Ever wonder why it’s important to rinse out your recyclables before putting them in the bin? It’s because cleaner cans, bottles and containers are worth more on the recyclables market. When recyclers get your trash, they separate it by type of recyclable (paper, plastic or metal) and then those are separated by how clean they are. The dirtier the container, the less valuable it is. By making rinsing a habit, you help keep recycling profitable. But if you’re in a store and leaving a soiled salad takeout box in the recycling bin, don’t worry: It’s less valuable to recycle, but it’ll still get diverted from the landfill.
ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION