Small Effort, Big Impact

Recycling takes little effort on your part but makes a big difference to the world. Learn how our simple two-bin system makes recycling easy for everyone.

Regular Recycling

What Can & Cannot Be Recycled?

Recyclable Items

Paper & Cardboard

  • Newspapers
  • Magazines
  • Office paper
  • Cardboard boxes (flattened)
  • Paper bags

Plastics

  • Empty water bottles
  • Clean milk jugs
  • Rinsed detergent bottles
  • Empty yogurt containers
  • Plastic food containers (clean)

Metal

  • Empty aluminum cans
  • Rinsed steel cans
  • Clean tin cans
  • Clean aluminum foil
  • Metal bottle caps

Other Items

  • Empty juice cartons
  • Clean packaging materials
  • Paperboard boxes
  • Empty aerosol cans
  • Clean glass containers

Non-Recyclable Items

Contaminated Items

  • Bottles with liquid inside
  • Food-soiled paper
  • Greasy pizza boxes
  • Containers with food residue
  • Used paper towels/napkins

Problem Plastics

  • Plastic bags
  • Plastic wrap/film
  • Styrofoam containers
  • Disposable cutlery
  • Straws and stirrers

Special Waste

  • Batteries
  • Electronics
  • Light bulbs
  • Paint cans
  • Hazardous material containers

Other Items

  • Ceramics and porcelain
  • Window glass and mirrors
  • Diapers
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Tissue paper

Simple Two-Bin System

Why Separate Your Waste?

Our simple two-bin system makes recycling easy for everyone. All you need is one bin for regular household waste and one green bin for all recyclable materials (paper, plastic, and metal).

Based on successful systems we've seen in the United States, we're proposing this simplified approach to our local mayor's office. The municipality will collect these recycling bins separately from regular waste to ensure proper processing.

Important: All recyclables must be clean and dry. Containers with liquids cannot be recycled and should go in the regular waste bin.

Regular Waste Recycling Two-Bin Recycling System

Regular Waste Bin

For non-recyclable household waste:

  • Food scraps and leftovers
  • Soiled paper products (napkins, paper towels)
  • Styrofoam packaging
  • Plastic bags and films
  • Containers with liquid residue
  • Diapers and hygiene products

These items cannot be recycled and should be disposed of in your regular waste bin.

Green Recycling Bin

For all clean and dry recyclable materials:

  • Paper and cardboard (flattened)
  • Plastic bottles and containers (empty and rinsed)
  • Metal cans and aluminum (rinsed)
  • Clean food containers
  • Empty product packaging
  • Magazines and newspapers

Remember: All items must be empty, clean and dry. No containers with liquid!

Why Recycling Matters

The Importance of Recycling

Recycling requires little effort on your part but makes a significant difference to our world. By simply separating your waste into two bins, you contribute to:

  • Reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills
  • Conserving natural resources for future generations
  • Preventing pollution by reducing the need for new raw materials
  • Supporting local municipal recycling programs

Your municipality collects recycling bins separately from regular waste, ensuring that materials are properly processed and recycled into new products.

Saves Resources

Recycling 1 ton of paper saves about 17 trees and 7,000 gallons of water. Small actions add up to big results.

Conserves Energy

Recycling aluminum cans saves 95% of the energy needed to make new ones. That's enough energy to power a TV for 3 hours!

Reduces Emissions

By recycling, you help reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Every bottle counts!

Creates Jobs

The recycling industry creates more jobs than waste disposal, supporting local economies while helping the environment.

Tips for Easy Recycling

Home Setup Tips

  • Create a recycling station - Designate an area in your home with separate containers for different materials.
  • Label bins clearly - Use pictures and words to show what goes in each bin.
  • Flatten boxes - Break down cardboard boxes to save space in your recycling bin.
  • Rinse containers - Quickly rinse food residue from recyclables to prevent contamination.

Community Involvement

  • Educate family & friends - Share your recycling knowledge with others.
  • Advocate for workplace recycling - Suggest improvements to recycling systems at work.
  • Participate in cleanup events - Join community efforts to clean up litter and properly sort waste.
  • Support local initiatives - Back proposals for improved recycling systems in your community.

Common Recycling Mistakes to Avoid

  • Putting recyclables in plastic bags - Most facilities can't process bagged recyclables.
  • Including food-soiled items - Pizza boxes with grease stains often can't be recycled.
  • Wishful recycling - Don't put items in recycling just hoping they'll be recyclable.
  • Ignoring local guidelines - Recycling rules vary by location, so check your local requirements.

About Us

Project Team

Arif Can

7-C
Bahçeşehir College Student

Öyküm Hasanca

7-C
Bahçeşehir College Student

This recycling education project was created by students who are passionate about environmental conservation. Inspired by recycling systems observed in the United States, we aim to bring similar practices to our local community.

Our goal is to educate people about the importance of recycling and how simple it can be with a two-bin system.