Spring is here and the snow has melted away. You may find that some unwanted materials have made their way to our yards, roads and green spaces.

If you look closely its not all garbage – cans, bottles, plastic shopping bags, leaves, branches, flyers and an assortment of other materials can make up the mix.

Much of this material is recyclable.

Before you start your clean up activity be sure to plan how to recycle all these materials and keep them out of the landfill.

The key to a successful recycling program, indoors or outdoors, is simplicity – recycling has to be easy to do.

Check your local recycle guidelines and be sure everyone knows what they can recycle.

Here are some things to consider during spring cleanup.

When you rake away old leaves, grass and branches consider using a backyard composting bin instead of putting these materials in the garbage.

As you find flyers on the lawn or in your culvert be sure they are placed with other paper to recycle.

Cans and bottles may have made their way to your yard or green space, be sure to separate these from garbage and add to appropriate recycle stream.

Once you’ve finished your cleanup consider ways to keep the outdoors clean and green.

Put outdoor recycling containers in key areas to collect recyclable material and separate these materials from garbage.

If you are a business owner be sure to put outdoor recycle bins at entrances, in parking lots and other green spaces.

If you are a home owner place recycle containers in the garage, on the patio, beside the BBQ and consider a compost bin in the yard.

Consistency is also important. The recycle bins should be the same configuration at every location. Clear easy to read signs should be placed on each recycle bin to ensure there is no confusion as to what materials go in what bins.

The recycle bins should be emptied and cleaned frequently to ensure everyone puts their recyclables in the appropriate bins.

Get the kids involved, they love to recycle and will make your recycling projects more fun!

Check out our recycling bins and containers here.