Recycling is key to taking care of our planet, but not everything can be recycled. In the U.S., about 25% of what we put in recycling bins can’t actually be recycled. This leads to big problems. Things like recycling contamination can make recycling more expensive and mess up the recycling process for other items.
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This guide will show you what to do and what not to do when recycling. It aims to help you recycle better and make a bigger positive impact on the environment.
What Materials are Not Recyclable
Recycling is key to living sustainably. But, it’s vital to know what can’t be recycled. Items like shredded paper, soiled paper, and coated paper should not be sorted with recyclables.
Shredded Paper, Soiled Paper, and Coated Paper
Shredded paper can be recycled, but it must be done right. Always check with your local recycling center for how to recycle it. They might ask you to separate it. Soiled or coated paper, however, belongs in the trash. These items can’t be easily broken down at recycling centers.
So, don’t recycle shredded paper, soiled paper, or coated paper. They can mess up the recycling process.
Knowing what can’t be recycled helps make your recycling work better. Always look up your local recycling center’s rules and tips.
Common Recycling Don’ts
Recycling has its rules to follow to work well. A big no-no is putting food, liquids, or dirty containers in the recycling. These items can mess up the recycling process.
To get it right, make sure to label trash and recycling bins clearly, like in office kitchens. Always clean recyclable containers before recycling them. If a container is too dirty, it’s better to throw it away to keep recycling safe.
Don’t Recycle Food, Liquids, or Contaminated Containers
Only 9% of plastic gets recycled, leaving 91% to end up in landfills or polluting the environment. Food and liquids in recyclables are a big problem. They can ruin the quality of recycled materials and even harm recycling workers.
Make sure to clean your recyclables before recycling them. This helps keep recyclables safe for processing. Always check your local recycling rules to follow them correctly.
Plastics to Avoid Recycling
Not all plastics can be recycled. Some plastics like bags, wraps, and peanuts aren’t accepted by most recycling centers. They can block recycling machines and need special recycling methods that many places lack.
Many people wrongly label non-plastic items as plastic. In Finland, PVC can be recycled with other plastics since 2022. But, sorting PVC correctly makes recycling easier for everyone. Wrong sorting can cause styrofoam to be burned instead of recycled.
To get rid of plastics that can’t be recycled, check with your local recycling center or look for drop-off spots at stores. Make sure to clean food packaging before recycling to help the recycling process. This ensures recyclables are clean and ready to be turned into new products.
Many plastics can be recycled, which helps save energy and protect the environment. But, it’s important to know which plastics can be recycled. By recycling correctly and disposing of non-recyclable plastics right, you help reduce waste and support a greener future.
Common Recycling Mistakes
Many people put all their recyclables in one bin, thinking it’s easier. But this can lead to a lot of contamination, making most items not recyclable. This is a big mistake in recycling.
Recycling works best when items are clean and pure. To make sure your recycling is effective, sort your materials by type. This includes cardboard, glass, plastic, paper, and compost. This way, you avoid recycling contamination and ensure your efforts don’t go to waste.
Other mistakes include recycling dirty paper or coated items. These can mess up the recycling process. Also, things like garden hoses and wires can break recycling machines, causing delays and extra costs.
To avoid these mistakes and help the environment, learn about your local recycling rules. By sorting and preparing your recyclables right, you can make a big difference. This helps reduce waste and supports a greener future.
Check Local Guidelines
Recycling rules change a lot based on where you live. There’s no single law that says what can be recycled. It’s key to check with your local recycling provider to know what’s accepted in your area.
Some places might accept different plastics than others. By learning about your local recycling program, you can avoid mistakes. This helps make sure your recyclables get processed right. Knowing your local recycling guidelines helps your community recycle better and supports sustainability.
Remember, recycling rules and recycling program information can change. It’s smart to check the latest guidelines from your local recycling authority often. By keeping up and following local recycling guidelines, you help reduce waste and protect the environment.
Separate Materials by Stream
Sorting recyclables into specific bins before collection is a top tip. This method, known as clean-stream recycling, keeps materials clean and ready for recycling. By sorting items like cardboard, glass, and plastic, you help make recycling more efficient and save money.
Only about 30% of waste in the U.S. is recycled, even though 75% could be. By sorting your recyclables, you can help change this. This action supports a cleaner, greener future.
Clean-stream recycling has many benefits. It makes recycled materials more valuable and reduces contamination. This leads to better recycling rates and lower costs. So, take the time to sort your recyclables by stream. You’ll be part of the movement towards a more sustainable future.
Breakdown and Flatten Cardboard
Cardboard is a common recyclable item, but it needs to be prepared right before recycling. Breaking down and flattening your cardboard saves space in your recycling bin. It also means fewer pickups for your business. This simple action makes sure your cardboard recycling works well at recycling centers.
Flattening cardboard is simple and helps a lot with recycling. Every year, 24.1 million tons of corrugated cardboard are thrown away. But, up to 91% of it can be recycled. By flattening your cardboard, you’re cutting down on waste and saving natural resources. Making cardboard from scratch uses 3 tons of wood for every ton made, so recycling is key for the planet.
Not all cardboard can be recycled. Corrugated cardboard and paperboard are okay, but wax-coated items like juice boxes and milk cartons aren’t. Knowing what you can and can’t recycle helps your business reduce waste. This way, you’re helping make the future greener.
Recycle Plastics #1, #2, and #5
Not all plastics can be recycled the same way. Only plastics with resin codes #1 (PETE), #2 (HDPE), and #5 (PP) are widely accepted for recycling. You can find these plastics in things like soda and water bottles, milk jugs, and some food containers.
Reports say only 14% of plastics get recycled, and just 2% are recycled fully. Plastics #1 and #2 are most accepted for recycling. Other plastics often end up in the trash.
To make sure your plastic recycling works, rinse any containers before recycling. Food or liquids on recyclables can ruin the whole batch, sending it to landfills.
Not all plastics can be recycled the same way. Focus on plastics #1, #2, and #5 to help reduce plastic waste in landfills and oceans.
Handle E-Waste Properly
Throwing away electronic waste, or e-waste, needs special care. E-waste includes things like computers, laptops, and batteries. You can’t just toss them in your regular recycling bin. They must go through the right e-waste recycling channels.
In the US, nine million tons of electronic waste ends up in landfills every year. Worldwide, 50 million tons of e-waste is made each year. This makes up 70% of toxic waste, even though it’s only 2% of all trash.
Many places and services can help your business get rid of e-waste the right way. They make sure items are recycled or disposed of safely. For instance, TechReset worked with a school on recycling old laptops. This brought in over $5 million and helped a student every year.
Not all places need to recycle e-waste, as only 25 states and Washington D.C. have laws for it. But, responsible businesses should still dispose of e-waste correctly. At ERI in Fresno, California, they process about 6 million pounds of old electronics every month. This shows how much e-waste we make.
By recycling e-waste the right way, businesses can protect the planet. They can also make money from old electronics. Human-I-T, a nonprofit, has kept over 6.5 million pounds of e-waste out of landfills. They’ve given over 69,000 devices to those who need them, helping bridge the digital gap.
Conclusion
It’s crucial to follow recycling tips and best practices to reduce waste and protect the environment. This article has given you ways to improve your recycling and help your community and planet. Always check your local recycling rules, sort materials correctly, and handle special items like e-waste right.
Don’t put recyclables in plastic bags as it can ruin the recycling process. Most curbside programs don’t take plastic bags. Also, items like bread bags, bubble wrap, and wrappers can be recycled through programs like REDcycle, not the regular bin.
To get the most from your recyclables and support sustainable waste management, learn what you can recycle in your area. Get to know the Australasian Recycling Label. Be careful about what you recycle, making sure items are clean and free of dirt.
By reducing contamination and making the most of recyclables, we can work towards a sustainable future. Remember, recycling is not just about putting things in the bin. Buying products made from recycled materials also helps the recycling system and the planet.
Additional Resources
For more info on recycling and sustainable waste management, check out the Bellantoni Eco Guide. It’s full of tips on common recycling errors and how to dodge them. This will help you recycle better and be more eco-friendly.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Recycling website is also a great spot for resources. It has info on local recycling programs, tips to cut down on waste, and how to dispose of different materials right. By using these tips, you can improve your recycling and waste management. This helps make the planet a greener place.
For a recycling app that’s easy to use, try “Where Does it go, Joe?” It’s on the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store. This app tells you where to throw away various household items. It helps you make better choices and lessen your impact on the environment.
