Recycling seems straightforward, right? Just toss your paper, plastic, and glass into the recycling bin, and you can feel good about helping the planet. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy.
For starters, a significant amount of what ends up in those bins doesn’t get recycled. After China imposed strict limits on the materials they accept in 2017, the U.S. has been struggling to manage its waste, often resorting to landfills or incineration. This means we need to be more mindful about what we place in our recycling bins. You might know that not all plastics are created equal—like the grocery store bags that can’t go in—but there are many other common items that you might be mistakenly recycling. Here are 13 items that don’t belong in your recycling bin, along with better disposal options.
- Plastic Bags
Many are aware that plastic grocery bags should not be recycled in standard bins. They can clog machinery, requiring labor to remove them. Most grocery stores have special recycling stations for these bags, or you can search for nearby recycling facilities. Better yet, consider buying reusable bags. They last longer and help reduce the waste that takes centuries to decompose. - Batteries
While you likely wouldn’t toss your AA batteries in the recycling bin, did you know you can recycle them responsibly? Many retailers, including home improvement and office supply stores, accept rechargeable batteries for recycling. Single-use batteries can be trickier, but there are locations that accept them as well. I keep a box of used batteries and take them to the nearest recycling spot once a year. Opting for rechargeable batteries is a great way to reduce waste, as they can be reused over 1,000 times. - Electronics
Don’t throw away old gadgets in the trash or recycling bins. Organizations like the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence accept donated electronics. Retailers like Best Buy and Staples will often take old devices, regardless of brand or condition. - Hangers
With Americans importing a staggering 40 billion hangers each year, it’s no wonder that 85% end up in landfills. Unless your local recycling facility specifically accepts hangers, they should go in the trash. Given their abundance, donating them isn’t typically viable. - Light Bulbs
It can be confusing to know which light bulbs can be tossed in the trash and which cannot. Incandescent and LED bulbs are fine to throw away, while compact fluorescent and fluorescent tubes need special disposal. For more information on recycling light bulbs, check this link. Opt for LED bulbs, which last longer and consume less energy. - Clothing
The fast fashion industry promotes a throwaway culture, leading to a high rate of clothing waste. Instead of tossing clothes in your recycling bin, donate gently used items to thrift stores or shelters. Many retailers now have programs to accept worn clothing for reuse, and some even offer discounts in return. - Mirrors, Window Panes, and Drinking Glasses
Although mirrors are glass, their reflective coating makes them unsuitable for recycling. Donating intact mirrors is a good option, while broken mirrors can be used in crafts. If you can’t donate, wrap them in newspaper and throw them away. Similarly, window panes and drinking glasses should be treated like mirrors and not recycled. - Paper Towels, Napkins, and Shredded Paper
These paper items are often too contaminated to recycle. Instead, consider composting them. If you want to minimize waste, switching to cloth napkins can significantly reduce your paper towel usage. - Pizza Boxes
Greasy pizza boxes belong in the trash, as food waste contaminates the recycling process. If you happen to have a clean box, you can recycle that, but be cautious of any shiny coatings, which indicate it’s not recyclable. - Aerosol Cans
While aerosol cans are technically recyclable, some areas restrict their recycling due to pressurization. Check local guidelines for proper disposal. - Glitter
Glitter can wreak havoc on recycling efforts, as it contaminates entire batches of paper. Avoid items with glitter to protect recycling integrity. - Gift Wrap and Ribbons
Most gift wraps, especially metallic ones, are not recyclable. Instead, use unlaminated papers for wrapping. Ribbons can tangle in recycling machinery, so keep them out of the bin. - Receipts
Surprisingly, receipts often contain BPA, a harmful chemical. This contaminates the recycling process when mixed with other paper products. Opt for electronic receipts whenever possible, and dispose of paper receipts in the trash.
If you’re eager to make a positive impact on the environment, reducing consumption is key. Understanding how to dispose of items correctly is equally crucial. For further insights on responsible disposal, you can check out more tips in this related blog post. If you’re interested in learning about home insemination and related topics, the CDC offers excellent resources on pregnancy and fertility.
Summary
Being mindful of what goes into your recycling bin can significantly impact environmental sustainability. From plastic bags to receipts, many common items require special disposal methods. Make informed choices and consider alternatives to reduce waste while helping the planet.