The recycling and differentiated collection are an integral part of our daily lives, and have been for many years. Nevertheless, they are still practices that raise some doubts. How to recycle in the right way? What are the most common mistakes made when separating materials? The rules change from city to city, but there are some general behaviors that can be shared. Check out 5 very simple things about recycling, to give new life to used items in a proper and ethical way. Knowing what goes into the garbage can: watch out for wish-cyclingWhat do we put in the recycling bin?This is probably the first thing you need to know to make sure you are recycle in the right way. It often happens, in fact, to have all the good intentions to recycleWe know that it is a useful practice to safeguard the Planet! However, the desire to do so does not coincide with a correct action. Have you ever happened to throw an object not completely clean in the paper bin? The phenomenon of wish-cycling is about this, that is wanting to make a contribution to the environment, but when recycling is done wrongly, it risks to damage the whole process. Recycled products need to be turned back into raw materials by other companies so that they can use them in the creation of new goods. Therefore, make sure you pay close attention to what you put in your recycling bin: Clean paper and cardboard in the paper bin Plastic, aluminum, rinsed bottle caps/jars in the plastic bin Glass bottles, jars, cans previously washed washed in the glass bin N. B. These are general indications that must be compared with the rules for separate waste collection of your municipality. Keep the garbage can clean and dry After putting the right things in the recycling bins, it is necessary to know how to put things in. To avoid contamination, it is mandatory to clean recyclable materials. If these materials are dirty, the recycling flow cannot take place! Our recycling must therefore be clean and dry. Also, be sure to put your recyclable materials directly into the recycling bin. Don't put your recyclables in a plastic bag! Recyclables: They must be dry. Be sure to drain off any excess liquid Theymust be placed in the recycle bin. Do not put them in plastic bags Pay particular attention to paper: It is the most fragile recycling material It can get wet easily May be soiled by food waste Talk to neighborsDon't assume that recycling is a habit for everyone. To do your part in the recycling process: Clarify concerns Ask friends and acquaintances about recycling. If you don't live in a building where the rules are clearly posted, have a talk to your neighbors. Confrontation is better! What can you do if your neighbors are lazy or not interested in recycling properly? You could try the way of green gamificationThis is a system designed to encourage people to convert their habitual behavior into sustainable behavior. If you don't have neighborhood contact, try proposing this strategy at a neighborhood or town hall meeting. Support recycling systemsFor many people, recycling simply means putting items in the recycling bin. But the recycling process is much broader because it includes: Waste reduction Reuse of recyclable materials Recycling Wanting to recycle properly includes adopting a zero waste lifestyle, to generate as little environmental impact as possible. It involves never turning our attention away from the things we do and how we do them. Buy refillable or recycled products To lessen your impact on the environment, it's a good idea to switch to refillable products, such as R5 Living household products. To recycle responsibly, it is advisable to embrace the concepts of eco-sustainability and reuse. Start buying items made from recycled materials, just like accessories 100% Recycled plastic by R5 Living. Discover our commitment to the environment in our sustainability section.