Learn More:

This game is a simplified guide to sorting your waste. However, many different factors can determine where an item should go. Read below to learn more.

Recycling:

• Clean your items before recycling. One dirty item can spoil an entire bin. If it can't be cleaned, throw it away.
• Check the guidelines by your local waste treatment facility to see which items they accept. Not all facilites can accept the same things.
• Some items that aren't accepted by curbside pickup can still be recycled at special facilities. Look up local drop-off locations for things like batteries and plastic grocery bags.

Composting:

• All parts of an item must be compostable for it to be composted. Veggies mixed with meat or paper towel used with cleaning chemicals should be thrown away.
• Check whether an item is made of natural or synthetic materials. Cork, for example, is compostable, but some wine bottles use synthetic corks. Tea bags are also sometimes compostable, but not always.
• Backyard compost bins or heaps will differ from municipial compost facilites in two key ways:
  • Municipal heaps get much hotter. This means they can break down more items such as meat and compostable plastics.
  • Backyard heaps are more susceptible to pests. Bread and rice are a bad idea in a backyard heap, but can usually be accepted by drop-off services.
• Always check the guidelines off your drop-off service to see what they accept.

More resources:

This small game can't cover everything. Below are some links to learn more. I am not affilliated with these sites, but I found them helpful in making this game and living a greener life.

• A more detailed composting guide
• Find special recycling drop-offs near you
• Beginner's Guide to Recycling
• Is your wine cork natural?
• Is your tea bag compostable?
• The Problem with Compostable Plastic
• 6 Different Ways to Compost

Remember, the first steps in making a difference are refuse, reduce, and reuse. Proper waste sorting is important, but it is far better to create less waste in the first place.

Credits:

Ryan Piracha - Design & Illustraton, Developer
Andrew Hinton - Developer