Caring About Curbside Cures.

• Position: EYE ON ECOLOGY

Yes, recycling can be confusing, but by working closely with our communities to better understand local curbside recycling rules, each of us can contribute to sustainable improvements that can make a big difference for the environment.

Here are some tips on how you can recycle smarter:

* Remove residue from recyclables. When recycling an item, be sure to clean out and remove all leftover product from the inside and outside of the containers. Lingering residue on just one piece, like shampoo or conditioner, can contaminate all the other items it comes into contact with--rendering them unrecyclable as well. Recyclers can unscrew the cap/top and scrape out the remaining product, and also wipe off any excess product from the outside of the container. Be sure the container is completely dry before adding it to the recycling bin.

* Challenge your own assumptions of recyclability. Virtually everything has a technical processing solution. Consumers can mitigate waste by looking for ways to recycle more items they previously may have assumed were not recyclable. Even a small change in practice can make a significant impact on the environment.

* Double-check before you toss. Items made from what comes to the top of our minds as recyclable material, such as plastic, may not always be recyclable curbside. Before you add an empty plastic container to your recycling bin, flip it over and...