Residential recycling has many benefits today — such as reducing air pollution and keeping materials out of landfills. If you want to recycle properly around your residential property, read these guidelines to avoid issues. 

Avoid Recycling Small Items

Recycling helps the planet, but there are limits to what you can recycle. Don't make the mistake of trying to recycle small items because they more than likely will jam recycling equipment. Instead of recycling things like water bottle caps and small metal pieces, throw them away.

You can use your best judgment when deciding which items are too small to recycle, but using the three-inch rule is full-proof. Trash items if they're under three inches, while items above three inches are recyclable. Use a measuring tape to make sure you identify the right recyclable items and put them in the appropriate piles. 

Make Sure Recyclables Are Clean

Once you have a pile of items ready for recycling, see how clean they are. Cleanliness with recyclable items is crucial because it prevents other objects from becoming contaminated. Local recycling professionals then won't have to work as hard when they process your recyclables and send them to the appropriate centers. 

Go through your items individually, seeing how clean they are. If you see dirt and residues, clean them off before putting them in a recycling bin or container. You don't have to run them through the dishwasher either. Spot-cleaning residues and dirt will suffice. 

Familiarize Yourself With Different Types of Plastics 

If you don't have much experience recycling things around your household, you might have the urge to put all plastics in recycling containers. Unfortunately, not every plastic type is recyclable. Recognize that fact and become educated on plastics so you have no regrets about recycling. 

Take as long as you need to educate yourself on plastics that can and can't be recycled. Eventually, you'll reach a point where you can consistently identify plastics and put them in the appropriate piles. If you need help, watch tutorials on plastic recycling until you feel like you have a good grasp on how to identify plastics and recycle them properly. 

Residential recycling is something every homeowner should get involved in because a collective effort can help improve the world. You don't have to be a recycling professional to succeed, either. Knowing what to recycle and what to throw away makes residential recycling much easier to manage every month.

To learn more, contact a residential recycling service in your area.