2 Ways To Get Your Kids In The Habit Of Recycling

When you are a parent, the last thing that's on your mind is whether or not you remembered to recycle the cardboard box that held the macaroni and cheese that you fed your kids before taking them to soccer practice fifteen minutes late. However, it is very important to make sure that you get your kids into the habit of recycling, because it will help your household reduce waste overall and encourage them to have good habits in the years to come. Here are two tips for getting your kids into the habit of recycling without too much effort on your part.

1. Have Your Kids Make Recycling Bins

First, have your kids make the various recycling bins for the different types of items that need to be recycled. If you have single stream recycling, you don't have to worry too much about separating them and should instead have your kids decorate one large bin that will act as the only recycling bin in the house. If you need to separate everything out, consider using bankers boxes that can be emptied individually and are at your kids' eye level. Have your kids draw pictures of the different categories of recyclables that your local trash collection services specify. This will help your kids be more connected to the bins because they are their own. It will also leave your kids no excuses for not knowing which recyclables go in which bins. Store these bins somewhere out of the way, such as a closet or in your basement.

2. Assign Recycling as a Daily Chore

Take a small box and put it in the kitchen to act as a central location for recyclables throughout the day. This will prevent you from having to go downstairs whenever you need to dispose of something that should be recycled. Make a chore sheet and every day have a different child empty the recycling bin into the correct receptacles. This chore should be done by bedtime at the latest. For the first few days of this chore, make sure that you go downstairs with them to be there if they have any questions for you. After those first few days, your children should be able to figure it out on their own.

By putting this system into place, you will be able to get rid of the recyclables in your kitchen without much effort on your part while teaching your children the importance of disposing of their waste properly. Click here for more information about recycling.

Share