Recycling is important, and everyone, adults and children, need to do it. We need to start teaching children how to recycle. The earlier we start teaching children, the easier it will be for them.  If they grow up recycling, they will make it a part of their daily lives.  So where do children learn to recycle?

First, it’s important that recycling takes place at home.  Every home should have separate trash receptacles that separate paper/cardboard, glass, plastics, and metals/cans from their waste.  In addition, homes can also provide a compost bin to get rid of uneaten food.  If the majority of homes adapt just these two practices, there would be a big elimination in trash and waste.  However, recycling does not end there.

Electronics are one item needing recycling.  Yet, is one of the most difficult to recycle.  Many consumers don’t know what to do with electronics when they’re done with them.  Or electronic recycling is just not convenient for regular consumers.  They need to research to find a location.  And often times they have to drive out of their way, to an industrial area, to drop off their electronics.

Besides paper, glass, plastics, metals and electronics, there are many other types of items that could end up in a trash receptacle.  These would include clothing, toys, wood, carpet, furniture, light bulbs, musical instruments, and more.  Although, people can donate  most of these items to charity or resell them themselves.  Therefore, this leaves very little to be left for waste pick-up or drop-off.

Second, recycling should be available at schools so children can continue their waste knowledge throughout their day.  As seen in this article, schools are a key component to children learning to recycle.  Every school needs a paper, glass, plastic, metal, food, electronic, and other bin on every campus.  And also in their classrooms.  It would be beneficial to have one in all cafeterias and school playgrounds too.  This not only teaches children, but reinforces the idea that recycling is important.  And it should be available to them wherever they go.

Lastly, all these recycling bins can be available everywhere people go.  If they are found at convenient locations it will be easier to recycle.  This includes, fast food restaurants, malls, convenience stores, discount retailers, big box stores, etc.  When recycling is made conveniently for everyday consumers, they will be more likely to recycle more often.