Recycling is more than tossing a bottle into a bin. It starts with making smart choices. Before throwing something away, ask: What is it made of, and can it become something useful again?

First, identify the material. Paper, cardboard, metal, glass, and some plastics may be recyclable, but recycling rules can differ by place. Next, keep recyclable items clean and dry. A greasy pizza box or food-covered container can contaminate other recyclable materials.

Before recycling, try reusing! An old jar can become a pencil holder, while a cardboard box can become a toy or storage container.

Good recycling means knowing what to recycle, reuse, or throw away. Think before you toss!