# Recycling Helper

> Recycling rules lookup helper

- Skill: `nanana0326/recycling-helper` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add nanana0326/recycling-helper`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/nanana0326/recycling-helper/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: nanana0326 (https://skillmd.com/u/nanana0326)
- Updated: 2026-09-22
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/nanana0326/recycling-helper

---

# Recycling rules lookup helper

## Purpose
Answer "which bin does this item go in?" for hall residents, using only the
published-rules dataset in `data/recycling_rules.json`, with a source citation
for every answer.

## When to use
When the user asks where to dispose of an item, or asks what goes in which bin
on campus. Do not use it for hazardous waste, medical waste, or building-specific
instructions.

## Steps
1. Read `data/recycling_rules.json` (same folder as this skill, up one level:
   `<project>/data/recycling_rules.json`). If the `recycling` MCP server from
   `mcp/recycling_server.py` is connected, call its `lookup_bin` tool instead of
   reading the file.
2. Match the user's item against `item` and `aliases` fields (case-insensitive).
3. Answer in this exact format:
   - Line 1: `<item> -> <bin label>`
   - Line 2: `How to sort: <note>`
   - Line 3: `Source [<rule id>]: <source_note>`
4. If the item is not in the dataset, refuse — say it is not in the published
   rules, do not guess, and point the user to building signage or the building
   manager. Never invent a rule that is not in the dataset.
5. Never give hazardous-waste disposal instructions, never override building
   staff instructions, never decide special cases — those are out of scope.

## Worked example
User: "Where does my pizza box go?"
Answer:
pizza box -> Mixed recycling bin (yellow lid)
How to sort: Flatten the box. Greasy pizza boxes: recycle the clean lid part only, greasy base to landfill.
Source [R02]: Published kerbside recycling guidance (cardboard: flatten; food-soiled parts excluded).

User: "Where does my old paint tin go?"
Answer:
Old paint is hazardous waste and is not in the published rules, so I can't
advise on it. Please check the building signage or ask your building manager.