Recycling is a passion of mine. I have 3 receptacles, a laundry basket of the same size and two large cat litter boxes (unused) for back up. We get picked up on Tuesdays and as of yesterday I was already to one receptacle. That's extreme, even for me but, well, have any of you all met Flylady? I am absolutely consumed when it comes to recycling. I strip the tiny tags off of tea bags and recycle them.
I keep a box or bag in my car for picking things up out in the world. I manage to lay claim to the empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls at the Yoga studio I frequent. I do yoga with my neice and when she sees me with one she always says she wishes she'd been the last person to use it so she could have thrown it away because she thinks it's just plain weird. Riddle me that? Of course, she's the same person who often accompanies me to my car with hands full of straws, soda cups and lids at the other studio which is next door to a Wendy's.
My husband, who says he loves the envionment, is too lazy to make it as far as the garage and he throws things out. I used to grouse at him now I just police him and snatch as much as I can before it goes into the garbage. But I will pluck it out of the trash when he sneaks it past me. He's the same guy who has declared how much he loves paper towels. Who falls in love with paper towels and how is that less odd than being unable to not pick up recyclables? I don't use them, along with paper napkins or disposable cleaning mops and wipes because of the environmental impact. It's one of the few things we ever argue about.

My philosophy is if I use my compulsiveness for good and not evil, why should anyone care? And I DO NOT need medication!
The way things are packaged is ridiculous. And, yep, I try to go for he ones that have the least impact regardless of cost. Don't tell my husband that, okay?

Bobbi
http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/chicken.gif "Chick's rule!"
Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? - Mary Oliver