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You’d think recycling would be simple: toss your plastic, cans, and cardboard into the bin, give yourself a pat on the back, and call it a day. But nope—it’s not quite that easy. Turns out, there’s a lot more to it.
For instance, not all plastics are recyclable (yes, even the ones with that little triangle). Cardboard? Sure, but only if it’s free of grease. Pizza boxes, for example, might seem recyclable, but the grease can make them unsuitable.
And those sticky labels on Amazon boxes? They can also cause problems, as they often contain resin that gums up the recycling process. You’ve been removing the labels before recycling your Amazon boxes, haven’t you?
This post is here to clear up the confusion and help you sharpen your recycling skills, with a special focus on plastic—the trickiest player in the recycling game.
What Does Recycling Mean?
Let’s start with the basics. Recycling is the process of taking materials that have already been used—like paper, plastic, metal, and glass—and transforming them into new products instead of letting them pile up in landfills. Think of it as giving your trash a second life.
Once your recyclables are picked up, they head to a materials recovery facility (MRF). Here, items are sorted by type—some by machine, some by hand—and sent off to be processed into raw materials. Sounds efficient, right? Well, it’s only efficient if the right stuff is in the bin.
If we don’t recycle correctly, it’s not just a minor inconvenience. Contaminants like greasy pizza boxes, dirty containers, or non-recyclable plastics can derail the process.
Sometimes entire batches of recyclables are sent to landfills because they’re too contaminated to sort. And no, workers at the facility can’t just pluck out all the wrong items—it’s time-consuming, expensive, and often impossible at scale.
Moral of the story? Recycling right matters.
Materials That Can’t Be Recycled
As much as we’d love to recycle everything, not all materials make the cut. Throwing non-recyclable items in the bin can cause major headaches at the recycling facility, and it might even lead to perfectly recyclable materials being sent to a landfill.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recycling contamination rates can be quite high. On average, about 17% of items placed in recycling bins are not recyclable. This contamination can vary significantly by region, with some areas experiencing rates as high as 40%.1 This can drastically affect the efficiency of recycling programs, leading to recyclable materials being sent to landfills instead.
So, let’s take a closer look at what doesn’t belong in your recycling bin.
Plastics Not Accepted in Recycling Programs
Not all plastics are recyclable, even if they carry the triangle symbol with a number. Plastics labeled with RIC #3 (PVC, used in pipes and packaging), RIC #4 (LDPE, found in items like plastic bags and squeezable bottles), and RIC #6 (polystyrene, found in Styrofoam products) are often excluded from recycling programs.
These materials are challenging to process or lack a practical end-use after recycling. Understanding Resin Identification Codes (RIC) can help you identify which plastics can actually be recycled and reduce improper sorting.
Greasy or Contaminated Cardboard
Cardboard is usually recyclable, but if it’s covered in grease or food residue, it’s no longer a good candidate. Think about pizza boxes or takeout containers—they might seem recyclable at first, but the oils and fats make them unsuitable for processing.
Plastic Bags and Film
Plastic bags are a big no-no in most curbside recycling programs. They can get tangled in the machines at the recycling facility, causing delays and damage. Instead, many grocery stores offer dedicated bins for plastic bag recycling. It’s a small extra step, but it helps keep your curbside recycling bin clean.
Tetra Paks and Multi-Layered Packaging
Items like juice boxes, soup cartons, and other multi-layered packaging (think about some snack wrappers) are tricky. These products are made from a mix of materials, like paper, plastic, and aluminum, which makes them difficult to break down for recycling. You can check if your area accepts these, but often they need to go in the trash.
Ceramics and Non-Recyclable Glass
Glass bottles and jars are usually recyclable, but items like broken glass, ceramics, and mirrors are not. Additionally, non-container glass items, such as light bulbs and window panes, are often excluded due to their different composition.
Hazardous Materials and Items with Chemicals
Items like batteries, light bulbs, and paint cans contain chemicals that can’t be recycled through regular programs. These need to be taken to specialized recycling centers to ensure they’re handled safely. Always check your local facilities for designated drop-off locations.
Electronic Waste (E-Waste)
Old phones, computers, and other electronics might seem like they should go into the recycling bin, but they often contain hazardous materials that require special disposal methods. E-waste should be dropped off at designated e-waste collection centers.
How to Recycle: 7 FAQs Every Beginner Should Know
Okay, I know what you’re thinking: “Alright, so how do I recycle these things the right way?” Let’s tackle the most frequently asked questions about recycling items like plastic, paper, and batteries.
First, know that recycling guidelines can vary depending on where you live, but I’m here to break down the essentials to make it easier.
How to Recycle Old Clothes?
Old clothes can often be donated or repurposed rather than simply thrown away. If they are still in wearable condition, look for local thrift stores or charitable organizations that accept clothing donations. For items that are too worn to donate, consider textile recycling programs.
Many cities have textile bins, or you can check with retailers like H&M or Patagonia, which offer recycling programs for old clothes. For truly worn-out clothes, repurposing them into rags or composting natural fibers are great alternatives.
Old Clothes Tips
- Donate: If your clothes are still in good condition, donate them to local charities, shelters, or thrift stores to extend their life.
- Repurpose: Get creative by turning old clothes into rags for cleaning or DIY projects like quilts or tote bags.
- Recycle: Some stores and recycling centers accept textiles for recycling. Be sure to check for local textile drop-off points.
How to Recycle Plastics?
Recycling plastics can be a bit confusing because they come in many shapes, sizes, and types. Not all plastics are created equal, and knowing how to recycle them properly can make a huge difference. While plastic bottles (like PET) are commonly accepted in curbside recycling, other plastics, such as plastic bags, food containers, and packaging, may require different handling.
Understanding Plastic Types
The first step to recycling plastics effectively is to understand the Resin Identification Code (RIC), a number (1-7) typically found on the bottom of plastic containers. Each number corresponds to a different type of plastic, and some are easier to recycle than others. For example, PET (RIC 1) is widely accepted in curbside recycling, while other plastics, like PVC (RIC 3), may be more difficult to recycle.
Recycling Plastic Tips
- Rinse and Dry: Always rinse out plastic containers and bottles before recycling to avoid contamination. A dry bottle is much easier to recycle than a dirty or wet one.
- Check Local Guidelines: Not all types of plastics are accepted in every community’s curbside program. Always check with your local recycling center for specific rules regarding what can be recycled in your area.
- Specialty Plastics: Items like plastic bags, straws, and takeout containers usually can’t be recycled in curbside bins. However, many grocery stores have dedicated bins for plastic bags, and certain centers may accept items like yogurt cups or clamshell containers if cleaned properly.
How to Recycle Plastic Bottles?
Plastic bottles are one of the easiest items to recycle, but they need to be clean and free of any leftover liquids. Rinse out your bottles before placing them in the recycling bin.
Many plastic bottles are made from PET plastic, which is commonly accepted in curbside recycling programs. However, check with your local recycling facility for specific guidelines, as some programs may have restrictions on bottle caps or labels. Check out Earth911 or Recycle Nation to find your local recycling information.
Recycle Plastic Bottle Tips
- Rinse and Dry: Always ensure bottles are empty, clean, and dry before recycling to prevent contamination.
- Remove Caps: Plastic caps are often made from a different type of plastic. If possible, remove and recycle them separately. However, some recycling programs may allow the caps to stay on, so it’s a good idea to check with your local recycling station to confirm their specific guidelines.
- Crush: To save space in your recycling bin, crush plastic bottles before recycling them.
This past summer, during my travels through a few European countries, I noticed something interesting when buying soft drinks: the lids wouldn’t come all the way off. They stayed attached! I loved this small but clever change, and I was curious about what it was all about.
This change is part of the EU’s new regulation under the Single-Use Plastics Directive, which, as of July 2024, requires that all single-use plastic beverage bottles up to three liters have caps that stay attached after opening.2
Tethered caps ensure that they stay with the bottles, making it easier to recycle and preventing them from becoming litter that could harm wildlife. It’s a simple but impactful step in reducing plastic pollution.
Bravo, EU—always ahead of the sustainability curve! But that’s a discussion for another day.
How to Recycle Paper?
Recycling paper is relatively straightforward, but it’s important to separate clean paper from any food-contaminated materials like food boxes or tissues, which can contaminate the recycling process. Most curbside recycling programs accept newspapers, magazines, cardboard, and office paper. Shredded paper should be placed in paper bags, as it can get caught in recycling machinery. Avoid recycling glossy or coated paper, as it may not be accepted.
Recycle Paper Tips
- Keep Dry: Ensure paper is dry and free from food residue.
- Separate Types: Sort paper by type (e.g., newspapers, office paper, cardboard) as some recycling programs require this.
- Flatten: Flatten cardboard boxes to save space.
How to Recycle Plastic Bags?
Plastic bags should not be placed in curbside recycling bins, as they can jam recycling machinery. Instead, collect them and take them to designated collection points, such as those found at most grocery stores. Many grocery chains like Whole Foods and Walmart offer drop-off bins for plastic bags. It’s important to make sure that the bags are clean and dry before recycling.
Recycle Plastic Bag Tips
- Reuse: Reuse plastic bags for grocery shopping or as trash liners to get more life out of them.
- Recycle: Many grocery stores offer bins for plastic bag recycling. Don’t place them in curbside bins as they can clog sorting machines.
How to Recycle Batteries?
Batteries contain materials that can be hazardous to the environment, so they should never be disposed of in regular trash. Instead, take them to a recycling facility that accepts batteries or check with local retailers for battery recycling drop-offs. Many electronics stores, like Best Buy, offer recycling programs for rechargeable batteries. For common household batteries like AA or AAA, look for community collection events or specialized recycling centers.
Recycle Battery Tips
- Special Disposal: Batteries contain hazardous materials and should not be thrown in the trash. Look for local recycling programs or drop-off locations specifically for batteries.
- Store Safely: Store used batteries in a cool, dry place until you’re able to recycle them.
How to Recycle CDs?
Okay, I have to admit—I was a little surprised that “How to recycle CDs” was an FAQ! Who still has CDs these days? But hey, I shouldn’t judge! It turns out there are still plenty of people holding on to their CD collections, and with the right recycling methods, even these nostalgic relics can be given a new life.
CDs are often made of polycarbonate plastic, which can be recycled, but many curbside recycling programs do not accept them.
If your local recycling center doesn’t take them, look for specialized e-waste recycling events or electronic stores that offer CD recycling. If you’re unable to recycle them directly, consider repurposing them into art projects, garden decorations, or donating them if they still hold value.
Recycle CD Tips
- Reuse: Old CDs can be repurposed into creative projects, such as coasters or decorative items for your home. Balcony Garden Web shares 17 creative ways to repurpose old CDs in your garden, from plant markers and wind chimes to bird deterrents and mosaic flower pots. You’ll find step-by-step instructions and inspiration here.
- Recycle: Some electronic stores and recycling centers accept CDs for recycling. Check local options to ensure they are disposed of properly.
Spotlight on Statistics
This graph offers a visual breakdown of the most common sources of plastic pollution, such as bottles, food containers, and packaging materials. By highlighting these contributors, it underscores the scale of their impact on the environment and the importance of targeting these specific items in efforts to reduce plastic waste.
This Was About How to Recycle
Recycling doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether it’s plastic bottles, old clothes, paper, or batteries, every action adds up to a larger positive impact. It all starts with understanding the basics of recycling.
Together, we can reduce plastic pollution, minimize landfill waste, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Which reminds me, if you haven’t already, be sure to check out my article on living a minimal waste lifestyle. It’s a perfect follow-up to this one and provides practical tips on making even bigger changes in your daily life.
Don’t worry—I promise these steps are simple and manageable. Nothing too complicated!
Resources
- Retrieved from: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “National Overview: Facts and Figures on Materials, Wastes and Recycling.” EPA. Accessed December 7, 2024 ↩︎
- European Commission. “Single-Use Plastics.” Retrieved from https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/plastics/single-use-plastics_en
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