Ecology launches new campaign to encourage clean recycling

The Washington State Department of Ecology is asking residents who recycle to make an effort to recycle clean products.

The Recycle Right promotion prompts residents to only recycle empty, clean, and dry containers.

"Recyclables are going to an area where people separate them," said Gail Everett, spokesperson for the city of Richland. "Ecology just wants to remind folks that it doesn't have to be dishwasher clean, but rinse it, don't waste water when you rinse it, let it soak if it's an item that's quite dirty, and you can put it in your recycling."

According to Ecology, items that are covered in food or full of liquid end up in the landfill.

They encourage you to empty out liquids, rinse or scrape out food residue, make sure paper and cardboard are dry, and keep your recycling bin closed to prevent it from filling with rain water.

You can find out more about the recycling awareness campaign on the Ecology website.