Recycling is great and very much needed, but putting non-recyclable items in the single-stream recycling bin can cause problems. Here's a general guide to common items and whether they are typically recyclable:
Commonly Recycled Items
Paper: Most paper products, including newspapers, magazines, and office paper, are recyclable. However, items contaminated with food or grease (like pizza boxes) are generally not recyclable.
Cardboard: Corrugated cardboard (like shipping boxes) is recyclable, as long as it’s clean and free from food residue or grease.
Glass: Most glass bottles and jars are recyclable. Avoid including broken glass or items like Pyrex or window glass that are unsuitable for curbside recycling programs.
Plastics: Many recycling programs accept plastics labeled with recycling codes 1 (PETE) and 2 (HDPE). Other codes like 3 (PVC), 4 (LDPE), 5 (PP), and 6 (PS) can be more variable, so it’s best to check local guidelines. Avoid including plastic bags or items like clamshell containers unless specified by your local program.
Metals: Aluminum and steel cans are generally recyclable. Make sure they are empty and clean.
Items Often Misunderstood
Plastic Bags: Typically not accepted in curbside recycling bins. Many grocery stores have special bins for plastic bags.
Food-Soiled Items: Items like pizza boxes and paper towels are usually not recyclable due to contamination.
Electronics: Items like batteries, phones, and computers require special recycling processes and should not go into the regular recycling bin. Look for e-waste recycling programs.
Hazardous Waste: Items like batteries, light bulbs, and chemicals need to be disposed of at designated hazardous waste facilities.
Shredded Paper: While paper is recyclable, shredded paper can cause problems in the recycling process due to its small size. Check if your local program accepts it, or consider composting it instead.
Resources for Local Guidelines
Local Recycling Program Websites: Many municipalities have websites or resources detailing what can and cannot be recycled.
Recycling Apps: Apps like iRecycle or Recycle Nation can help you find local recycling options and guidelines.
Recycling Centers: Contacting a local recycling center can clarify specific items and materials accepted in your area.
How to Improve Your Recycling Practices
Clean and Dry: Ensure recyclables are clean and food residue-free to avoid contamination.
Follow Local Guidelines: Always check local guidelines as recycling rules vary widely between regions.
Educate Yourself: Stay informed about new recycling technologies and practices.
Recycling correctly helps reduce contamination, which is crucial for the efficiency of the recycling process. Your efforts in understanding and adhering to these practices are a big step in supporting environmental sustainability!
Plastic Film and Bags
Globally, roughly 4 Trillion plastic bags are used each year. That doesn’t even include plastic films like shrink wrap and bubble wrap. That’s lots of packaging that can’t be recycled at the drop-off center or home.
Challenges:
Processing Issues: Plastic bags and films can get tangled in the machinery at recycling facilities. This can cause significant disruptions and damage to equipment, leading to costly delays and increased operational issues.
Contamination: When these items end up in single-stream recycling, they can contaminate other materials and make them unsuitable for recycling.
Recycling Solutions:
Drop-Off Locations: Many grocery stores and supermarkets have designated bins for plastic bags and film. These bins are specifically designed to handle these materials and keep them out of the single-stream recycling stream.
Specialized Facilities: Some recycling programs and facilities specialize in handling plastic film. You can look for local recycling centers that accept plastic film and bags.
Manufacturer Programs: Some manufacturers and retailers offer take-back programs for plastic film. Check if the brands you use have such initiatives.
Best Practices for Handling Plastic Film and Bags:
Separate Recycling: Do not include plastic bags and films in your curbside recycling bin. Instead, keep them separate and drop them off at designated collection points.
Reuse: Whenever possible, reuse plastic bags and films. For example, use them for trash liners or to package other items.
Reduce Use: Try to reduce your use of plastic bags and films by opting for reusable alternatives like cloth bags, reusable wraps, and containers.
Educate and Advocate: Share information about proper recycling practices with friends and family, and advocate for better recycling solutions in your community.
Disposable Cups
Challenges:
Coffee Cups: Many disposable coffee cups are lined with a thin layer of plastic or wax, which prevents them from being recycled with paper products. This lining interferes with the paper recycling process, making it difficult to separate and process the materials effectively.
Plastic Cups: Disposable plastic cups, particularly those used for cold beverages, are often made from plastics that are not accepted in curbside single-stream recycling due to their thin, flexible nature, which can cause problems in the recycling process.
Best Practices:
Use Reusables: The best way to avoid contributing to this problem is to use reusable cups and water bottles. Many coffee shops and cafes offer discounts for customers who bring their own mugs.
Check for Alternatives: Some coffee shops and restaurants use compostable or biodegradable cups, which are better for the environment. If you're unsure, inquire about the materials used and look for more sustainable options.
Proper Disposal: If you have to use disposable cups, make sure they are properly disposed of according to your local waste management guidelines. Some areas have specialized programs for composting or processing these materials.
Berry Containers and Plastic Packaging
Challenges:
Flimsy Plastics: Items like berry containers, lettuce clamshells, and single-serve meal containers are often made from low-density plastics that are not suitable for single-stream recycling. Their thin and flexible nature can cause problems in the recycling machinery, leading to contamination of other recyclables.
Best Practices:
Reuse When Possible: If feasible, reuse these containers for storage or other purposes around the house. This extends their life and reduces waste.
Avoid Single-Use Plastics: Opt for products with minimal or no packaging when possible. Buying in bulk and using reusable containers can help reduce reliance on single-use plastics.
Trash Disposal: Unfortunately, many of these plastics are not recyclable through curbside programs and may need to go into regular trash. However, check with your local waste management facility for any specific instructions or alternative disposal options.
To-Go Containers
Challenges:
Black Plastic Containers:
Why: Black plastics are often not recyclable because the colorant used interferes with the optical sorting systems at recycling facilities. As a result, they can either end up in the trash or contaminate other materials.
Paper Containers:
Why: Paper-based to-go containers, especially those with food residue or grease, are typically not recyclable. The contaminants make it difficult for paper mills to process them.
Clear or Colored Plastic Containers:
Why: Some clear or colored plastic containers are recyclable, but they must be clean and free of food residues.
Aluminum Containers:
Why: Aluminum containers are recyclable, but their lids are often made from different materials that may not be recyclable.
Best Practices:
Black Plastic:
Disposal: Place black plastic containers in the trash. Avoid putting them in the recycling bin to prevent contamination.
Clear or Colored Plastic:
Recycling: Clear and colored plastic containers can be recycled, but ensure they are clean and free of food residues. Check local guidelines as the acceptance of these items can vary.
Paper Containers:
Disposal: Place paper-based containers in the trash if they are soiled with food or grease. Some communities may have composting programs for food-soiled paper products.
Aluminum Containers:
Recycling: Recycle aluminum containers, but discard the lids in the trash unless your local program accepts them. Ensure that aluminum containers are clean and free of food residues.
Rinsing: Always rinse food containers to remove grease and residues before recycling. Contaminated items can disrupt the recycling process and lead to contamination of other recyclables.
Coffee Pods
Challenges:
Composite Materials: Coffee pods are often made from a combination of plastic and aluminum, with a filter and coffee grounds inside. The mixed materials make them difficult to separate and process in traditional recycling streams.
Contamination: The presence of used coffee grounds can contaminate other recyclables and complicate the recycling process.
Best Practices:
Check Manufacturer Guidelines:
Specific Programs: Many coffee pod manufacturers offer their own recycling programs. For example, Nespresso, Keurig, and others have dedicated recycling initiatives where you can send used pods back to them. Check the manufacturer’s website or packaging for instructions.
Use Manufacturer Recycling Programs:
Drop-Off Locations: Some brands provide drop-off locations at retail stores or partner with specialized recycling centers. For instance, Nespresso has collection points in various locations, and Keurig has a mail-back recycling program.
General Tips for Reducing Waste:
Reduce and Reuse: Prioritize reducing waste by avoiding single-use items and reusing products whenever possible. This is often more effective than recycling.
Educate Yourself: Stay informed about what can and cannot be recycled in your local area. Waste management guidelines can vary by location, so knowing the specifics can help you sort your waste correctly.
Advocate for Change: Support and advocate for improved recycling programs and sustainable practices in your community. Encouraging local businesses and policymakers to focus on environmental sustainability can help drive broader changes.
By adopting these practices, you can contribute to reducing waste and supporting more efficient recycling processes. Every small effort counts toward a larger impact on reducing environmental footprint.
Useful Resources
https://recyclesmartma.org/ - A handy site that allows you to search specific items with a clear description of whether they can be recycled, specifics of how to recycle them, etc. They even have 2 short quizzes you can take to test yourself on your recycling savvy and become a smart recycler!
https://plasticmakers.org/9-simple-tips-to-recycle-more-plastic/ - Useful tips for recycling plastic.
https://www.call2recycle.org/locator/ - Excellent source for finding recycling centres for a variety of electronic items.
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