RESOURCEFUL    

I try to recycle as much as possible, but I pretty frequently find myself staring at something trying to figure out what to do with it. I recently downloaded the “Resourceful” app to my phone, and I really like it! [If a phone app is not your thing, you can get the same information online at ResourcefulApp.com.]

On Resourceful, you can look at various products, and see recycling information that is specific to Berkeley, and also ideas for more sustainable alternatives. Resourceful also has a useful general guide to recycling in Berkeley.  Here are a few tidbits about Berkeley recycling  I picked up from the app:

(1) You should not put things smaller than your fist (approximately) in the recycling bin, because they can’t be sorted.  However, caps to plastic bottles, if attached to the bottle, are okay.

(2) Compostable plastic (labeled #7, PLA, or compostable) needs to go into the compost bin, rather than the plastic recycling bin.  If it gets mixed into the regular bin, it can contaminate the batch.

(3) Anything that consists of mixed material (like a disposable razor that’s plastic and metal) is not recyclable.

(4) Paper towels with food on them can go in the compost, but a paper towel with Windex or other non-compostable cleaning product on it has to go in the trash.