November 15: America Recycles Day

November 15 is America Recycles Day.

America Recycles Day is the only nationally recognized day in the United States dedicated to promoting recycling. It grew out of Texas Recycles Day, which started in 1994, and went national on November 15, 1997.

The date was chosen to sit roughly half a year after Earth Day — after Election Day and before the holiday shopping rush. Since 2009 the day has been run by the nonprofit Keep America Beautiful, and the EPA marks it every year with its own recycling resources.

One recycling mistake is “wishcycling” — tossing something in the bin and hoping it’s recyclable. Rules differ from city to city, so one of the most useful things you can do today is check what your local program actually accepts.

Ways to make it your own

1. Check your local recycling rules before deciding which items belong in the bin.
2. Look up your city’s recycling rules and stick the list on the fridge.
3. Prepare containers according to your local program’s instructions; check separately whether plastic bags are accepted.
4. Take old electronics, batteries, or light bulbs to a proper drop-off point instead of the trash.
5. Give one thing a second life: donate it, repair it, or repurpose it.
6. Buy something made from recycled materials — demand is what keeps recycling worth doing.

Sources and further reading

• nationaldaycalendar.com
• nrcrecycles.org
• kab.org
• epa.gov