dustbin. Not in rebellion but because it has more life left.
75% of home garbage is recyclable.
So, the Environmental Protection Agency is saying 2/3rd of my everyday home waste could have been recycled? But what happens to home-waste now?
Household waste is segregated into biodegradable, non-biodegradables and e-waste by local municipalities. Landfills are designed to hold garbage away from the soil and groundwater, so waste tends to not rot, break down or reduce in size at all. The goal is to send as little waste to landfills as possible.
However, so far in 2024, India generated 62 million tonnes of waste, of which only 43 million tonnes were collected, and 31 million tonnes were dumped in landfills. As landfills fill up, they can cause environmental problems like groundwater and soil pollution, harmful conditions for nearby residents, and air quality degradation. There are also often reports of fires at landfills due to the inflammable gases released by rotting waste.
Bad news is, our waste-management systems are miles away from being efficient. Good news is, individual citizens like you and I can begin remedial steps at home.
After all, cleanliness begins at home!
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
3Rs that stand for Reduce, Reuse, Recycle are the foundation of waste management. These are pivotal to combating climate change and creating a sustainable future.
Reduce means to make smaller/less in amount.Reuse means to use something again, either for its original purpose or repurposed for a different task.Recycle means to convert waste into material that can be used to remake the item, or to make something else.
In this article, let’s unpack how we can recycle at home.
Why should you recycle at home?
Benefits of Recycling at Home
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and forget about the long-term impact of our actions. But when we recycle, we are a part of something much bigger. Our efforts contribute to a healthier planet, a cleaner environment, and a more sustainable future.
Recycling reduces the need for newer materials. Let’s say the more T-shirts and towels are recycled into cleaning cloths at home, the fewer brand-new cleaning cloths are bought.
Over a period of multiplied action, less new material created, lesser raw materials exploited, fewer forests are cut down, less water is polluted, and fewer greenhouse gases are emitted.
Recycling offers us redemption against decades of participation in mindless capitalism. There's a deep sense of personal fulfilment that comes from knowing you’re doing your part.
Even more powerful is the ripple effect. When others see you recycling, they’re inspired to do the same. One person’s actions can spark a chain reaction and together, we can create a world where recycling is the norm, not the exception.
Indians pioneering recycling at home
Many Indians have been pioneering the practice of recycling and sustainable activities at home.
Ripu Daman Bevli: Known as the "plogging ambassador of India," Ripu combines jogging with picking up litter, promoting recycling and waste segregation at home to reduce plastic pollution.
Vani Murthy: An urban farmer and composting expert from Bengaluru, Vani promotes recycling organic waste at home. She educates people about composting kitchen scraps to create nutrient-rich soil, reducing landfill waste.
Sahar Mansoor: Founder of "Bare Necessities," Sahar advocates for zero-waste living by creating sustainable, recyclable, and reusable home products, encouraging others to minimise waste and recycle effectively. Bonus Point: There’s a course if you want to learn more in the link!
How to get started with recycling at home
So, how do you begin this journey?
The first step is to take a look at your current waste habits.
Analysing your home waste
Be honest—how much of what you throw away could be recycled? Make a list of the items and try to bucket them under following categories -
Food waste
Plastic waste
Recyclable
Non-recyclable
Paper, cardboard waste
E-waste
Textile waste
Glass & Metals
Other
Take a week to assess and categorise your household waste.
Common household items that can be recycled
Once you’re set up, you’ll be amazed at how much of your household waste can actually be recycled. Some items can be recycled at home and some require recycling facilities.
Start with paper products—think newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes, and even junk mail. These items are easy to recycle and can be turned into new paper products.
Next, look at plastics. This can be a bit tricky since not all plastics are recyclable, but many are. Common items like water bottles, food containers, and shampoo bottles can often be recycled. Just make sure to check the recycling symbol and clean them out before tossing them in the bin.
Glass and metals are also highly recyclable. Aluminium cans, glass jars, and bottles are some of the easiest materials to recycle, and they can be repurposed over and over again without losing quality.
And don’t forget about e-waste—old electronics like phones, batteries, and cables should be taken to special recycling facilities.
What cannot be recycled and what do with that
As you dive into recycling, you’ll quickly learn that not everything belongs in the recycling bin. Some items, like plastic bags, Styrofoam, and certain food containers, can’t be recycled through curbside programs. It’s essential to know what your local recycling centre accepts to avoid contamination, which can make entire batches of recyclables unusable.
Engaging with family members
Recycling at home is fantastic, but imagine the impact if everyone you know started doing the same. Start by involving your family to assess your household waste.
Make it fun. Set up a family recycling challenge to see who can reduce their waste the most, or organise a neighbourhood recycling day. Celebrate successes, no matter how small, and share your recycling stories and tips with others.
Important tips for recycling at home
Composting at home: Turning Food Waste into Gold
Food waste is one of the most valuable resources we often overlook. Composting is an incredible way to recycle kitchen waste into nutrient-rich soil.
Starting a home compost bin is a fairly easy task that can recycle fruit and vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, and eggshells. Here is the ultimate guide to composting at home.
The benefits of composting go beyond just reducing waste. It cuts down on methane emissions from landfills, reduces the need for chemical fertilisers, and enriches the soil, making it more fertile and better able to retain moisture.
Local waste management alignment
Now that you are committed to the task, a very critical step is to understand your local recycling programs to align your household recycling program with the city waste management system. Identify what can be recycled by local municipalities, NGOs and other facilities.
Technology for Recycling
Use technology at your play. Apps like Recycle Coach and iRecycle provide information on what can be recycled in your area, reminders for pickup days, and tips for reducing waste. There are even smart bins that sort recyclables automatically, taking the guesswork out of the process.
Responsible disposal
Proper disposal and waste management of non-recyclables is just as important. Some items, like hazardous materials or chemicals, require special handling to prevent environmental harm. Take the time to research how to dispose of these items safely.
Going beyond Recycling
Reduce, Reuse
Recycling is fantastic, but it’s just one part of the equation. To make an even bigger impact, start by reducing the amount of waste you create. This could mean buying in bulk to avoid excess packaging, choosing products with minimal packaging, or simply being more mindful of what you buy. Reduce plastic use, especially single-use plastic. Choose reusable items such as cloth napkins over paper ones or using a refillable coffee cup instead of disposable ones.
Upcycling: Creative Ways to Reuse Waste
Unlike recycling, which often involves breaking down materials, upcycling is all about transforming them into something new and useful. Old glass jars can become beautiful storage containers, worn-out clothes can be turned into patchwork quilts or reusable shopping bags, and even broken furniture can be refurbished with a bit of creativity.
Learn more about reducing your carbon footprint here.
Conclusion
Recycling at home is more than just a way to reduce waste—it’s an emotional, deeply personal commitment to protecting our planet. It’s about recognizing the impact of our actions and choosing to be part of the solution. As you take these steps, remember that every piece of paper you recycle, every plastic bottle you repurpose, and every bit of food waste you compost makes a difference.
We are very excited to hear about your first steps, don’t forget to share your story with us!
FAQs
Q: Why is it important to separate recyclables from regular trash?
Separating recyclables from regular trash prevents contamination and ensures that recyclable materials can be properly processed, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
Q: What do I do with items that aren’t recyclable?