When it comes to recycling, a little knowledge goes a long way. You might assume that anything made of plastic, paper, or glass can go straight into the recycle bin – but not so fast! There are actually quite a few everyday items that can contaminate recycling loads and cause costly damage to recycling equipment. To help you become a recycling pro, we’ve rounded up the top things that should never make their way into your curbside bin. You may be surprised by a few of these recycling no-nos!
1. Plastic Bags and Films
While it’s tempting to toss plastic grocery bags and product wrap in with your bottles and cans, these clingy plastics are actually a major recycling menace. Plastic bags, bubble wrap, and shrink wrap can easily get tangled in recycling equipment, leading to breakdowns and contaminating entire batches of recyclables. So what should you do with all those plastic bags piling up? Many grocery stores offer plastic bag recycling collection points – just be sure to check that the bags are clean and dry first.
Better yet, reduce your plastic bag waste by investing in some reusable shopping bags. There are tons of stylish and convenient options available on Amazon, from compact foldable totes to insulated bags perfect for toting home cold groceries. Once you get in the habit of bringing your own bags, you’ll never go back to disposable!
It’s important to note that other soft plastics like bread bags, zip-top bags, and dry cleaning bags are also not recyclable in most curbside programs. However, some specialty recycling programs are popping up to find ways to repurpose these hard-to-recycle plastics. Do a quick search to see if there are any “plastic film” recycling options in your area.
By keeping plastic bags and wrap out of your recycling bin, you’re taking an important step to protect recycling equipment and ensure that your recyclables actually get recycled. Plus, with so many reusable bag options available, it’s easier than ever to kick the plastic bag habit for good!
2. Shredded Paper
Those tiny shreds of paper from your home office might seem innocent enough, but they can actually cause big problems if you try to recycle them with your regular paper. The small size of shredded paper makes it difficult to sort out at recycling facilities, so it often ends up contaminating other recyclables like glass and plastic.
What’s more, the paper fibers in shredded paper are shorter than those in typical office paper, which makes the shredded material less desirable and harder to recycle into new high-quality paper products. Many recycling programs recommend either composting your shredded paper or throwing it in the trash instead.
If you do have a large amount of confidential papers that need to be shredded, look for a local shredding event or a shredding service that partners with paper mills to ensure the material gets recycled properly. You can also check with your local recycling provider to see if they accept shredded paper that is bagged separately.
As an alternative to shredding, consider switching to paperless digital files and records when you can. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also makes it easier to quickly search and find the documents you need. For papers you do need to keep hard copies of, make sure to use a cross-cut shredder for maximum security.
3. Diapers and Sanitary Products
This one might seem obvious, but it bears repeating – never put used diapers or sanitary products like pads and tampons in the recycle bin! Not only do these items contain human waste that can contaminate the recycling stream, but they’re also made of multiple materials (like plastic, cotton, and absorbent polymers) that cannot be separated for recycling.
The same goes for pet waste – always put it in the trash instead of the recycling. While there are some compostable diaper and sanitary pad brands now available, these items are still not recyclable and should never go in your curbside bin. Look into compostable diaper options if you want an eco-friendlier alternative to traditional disposables.
If you’re concerned about the environmental impact of these single-use personal care items, consider exploring reusable options like cloth diapers, menstrual cups, and washable cloth pads. While they do require a bit more laundry, these products can save you money and keep a significant amount of waste out of landfills over time.
No matter what type of sanitary products you choose, always dispose of them properly in the trash can. Never flush them or try to recycle them. By keeping these personal hygiene products out of recycling and wastewater streams, you can do your part to protect water quality and public health.
4. Food-Soiled Containers
That greasy pizza box or takeout container might seem like it can go right in the recycle bin – after all, it’s made of cardboard and plastic, right? Not so fast! Food residue and oil can actually contaminate entire loads of recycling, so it’s important to either wash out food containers thoroughly or toss them in the trash.
Containers with stuck-on food bits, drips of sauce, or oily residue are not recyclable unless you can get them completely clean. When in doubt, it’s better to put a questionable container in the garbage than risk ruining a whole batch of recycling. The general rule is recyclables should be empty, clean, and dry.
You can make your food containers more easily recycled by giving them a quick rinse as soon as you’re done with them, before the food has a chance to dry on and harden. Keep a small bin next to your sink to collect rinsed recyclables. If a container has tough residue you can’t wash off, soak it for a few minutes or run it through the dishwasher if it’s safe to do so.
Pizza boxes and other paper takeout packaging soiled with grease and oil are especially problematic, as they cannot be cleaned and the oil contaminates the paper recycling stream. Whenever possible, request your food be packed in recyclable plastic or foil containers instead of paper. You can also ask for toppings and sauces to be packaged separately to keep the box clean.
5. Chips and Candy Wrappers
Those shiny, crinkly chip bags and candy wrappers may seem like they’re made of foil, but they’re actually a mix of materials that makes them difficult to recycle. Most snack bags are made of layers of plastic and metal fused together. This multi-layer material provides an excellent barrier to keep chips crisp and candy fresh, but it’s a pain to try to separate and recycle.
The same goes for those foil-like wrappers around energy bars, cookies, and other snacks. Unless the packaging clearly states that it is recyclable, you should put all chip and candy bags in the trash instead of your recycling bin. Some cities have collection points for these hard-to-recycle materials, so do a quick search to see if there’s one near you.
If you’re looking for more eco-friendly alternatives to single-serve snack packaging, consider buying larger bags and portioning out servings in reusable containers. You can find a variety of convenient reusable snack bags and containers online. Packing your own snacks also lets you control the ingredients for healthier options.
Another option is to look for snack brands that use more easily recyclable packaging such as cardboard boxes or simple plastic film. As more consumers demand environmentally responsible packaging, companies are starting to move away from hard-to-recycle materials. With a little research, you can find tasty sustainable snacks that satisfy your cravings without the recycling guilt.
6. Broken Glassware and Ceramics
Glass jars and bottles are great candidates for recycling – but putting the wrong type of glass in the bin can contaminate the entire load. Items like drinking glasses, window panes, light bulbs, ceramics, and Pyrex bakeware have different melting points and chemical compositions than standard glass jars.
If these incorrect types of glass and ceramics get mixed in with recyclable glass, they can cause production problems at the recycling plant and ruin the whole batch. Ceramics and glassware can also harm recycling equipment – shattered bits are dangerous for workers to handle and can cause damage to machinery.
To dispose of broken glass safely, wrap it several layers of newspaper, put it inside a box or plastic container, clearly label it as broken glass, and put it in your regular garbage can. Never try to recycle broken or sharp glass. Some local recycling centers will accept separated pane glass or glassware, so check regulations in your area.
If your china and glassware are still in usable condition, consider donating them to a local charity shop or listing them on a site like Freecycle. Vintage or specialty glassware may also have value to collectors. Look for online forums focused on tableware and drinkware from specific eras and manufacturers. With a little effort, your unwanted glasses could become someone else’s treasure.
7. Un-Popped Popcorn Kernels
Yes, even something as small as popcorn kernels can cause big problems at recycling facilities! Those hard little kernels that refused to pop can actually damage recycling equipment if they make their way into machinery. Popcorn bags are also usually coated with oil or other non-recyclable materials.
The best way to dispose of un-popped kernels and used popcorn bags is to simply put them in your kitchen compost bin if you have one. Popcorn is a plant-based material that will break down nicely into compost over time. If you don’t compost, just shake out the kernels into your trash can.
If you’re a frequent popcorn muncher, consider investing in an air popper and buying kernels in bulk for the most waste-free snacking experience. You can flavor air-popped corn with your choice of seasonings. If you prefer microwave convenience, look for brands that use recyclable paper bags without plastic liners.
By properly disposing of un-popped kernels and used popcorn bags, you’re not only protecting recycling equipment – you’re also reducing your kitchen waste overall. Next movie night, impress your friends with your earth-friendly popcorn habits. A little mindfulness can go a long way when it comes to snacking sustainably!
While recycling can seem complicated, getting it right is so important for protecting our planet’s resources. By learning what can and can’t go in your curbside bin, you’re taking a big step to support a more sustainable future. For even more recycling tips and info on local regulations, check with your city or waste management provider. Together, we can work to keep the recycling process running smoothly – and keep waste out of landfills!
