Recycling may seem straightforward, but many people unknowingly send non-recyclable materials into the bin, contaminating entire batches. Understanding what can and cannot be recycled is essential for anyone starting their sustainability journey.
In this article, you’ll find a simple, practical guide to help you identify recyclable and non-recyclable items at home. The more informed you are, the more effective your recycling efforts will be.
Why Recycling Correctly Matters
Incorrect recycling not only wastes effort — it can ruin an entire load of recyclables. For example, placing food-soiled paper or unwashed containers in your recycling bin can cause contamination, sending otherwise recyclable materials to landfills.
Proper recycling ensures better quality materials, greater efficiency for recycling centers, and less environmental pollution.
Common Recyclable Materials
Most curbside recycling programs accept several types of materials. Among the most common are paper and cardboard, including newspapers, magazines, office paper, and clean cardboard boxes. Paper bags and toilet paper rolls are usually accepted as well, as long as they’re not dirty or greasy.
Plastic items are also widely accepted, especially those with the recycling triangle symbol showing numbers between 1 and 7. Items such as water bottles, milk jugs, and detergent containers are commonly recyclable, especially if they are made from PET (#1) or HDPE (#2). Polypropylene plastics, such as yogurt cups and bottle caps, are also often accepted, though this can vary by region.
Glass bottles and jars are generally recyclable if they are clean. However, not all glass is accepted — items like mirrors, window panes, and ceramics should not go into your recycling bin.
Metal cans made of aluminum or steel, like soda and food cans, are usually recyclable as long as they are rinsed out and not contaminated. Clean aluminum foil is also accepted in some areas.
What Should Not Be Recycled
Certain items are commonly mistaken for recyclables and can cause major problems when placed in recycling bins.
Food waste should never go into the recycling bin. It belongs in a compost bin or, if that’s not available, the trash.
Plastic bags, even though they are made of recyclable material, can clog recycling machinery. These bags usually require a separate collection system, which some grocery stores provide.
Disposable coffee cups, although they look like paper, are often lined with a thin layer of plastic that makes them difficult to recycle. The same goes for greasy pizza boxes — the oily parts cannot be processed and contaminate the paper stream.
Diapers, sanitary products, and similar hygiene items are not recyclable. They must be disposed of in the trash.
Items That Require Special Handling
Some materials can be recycled but not through your curbside bin. For example, batteries should be taken to designated drop-off points, often available at electronics stores or city facilities.
Electronics such as laptops, cell phones, and cables should be taken to an e-waste collection point. Throwing these in regular bins can be hazardous due to chemicals inside.
Old clothes and fabrics, although not accepted in most curbside programs, can be brought to textile recycling programs or donated if they are in good condition.
Chemical products, paint, motor oil, and similar substances need to be taken to hazardous waste facilities for safe handling.
Tips to Recycle Smarter
To ensure your recycling efforts are effective, always rinse food and drink containers before recycling them. Contaminated materials are a major reason why recycling loads are rejected.
Remove caps and lids from bottles and jars if your local recycling program requests it. Flatten cardboard boxes to save space in your bin.
Avoid “wish-cycling,” which is the act of putting questionable items in the recycling bin hoping they will be accepted. If you’re not sure, check local guidelines.
Understanding Plastic Recycling Numbers
Plastic products usually have a triangle symbol with a number from 1 to 7 that identifies the type of plastic. For example, number 1 (PET) is widely accepted and includes soda and water bottles. Number 2 (HDPE) includes items like milk jugs and is also commonly recyclable.
Number 3 (PVC), used in some pipes and packaging, is rarely recyclable. Number 4 (LDPE), found in bags and wraps, is accepted in some special programs. Number 5 (PP), used in yogurt cups and food containers, is accepted in many areas. Numbers 6 and 7, which include styrofoam and mixed plastics, are often not accepted.
Learning these codes can help you determine if a plastic item is recyclable in your area.
Know Your Local Recycling Rules
Recycling programs vary significantly from one place to another. Always check your city’s recycling website or printed guidelines to understand what materials are accepted. Some communities even have apps that can scan product barcodes and tell you if they are recyclable locally.
Small Efforts, Big Change
Recycling properly is a small effort that leads to big results. When you sort your waste correctly, you prevent contamination, conserve resources, and help create a cleaner environment.
Start by reviewing the items you use every day and learning how to dispose of them properly. Educate your family or household members, and encourage your community to join in.
Every clean bottle, rinsed can, and sorted piece of paper makes a difference.