Are you making these recycling mistakes?

Recycling is a crucial part of reducing waste and protecting our environment, but it’s easy to make mistakes when sorting trash. Even with the best intentions, a few common errors can contaminate entire batches of recyclables, making them unsuitable for processing. Here are the top five mistakes people make when putting trash in the recycling and how to avoid them.

1. Not Cleaning Recyclables

One of the most frequent mistakes is tossing dirty or food-soiled items into the recycling bin. Containers like jars, bottles, and cans need to be rinsed before they’re recycled. Leftover food and liquids can contaminate other materials, especially paper and cardboard, which may then be sent to the landfill instead of being recycled.

Tip: Always give your recyclables a quick rinse to remove any residue. They don’t need to be spotless, but they should be free of food and liquids.

2. Recycling Plastic Bags

Plastic bags are a major recycling no-no. While they’re made of plastic, they can jam sorting machines at recycling facilities, leading to costly delays and repairs. Many people mistakenly toss plastic grocery bags, bread bags, or plastic wrap into their recycling bins, thinking they’ll be processed along with other plastics.

Tip: Instead of recycling plastic bags in your curbside bin, take them to a designated drop-off location often found at grocery stores. Better yet, switch to reusable bags to reduce plastic waste altogether.

3. Wishful Recycling

“Wishcycling” is the act of putting items in the recycling bin with the hope that they’re recyclable, even if you’re unsure. Common culprits include items like greasy pizza boxes, plastic utensils, and disposable coffee cups. Unfortunately, these items often end up contaminating the recycling stream because they can’t actually be processed.

Tip: When in doubt, check your local recycling guidelines to see what’s accepted. If you’re unsure and can’t find the information, it’s safer to throw the item in the trash rather than risk contaminating the recycling.

4. Including Non-Recyclable Plastics

Not all plastics are created equal, and some are not recyclable through curbside programs. Items like straws, Styrofoam, and plastic toys are often made from types of plastic that local facilities don’t accept. Even though they’re plastic, these items can cause problems in the recycling process.

Tip: Learn which types of plastics are accepted in your area by checking the recycling codes on the bottom of plastic items. Typically, plastics labeled with codes 1 and 2 are widely accepted, but it varies by location.

5. Leaving Caps on Bottles and Jars

Another common mistake is leaving caps or lids on bottles and jars when recycling. While the bottles themselves are usually recyclable, the caps are often made of a different type of plastic that requires separate processing. When left on, these caps can reduce the quality of the recycled material.

Tip: Remove caps and lids from bottles and jars before recycling. You can check if your local recycling program accepts them separately; otherwise, they should go in the trash.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can help ensure that your recyclables are processed correctly and contribute to a more efficient recycling system. Remember, a little extra effort when sorting your waste goes a long way in protecting the environment and reducing landfill waste. Contact us today to learn how you can optimize your recycling and waste management systems.