First things first: drink every last drop. Seriously, no half-sips allowed. If there’s still water in there, you’re basically putting a sad, sloshy gift in the recycling bin.
If you must, give it a quick rinse. A single drop of old soda can turn a whole batch of bottles into a sticky mess at the recycling plant. Don’t be that person who ruins the party.
Think of it as a tiny shower for your bottle. Sing it a song if that helps. I won’t judge.
Step 2: The Cap Conundrum (Don't Panic!)
This is where people get confused and start sweating. Do I leave the cap on? Off? The answer depends on where you live, but here’s a secret: most recycling facilities now want the cap ON.
Why? Because loose caps are tiny escape artists that get lost in the machinery. They’re the socks of the recycling world. Screw it back on tight, and the whole package stays together.
If your local rules say otherwise, follow them. But for 90% of us, cap on is the new black. You heard it here first.
