Recycling and your Easter junk

Most Easter trash cannot be recycled - a guide to what can and can't be recycled

As Rhode Islanders make plans to celebrate the Easter holiday, the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation is reminding residents that many of the prized, colorful favors that go hand-in-hand with the holiday are not recyclable.

In an effort to streamline operations at RIRRC’s Materials Recycling Facility, the agency has outlined a handful of helpful recycling tips. 

“In the days surrounding the Easter holiday, our Materials Recycling Facility receives an influx of materials that simply cannot be recycled,” said Sarah Kite, Director of Recycling Services for RIRRC. “From Easter baskets to artificial grass and candy wrappers, many residents are unaware that these materials cannot be recycled. We ask Rhode Islanders to keep the following tips in mind and recycle right during the holiday.”

Be sure to reference these helpful recycling tips during the Easter holiday:

·         Easter Baskets – Plastic Easter baskets cannot be recycled, and should be thrown away in the trash. Before doing so, try to find a second use for them around the house or consider donating to Goodwill. Baskets made from natural materials may be composted.

·         Artificial Grass – Artificial grass is typically made of plastic or nylon and is not biodegradable or recyclable. If you use this decorative material, be sure to throw it out with the trash. Another option is to skip this material altogether and use shredded paper to fill Easter baskets. There are several creative and environmentally friendly options available in place of artificial grass.

·         Plastic Eggs – Plastic eggs CAN be recycled curbside in your recycling bin or cart. Simply place cleaned and emptied eggs among your other mixed recyclables.

·         Eggshells and Food Scraps – Eggshells and food scraps should be composted. Crushed eggshells break down more quickly, and are very beneficial to healthy compost piles. Avoid composting eggs that have been decorated with paints, stickers, or glitter. Remove any decorations and egg remnants before placing in your compost bin. Chop food scraps into small pieces to help them break down faster in colder winter and early spring temperatures.

·         Candy Wrappers – Candy wrappers cannot be recycled in your bin, but they don’t have to be thrown out with the trash. TerraCycle, a national mail-in recycling program, allows large organizations such as schools to collect and mail-in certain types of waste for points that can be redeemed to benefit non-profit organizations and schools. To learn more about candy wrapper recycling through TerraCycle, visit http://www.terracycle.com/en-US/brigades/candy-wrapper-brigade-r.html.

To find more recycling tips and learn more about the new Recycle Together RI program, visit www.RecycleTogetherRI.org or call 401-942-1430.

About Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation

Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation is the quasi-state environmental agency dedicated to providing the public with environmentally sound programs and facilities to manage waste. The agency helps fund and promote the state’s recycling program, and owns and operates the Materials Recycling Facility and Central Landfill in Johnston.