Start Small: A Recycling Initiative

You do not have to start by separating every recyclable item in your home. You can begin with cardboard and learn about other accepted materials as you go.

When you open a delivery, set the empty box aside before it reaches the trash. That one decision is the start of a recycling habit. There is no need to go back through old trash or change every household routine at once.

If cardboard is the only material you begin collecting for recycling, that is a useful first step.

Clean, dry cardboard shipping boxes are a practical place to begin. They are easy to identify, and the larger ones make it easy to see how much space they were taking up.

Prepare each box in a few steps:

1. Empty it and remove foam, plastic bags, and other packing materials.
2. Flatten the cardboard.
3. Put it loose in your recycling tote. Do not bag it.
4. Keep it dry and close the tote lid.

Use your service’s accepted-materials instructions when adding other types of packaging. Colorado’s recycling guide explains the basics.

Picture a few delivery boxes going into your regular trash tote during the week. Even though they may not weigh much, they can occupy a noticeable amount of space.

Putting that cardboard into recycling leaves more room in the trash tote for the waste that still belongs there. Flattening the boxes also helps you use the space in your recycling tote.

The amount of room you gain depends on what your household throws away. You can see the difference for yourself: pay attention to how often boxes go into the trash now, then notice what changes when you begin keeping them out.

Once separating cardboard becomes routine, choose another item from your service’s accepted-materials list. You might begin setting aside accepted drink bottles or food cans next.

Add one type at a time. Give everyone in the house a clear starting point, such as “We are saving our cardboard boxes this week.” As that becomes familiar, introduce the next item.

Keep the recyclables you choose separate from garbage, and check unfamiliar items before putting them in the recycling tote. Starting small means taking on a manageable habit while preparing those items correctly.

The next time you unpack a delivery, start there. Empty the box, flatten it, and keep it out of your regular trash tote. You have already made room for the rest of the week.