Recycling. We’re all for it, right? Most of us wouldn’t dream of tossing aluminum cans or plastic bottles in the trash. But sometimes, recycling them is easier said than done. We recently discovered this while visiting family. When it came time to sort the trash, we noticed something strange—no blue recycling bin could be found. And when we asked, our relatives explained, “Oh, we don’t have recycling pickup here.”
Wait, what? We were equal parts surprised and determined. Their county didn’t have curbside recycling, but we wouldn’t let that stop us. So, we turned to our trusty friend, the internet.
After a deep dive into the county website, we uncovered a patchwork of recycling options—six drop-off locations, each with its own set of accepted items. Some took cardboard, others handled the #1 or #2 plastics, but we’d need a detailed map and a lot of driving to make this work. And, of course, a couple of these places were closed when we tried to visit. Frustration was building.
Just as we were starting to feel defeated, we found a fantastic solution—a local middle school had started its own recycling initiative! Their program allows the public to drop off washed recyclables (#1 plastics & aluminum cans), and here’s the best part: the proceeds support area non-profits and local animal shelters. Not only did this solve our problem, but it felt great knowing our recyclables were helping both the environment and the community.
But that wasn’t all! During our search, we also discovered a recycling service offering bi-monthly curbside pickup for a very reasonable $18 a month. It seemed like the perfect long-term solution for our family members, and we’ve already decided to gift them the service going forward. It’s a simple way to make recycling consistent and easy without adding extra stress to their routine.
Experiences like this remind us that recycling isn’t the same everywhere. Some places make it a breeze, while others turn it into a treasure hunt. But hey, we’re up for a little adventure if it means doing our part for the planet—and helping others do theirs.
Don’t let it stop you if you find yourself in a place with recycling obstacles. Get resourceful. Ask questions. Dig for answers. Sometimes, a solution is just a click—or a local middle school or curbside service—away. Every piece we keep out of landfill counts, and when it supports a cause or a loved one, it’s worth every bit of effort.
Check out the Leave No Trace Daily Life page for recycling information and tips on other sustainable practices.
— Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Team members Jeanelle & Rob are passionate outdoor recreationists who love backpacking, hiking, and camping. While they travel together and appreciate the beauty of our public lands, they also enjoy sharing and educating through photography and videography in hopes of a sustainable future for all people to enjoy. They combined their backgrounds in public education, marketing, logistics, and content creation to educate, welcome, and bring inclusivity for all people to the outdoors.