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We've recently started a more complete recycling program in my city. My question is, do I need to wash out jars, cans, etc before placing them in the bin? It seems like the energy and water needed for me to wash everything might outweigh the recycling benefits.
I just started recycling a few weeks ago and called up the recycling center to get a few questions I had answered. They did want us to rinse out the cans. I would just do a quick rinse, no soap or anything needed. Just so when it dries it's not all yucky. Hooray for recycling! It feels good to be doing it.
I've been recycling for a couple of decades. I always attempt to clean the containers. When I come up with something that is especially dried on it's fill and soak. And yes I worry about wasting water.
Yes I clean the worst off the jars etc but only using water already in the sink that's been used for washing other dishes or cleaning jobs. I wouldn't run the hot water especially and scrub them spotless!
I always rinse mine, especially things like ketchup bottles. I even stand in the shower and rinse my old shampoo and body wash bottles, that's probably OCD though, lol.
We usually just rinse them out if needed. Glass jars might go in the dishwasher, but only if there is still room and we are going to run it anyway. No special runs.
Even if you had to wash them out, it's still good to recycle.
Think of all the energy and water that would go into making a new can, plastic bottle, etc.
We have to rinse ours too but I usually just leave them in the sink when I am rinsing the dishes to put in the dishwasher, so no 'new' water is needed.
I don't rinse diet cola cans...there isn't any sugar to get sticky or attract insects, I just make sure they are empty.
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