CLEVELAND — Without a doubt, recycling is good for the environment. When paper, cans, glass and plastic get recycled, it conserves resources and reduces the number of landfills across the nation.
But when you toss the wrong things into your home’s recycling bin -- like a banana peel, used pizza box or a coffee-to-go cup -- it can contaminate the bin’s contents and cause problems down the line.
Just in time for Earth Day 2024, students from Richmond Heights City Schools have recorded a public service announcement that shares helpful tips on what goes in the recycle bin and what doesn’t.
Their commercial, sponsored by the Fowler Family Foundation and Western Reserve Land Conservancy, lays out the do’s and don’t of successful curbside recycling.
Although curbside recycling varies from city to city, here’s a general outline of what to place in your recycle bin:
- Paper
- Flattened cardboard and paperboard
- Glass bottles and containers
- Aluminum cans
- Plastic bottles and jugs with a neck narrower than the body
All containers should be empty, clean and dry. Although plastic bottles and jugs can be put in the recycle bin, please note that many commonly used types of plastic cannot be recycled, such as containers for yogurt, meat and poultry, plus plastic cutlery, plates and cups. It’s best to be aware of the types of plastic that can be recycled and to try tocurtail your use of other forms.
Now, here’s what not to put in your recycling container:
- No food or liquids
- No foam cups or containers
- No Tupperware
- No garden waste
- No batteries
- No clothing, furniture or carpet
- No loose plastic bags or bagged recyclables. Instead, recycle your plastic bags, bubble wrap and plastic wrap at the grocery store
Richmond Heights students were selected to be in the commercial because effective Jan. 2, 2024, the city began offering curbside recycling to its residents. Prior to that, Richmond Heights was the only city in Cuyahoga County that did not offer residential recycling.
So, who exactly are the young stars in the public service announcement?
They are second-graders Samia Adel and Steve Zanders; third-grader Kali Walker; fourth-graders Chloe Fox and Cahzidy Hubbard; and fifth-grader Adam Adolphus.
All six of them want to emphasize to their families and other Richmond Heights residents the importance of recycling properly and avoiding “wish-cycling,” which is what happens when you put items in the recycle bin that can’t be recycled.
The students’ PSA ends with them saying, "Do it for us kids" -- a poignant way of reminding viewers that the decisions we make today about how to dispose of waste will have repercussions for generations to come.
Said Richmond Heights Mayor Kim Thomas, "Richmond Heights students are leading the charge in raising awareness about recycling in their community. These young advocates are not just limited to taking action at home and school; they are actively engaging with their neighbors to promote the importance of recycling. Through mediums such as art projects, presentations, and even television appearances, they champion the cause and urge others to join them in their recycling efforts."
The young people in the video are determined to use their voices to inspire others, she added. "In a world of rising environmental consciousness, these students are not just participating. They are leading the way. Their dedication to making a positive impact through recycling is more than just a hobby. It's a passion. Their commitment to protecting the planet and eagerness to drive change reflects the growing understanding among children of all ages about their crucial role in preserving our environment. These young activists demonstrate that age is not a barrier to advocating for a cleaner, greener future."
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