Firstly, we need to know what definitely cannot be recycled.

I aim to upcycle everything that isn't smelly BUT there are a ton of great recycling initiatives out there. For example, I still take my bottles to a donation bin where the proceeds go to feeding folks in my community. But, when we are just starting out, the idea of ZERO WASTE is pretty daunting - so try to DIY some cool upcycling with the most notorious of the waste:

Actual Garbage:

• Paper shopping receipts - my mind was BLOWN with this one

• Clothing and fabric

• Food waste - OK but we can compost most of this

• Food-tainted items (such as: used paper plates or boxes, paper towels, or paper napkins) I did NOT see this one coming!!!

• Ceramics and kitchenware  

• Windows and mirrors

• Plastic wrap

• Packing peanuts and bubble wrap 

• Wax boxes - Another shocker in my books :(

• Photographs - This too :(

• Medical waste

• Polystyrene or Styrofoam - I was sure I saw a bin for this at the recycling place - SO confusing!!

• Hazardous chemicals and chemical containers

• Plastic toys or sporting goods equipment

• Foam egg cartons

• Wood - Seriously!?? But isn't most wood products made from wood pulp... 'wood' being the operative word there - GRRR WHAT!??

• Light bulbs

• Yard waste or garden tools - I guess lots of cities have special yard waste pick up, but certainly not yard tool :P

There are lots more too - like chip bags, coffee pods, things made out of more than 1 thing (like make-up has the make up + the brush made of hairs and metal and wood + the container and lid), citrus fruit nets, wet paper (as crazy as that is!), paper plates, plastic lids and pop bottle lids, take-away coffee cups, pretty much all food containers, certain plastics can but most can't... there is mixed information depending on where you look so the best is to look up the recycling in your area.

Many recycling programs are great to support though, so let's explore how to do that in fun and easy ways.

Firstly, the best tactic is always reducing how much you buy and/or use, and no one can touch on this subject better than the man himself  (a round of applause please): David Suzuki!!! So I'll give you to his rockin' site: Tips to help you lower your consumption - David Suzuki Foundation 

Second, making the act of recycling fun, and again, why waste your time reading my regurgitation of smarter folks - check out my favourite recycling blog: 10 ways to make recycling fun | 1 Million Women

Third, stripping recycling to the bare bones, and making it as simple as possible:

• Step 1: Recycle plastic bags and batteries separately

• Step 2: Don't bag or contain the recyclables when you turn them in

• Step 3: Compress bottles and always take all lids off all containers, especially water bottles 

• Step 4: Keep cardboard and your other recyclables clean

• Step 5: Read your local recycling guide

Recycling Simplified: Recycle Smarter with Republic Services 

Finally, because, again, why reinvent the wheel, here are some killer reference to make recycling as easy as possible:

18 Recycling Storage Ideas That Make Going Green Easier Than Ever 

7 Tips to Recycle Better - Earth Day 

Recycling at Home: Easy Tips to Make a Big Difference - Evolve Waste 

5 Organizing Tips for Easy Recycling | Emmet County Recycling 

5 common (but easy to avoid) recycling mistakes you're probably making - Recycle BC 

Did you know!? You actually can't toss nail polish!?? It is considered hazardous waste and must be disposed of at a special facility!!! WHAT!?!?!??!?!!??! Now THAT is scary! I've literally never done that - uhhh oops!