In a bid to untangle common recycling errors, St. Johns County has taken to social media to issue a straightforward appeal to its residents: keep your plastic bags out of the curbside recycling carts. This reminder comes as local recycling facilities grapple with machine blockages — an unintended consequence of well-meaning recyclers. The St. Johns County's stance is clear, as expressed in a Facebook post: "🚫 Plastic Bags Don't Go in Your Curbside Recycling Cart 🚫".
The post details the problems caused when these bags, often filled with recyclables, find their way into the sorting mechanisms designed for hardier materials. The message is unequivocal – residents should leave their recyclables loose. Furthermore, the county suggests a better route for plastic bags is returning them to grocery stores where they can be properly recycled, reinforcing the notion that good recycling is not just about sorting, but about understanding the journey of our refuse.
In conjunction with Plastic-Free July, St. Johns County takes the opportunity to educate its citizens on the broader implications of single-use plastics. Cutting down on these materials and fostering proper recycling habits are the cornerstones of the campaign's message. The county also promotes the use of the Recycle Coach App, which can be downloaded from their post, offering residents a digital way to stay on top of their recycling game.
The call to action coincides with a heightened awareness of environmental issues and the pivotal role that communities play in managing waste. St. Johns County implores its residents to "Say 'No' to single-use plastics and Stay Classy," an earnest reminder that the integrity of our recycling efforts starts in the very homes of county citizens.
