Whether you are an old pro at recycling, or you are just trying to learn about ways that you can implement it in your own life, there is an abundance of information available out there for people like you, who care enough about the environment to do things that will make a difference for the better. Although the recycling rate in the United States is getting better, there are still some areas that need improvement.

Recycling Do's And Don'ts:

" Recycling glass can be done if it is clear and unbroken. Broken glass or ceramic pieces cannot be recycled because they are too hard to sort and process.

" Newspaper is a one of the primary recyclable materials. It can be recycled if it is clean, dry, and not moldy. To recycle newspaper, tie it together with natural twine or pack it tightly in a brown paper grocery bag. Do not send in rubber bands, product samples that come with the paper, or the plastic bags that it came in, because it makes it harder to sort.

" Metal cans, lids, bottle tops, etc. are all candidates for recycling. Just make sure you clean them first. You cannot recycle magnetic metals, full cans, or cans that have paint or other hazardous materials on them.

" Plastic is another great recycling product. Find plastics that are marked number 1 or 2 and the recycling symbol. Lids are not always made of the same plastic, so check them for a number. If it is not marked, then it is not appropriate for recycling. Plastics marked with any number from 3 to 8 are also not appropriate for recycling. In fact, these plastics can actually ruin a whole batch being processed by contaminating it!

" Grocery bags are easy to recycle. If the bags are plastic with a number 2 or 4 recycle logo, you can take them to a recycle drop off spot or to a grocery store that accepts used bags. If the bags are paper, they can be put in mixed recycling drop off locations. You can also personally use these bags over and over until they wear out. Do not recycle bags that have food, mold, dampness, or dirt on them.

" Junk mail, magazines, computer paper, phone books, cereal and shoe boxes, are all recycling material. So, instead of tossing them in the trash can when you are done with them, or storing them in your garage or attic, give them a second life. Stickers, food wrappers, laminated paper, neon paper, milk cartons, napkins, and thermal fax paper cannot be recycled.

" Aluminum from pots, window screens and outdoor folding chairs can be recycled as long as they don't have any non-metal parts attached to it.

" Batteries can be recycled if they are the right type such as a car battery or a cell phone battery. Call 1-800-8BATTERY for more information about how and where to recycle batteries.

You can recycle clothing, computers, cell phones, eyeglasses, appliances, furniture, etc. It all is in your attitude and your effort. If you have the desire to recycle you can find a way to do it.