Why this matters
Litter and trash that aren’t handled properly can blow away or wash into streets, storm drains, rivers, and eventually the ocean. Sorting trash helps protect marine life and keeps beaches clean.
Recycling
- Clean plastic bottles and jugs (rinse out food residue)
- Metal cans and aluminum trays
- Glass bottles and jars
- Paper and cardboard (flatten cardboard, keep dry)
- Milk cartons and similar cartons if your local program accepts them
Composting
- Fruit and vegetable scraps
- Eggshells
- Coffee grounds and tea leaves
- Small amounts of bread and cereals (in a proper compost)
- What to avoid: meat, dairy, oily foods, bones, and pet waste in a backyard compost
Trash
- Plastic bags and most plastic films
- Chip bags and candy wrappers
- Broken glass (wrap securely in paper and place in trash)
- Hazardous items: batteries, electronics, paints, and chemicals
- Used diapers
Tips to keep the ocean clean
- Rinse containers and keep recyclables dry before you put them in the bin
- Don’t tie recyclables in plastic bags
- Carry a small trash bag on walks and pick up litter you see
- Ask an adult to check your local recycling rules