Recycling seems simple — toss something in the blue bin and feel good about it. But with all the information (and misinformation) out there, it’s no surprise that many people hold on to myths about recycling that do more harm than good.
In this article, we’ll separate fact from fiction and reveal the truth behind the most common recycling myths, so you can recycle smarter and more effectively.
Myth #1: “Everything with a recycling symbol is recyclable”
Truth:
That triangle symbol (♻️) only indicates the type of material, not whether it’s accepted in your local recycling program. Many items with recycling symbols — like certain plastics or multilayer packaging — are not recyclable curbside.
What to do:
Check with your local municipality. Always verify if the material is accepted in your area before recycling it.
Myth #2: “If I’m not sure, it’s better to recycle it than throw it away”
Truth:
This is known as wish-cycling — and it can contaminate entire batches of recyclables, sending them straight to the landfill.
What to do:
When in doubt, leave it out or research first. Contaminated loads create more problems than they solve.
Myth #3: “Recycling uses more energy than it saves”
Truth:
Recycling materials like aluminum, paper, and glass saves significant energy compared to producing them from raw resources.
- Recycling aluminum saves up to 95% of energy
- Recycled paper uses 70% less energy
- Glass and steel recycling also reduce overall energy use
What to do:
Keep recycling — it’s more energy-efficient and better for the environment.
Myth #4: “All plastics are recyclable”
Truth:
Only certain types of plastics are widely accepted in recycling programs — usually #1 (PET) and #2 (HDPE). Plastics labeled #3, #6, or #7 are rarely recyclable in curbside programs.
What to do:
Read the number in the recycling triangle and check your city’s accepted plastics list. Don’t mix unaccepted plastics in the bin.
Myth #5: “You don’t need to rinse containers before recycling”
Truth:
Dirty containers can spoil an entire batch of recyclables. Food residue attracts pests and can lead to contamination.
What to do:
Quickly rinse out bottles, jars, and cans. A simple swish of water is enough in most cases.
Myth #6: “Recycling is pointless — it all ends up in the landfill anyway”
Truth:
While some recycling systems face challenges (like contamination or market fluctuations), millions of tons of materials are successfully recycled each year. When done properly, recycling works.
What to do:
Focus on clean, sorted recyclables. Support better recycling policies in your city and educate others.
Myth #7: “It’s okay to bag recyclables in plastic garbage bags”
Truth:
Never bag recyclables in plastic bags unless your city specifically tells you to. Plastic bags jam machinery and often result in the entire bag being discarded.
What to do:
Place recyclables loose in the bin. Reuse or return plastic bags to drop-off bins at grocery stores, if available.
Myth #8: “Items smaller than a credit card are too small to be recycled”
Truth:
This is actually true. Small items like straws, bottle caps (if loose), shredded paper, and utensils can fall through sorting machines and are often not recovered.
What to do:
Avoid buying small, hard-to-recycle items. Keep bottle caps attached if allowed locally.
Myth #9: “You can’t recycle pizza boxes”
Truth:
Partly true. Greasy sections can’t be recycled, but clean parts of the box can.
What to do:
Tear off clean portions and recycle them. Compost or trash the greasy parts.
Myth #10: “Composting and recycling are the same thing”
Truth:
They are complementary but different. Recycling deals with inorganic materials like glass, plastic, and metal. Composting is for organic matter like food scraps and yard waste.
What to do:
Do both! Compost organics and recycle properly sorted dry waste.
Why Busting Myths Matters
Misinformation can lead to broken systems, wasted resources, and more waste in landfills. By understanding the real facts about recycling, you:
- Reduce contamination
- Help your community’s recycling program succeed
- Become a more effective environmental advocate
- Encourage others to do the same
Recycling Smarter Starts With the Truth
Recycling works — but only when we do it right. By letting go of outdated beliefs and focusing on verified practices, we can make recycling easier, cleaner, and more impactful.
The next time you pause before tossing something in the bin, ask yourself:
Is this a myth — or the real deal?
Because good intentions are only part of the equation. Knowledge is the other.