Not everything can be tossed into the blue bin when it comes to recycling. To minimize waste and promote sustainable living, knowing what should and shouldn’t be recycled is crucial. This guide provides insight into 15 things that should never be put in your recycling bin.
Plastic Bags
Plastic bags may seem harmless, but they significantly threaten recycling machines. These bags can get tangled and jam the sorting machinery, causing delays and damage that can be costly to repair. Instead, consider reusing your plastic bags or reusable cloth bags when shopping.
Food Waste
Recycling facilities are not equipped to handle food waste. When food scraps end up in the recycling bin, they can contaminate other materials and attract pests.
Styrofoam
Styrofoam or expanded polystyrene (EPS) is non-recyclable and can take hundreds of years to decompose. It’s best to avoid buying products packaged in Styrofoam and opt for alternatives like paper or cardboard.
Batteries
Household batteries should never be placed in the recycling bin as they can cause fires when compressed with other materials. Check with your local waste management facility for proper disposal methods.
Clothing
While textile recycling is becoming more common, most curbside recycling programs do not accept clothing. Instead, donate your gently used clothes to thrift stores or look for textile recycling drop-off locations.
Pizza Boxes
Pizza boxes are often contaminated with grease and cheese, making them unsuitable for recycling. If only a tiny portion of the box is clean, tear that part off and recycle it separately.
Light Bulbs
Fluorescent, CFL, and LED light bulbs contain toxic chemicals that can cause harm to workers in recycling facilities. Contact your local waste management facility for proper disposal methods.
Aerosol Cans
Aerosol cans are pressurized containers that can explode when compressed with other materials, making them dangerous to handle in recycling facilities. Check with your local waste management facility for proper disposal methods.
Electronic Waste
Electronic waste, also known as e-waste, should not be placed in the recycling bin due to its complex composition and potentially hazardous materials. Contact your local waste management facility for proper disposal methods.
Ceramics and Pottery
While glass bottles and jars are accepted in recycling bins, ceramics and pottery are not. These materials have different melting points and can contaminate the glass-making process. Consider donating or repurposing these items instead.
Plastic Utensils
Single-use plastic utensils are not recyclable due to their small size and low-quality plastic. Try using reusable utensils or opt for biodegradable alternatives made from bamboo or wood.
Paper Towels and Napkins
Paper products that have been soiled with food waste are not suitable for recycling. It’s best to compost these items instead.
Garden Hoses
Garden hoses are not recyclable and can get tangled in sorting machinery, causing damage and delays. Consider donating or repurposing old garden hoses instead.
Propane Tanks
Propane tanks are hazardous waste and should never be placed in the recycling bin. Contact your local waste management facility for proper disposal methods.
Medical Waste
Medical waste, such as syringes and sharps, poses a health risk to workers in recycling facilities. Contact your local waste management facility for proper disposal methods to ensure the safety of others.
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