Recycling is a crucial way to engage in the circular economy in your community. Recycling keeps waste out of landfills and helps reduce energy usage compared to making new materials.
However, many are confused what exactly can be recycled and ultimately choose to avoid it all together. Here I hope to help clarify up some of the confusion, provide resources to learn more, and ultimately convince you to start recycling!
Easy
Aluminum cans, glass, and paper
Both of these are super easy to recycle are almost universally accepted to be recycled. Aluminum cans made from recycled materials take 95% less energy to produce. So next time you’re done with your soda or energy drink simply rinse it out with water and place it in your recycling bin.
Glass is a universally recyclable item and super easy to recycle. Once you’re done with your bottles and jars, clean them out and replace the lid. Do not place broken glass in your recycling bins as this can be a safety hazard.
Paper is a universally recyclable item. As long as the paper is dry, uncontaminated, and not shredded it can be recycled. Even junk mail with clear windows are easily recycled at most centers!!
Medium
Plastic cartons and cardboard
Plastic cartons from milk, sodas, and other similar containers are almost always accepted for curbside recycling. Make sure the containers are clean, dry and empty. Most facilities request for lids to be attached to the bottles, but some may differ.
Cardboard comes in two different types: corrugated and non-corrugated, or paperboard. Non-corrugated cardboard will be thinner, made of one layer and more paper like. Think what cereal boxes are made of. This type of cardboard can be recycled similarly to paper. If it is clean and dry, break down the box and place it in your recycling bin. Corrugated cardboard will be sturdier and made with multiple layers. Shipping boxes will usually be corrugated cardboard. You will need to check if your recycling facility accepts corrugated cardboard. Some facilities may have separate processes for corrugated cardboard.
Hard
Food containers, plastic bags, clothing
Food containers often remain contaminated with leftover food. When these containers are put into the recycling bin, the food waste ends up ruining other properly recycled items. In order to make food containers recyclable, thoroughly rinse, wash and dry them to make sure there is no food left on the material.
Plastic bags and other soft plastics cannot be recycled at most standard recycling facilities. These should not be placed in your curbside recycling bin. To recycle plastic bags check your local grocery stores as they oftentimes will have special programs to recycle soft plastic grocery bags.
Clothing and other textiles also cannot be recycled in most curbside programs. When recycling clothing if it is in good quality, free of stains and holes, consider donating it to a local thrift store first. If it is past its lifespan, there are many clothing recycling programs that exclusively take clothing and textiles. Textile drop off bins often are located at grocery stores, gas stations, schools, and other popular places in the community
Common misconceptions
Pizza boxes should be recycled
This is FALSE! Pizza boxes always are contaminated with grease and cannot be recycled. This grease can also spread to contaminated other recyclables.
You should bag your recyclables
This is FALSE! items in your recycling have to be sorted so they can undergo the proper process. Plastic trash bags cannot be recycled themselves; they will need to be ripped open to access the recyclables. With the machinery used this may not always be an option and your recycling efforts could be going to waste.
Recycling is pointless
This is FALSE! Many people work to collect, sort, and process your recycling. Recycling reduces energy consumption and waste in the landfills. The more efficiently you sort your recyclables at home, the greater efficiency our waste is able to be recycled at.
Where to learn more
The best place to learn more about where to recycle certain items is on your county’s website. Here you can find more specifics about how and what to recycle and ask any additional questions you may have. If your apartment complex or neighborhood doesn’t have a recycling program, you can find local drop off points through your county’s website.
As you start your recycling journey, encourage others in your community to recycle as well! Start recycling bins for your workplaces, teach your roommates and family about it; together we are able to make a large impact!
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