Do you ever wonder if you’re tossing recyclable items the right way? You might think you’re doing your part for the environment, but guess what? Many of us are making simple recycling mistakes. In fact, a 2019 study based on United Nations Development Program data found that nearly 70% of what we put in our recycling bins doesn’t get recycled properly!
It all comes down to how we handle certain items, and today, I’m here to help clear up the confusion. Let’s discover seven everyday items you’re probably recycling wrong, and what you can do to make it right!
Pizza boxes
Ever toss that greasy pizza box straight into the recycling bin? Well, you might want to rethink that. While cardboard is generally recyclable, pizza boxes often contain food residue and grease that can contaminate the recycling process. According to the EPA, food-contaminated food packaging isn’t acceptable for curbside recycling because it can clog machinery at the recycling center.
What to do: If the box is clean, recycle it. But if it’s greasy, tear off the clean parts and toss them in the compost instead. Remember, clean cardboard only!
Plastic bags
Are you guilty of stuffing plastic bags into the recycling bin? These bags are one of the most common recycling mistakes. Many curbside programs don’t accept them because they tangle in the machinery at recycling facilities. Surprising, right?
What to do: Take them to a designated drop-off location (many grocery stores offer this). Or, better yet, switch to reusable bags and save yourself some hassle!
Coffee cups
Your daily coffee run may be a little more harmful than you think. Most disposable coffee cups are lined with a thin plastic coating to prevent leaks, which makes them unrecyclable in standard curbside bins. Sadly, your favorite to-go cup likely ends up in the landfill.
What to do: Invest in a reusable coffee cup. If you must use a disposable one, check if your local recycling program accepts them or if there’s a specialized facility nearby that can handle them.
Drink cartons
Think that juice or milk carton can be tossed in the recycling bin? Not so fast! Most drink cartons are coated with layers of plastic and aluminum, which makes them difficult to process at recycling plants. Even though some cartons are technically recyclable, the chances are slim that they’ll actually be recycled properly in a standard facility.
What to do: Look for cartons labeled “Tetra Pak” or “polycoat,” and check your local recycling guidelines to see if they accept them. Otherwise, it’s better to toss them in the trash.
Bottle caps
You probably don’t give it a second thought, but those little plastic bottle caps cause big issues at recycling plants. Many bottle caps are made from a different type of plastic than the bottle itself, and if they’re not removed, they can contaminate the entire load of recyclables.
What to do: Always screw the cap back onto the bottle before recycling. Or, better yet, make a habit of recycling the cap separately if your local facility has a cap collection program.
Food containers
We all know that food waste is a no-go in recycling bins, but did you know that unwashed food containers can contaminate your recyclables? That’s right, leftover sauce or peanut butter can turn your plastic or glass into landfill material.
What to do: A quick rinse should do the trick! Just make sure the containers are as clean as possible, and you’ll help increase the recycling rate.
Paper towels
It’s easy to think that paper towels are recyclable, but unfortunately, they’re not. Once a paper towel has been used, it’s considered contaminated with food, oils, or even cleaning products, and it can’t be processed with other paper products.
What to do: Paper towels are compostable, so toss them in your compost bin instead. If that’s not an option, it’s back to the trash, sadly.
Key Takeaway
Recycling is essential, but doing it right is just as important. By paying attention to these common recyclable items, you can help ensure more waste ends up where it belongs, and not in a landfill. So, next time you’re about to toss something in the recycling bin, take a moment to double-check!
Let’s make small changes to our daily habits and have a big impact. Who knew saving the planet could be this simple?
Read the original article on crafting your home.
