Did you know the average recycling bin holds 65 gallons? It's the standard size most trash haulers provide. If you're recycling more and making less trash, do this one thing: Ask for an upgrade. Upgrading to a 95-gallon recycling bin typically is free, and all that's required is a simple phone call. While you're at it, if you downsize your garbage bin, many trash haulers will reduce the price of your monthly service fee as well. So make less trash and save more cash!

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If your recycling bin is overflowing, the obvious solution is to try to flatten every can, tin and bottle so you can get more in. But this instinct should be avoided, because your recycler needs your recyclables to look as close to their original shape as possible. Sorting machines work based on recyclable dimensions. For example, cans and bottles are three-dimensional, and cardboard and paperboard are two-dimensional. If you flatten cans and plastic bottles, they can end up in the wrong recycling load. So if you must make a little more room, give your recyclables a very gentle squish.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Cats are carnivores, which means they need a diet of animal-based protein to thrive. So you might think giving them a little water-packed tuna is a treat that's good for them, too, right? Think again. Tuna can have trace amounts of mercury in it, and giving a cat a consistent diet of tuna can lead to mercury poisoning. Also, unlike cartoons that show cats lapping up milk, the reality is most cats are also lactose-intolerant. So skip dairy products for your frisky feline, too.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION