Rhode Island adopts standardized recycling labels

Rhode Island has become the first state in the U.S. to participate in Recycle Across America’s (RAA) national standardized recycling label program, according to an article by RI NPR.

RAA initiated the program to reduce confusion about the proper disposal of recyclables, regardless of location.

“We decided we needed to take a more simple approach with how we’re educating about recycling,” Krystal Noiseux, education and outreach manager for the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corp. (RIRRC) told RI NPR.

“And instead of shooting for the stars … we asked, ‘What is the most bare-bones simple information we can get out there that will produce cleaner, good recycling?’”

The RAA presented customized labels based on four what is recyclables in the state based on four categories the RIRRC indicated:

• paper, cardboard and cartons;
• metal, cans, lids and foil; 
• glass, bottles and jars; and
• plastic containers.