The Ultimate Guide to Recycling: What Can and Can’t Be Recycled

Recycling is one of the simplest ways to reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and help protect the environment. But knowing what can and can’t be recycled can sometimes be confusing. This guide will break down recyclable materials and offer tips to make sure you're doing it right. Understanding what belongs in your recycling bin is the first step toward being a responsible recycler.

What Can Be Recycled

Different municipalities have varying recycling rules, but the following materials are commonly accepted for recycling in most places:

1. Aluminum and Steel

• What to Recycle: Cans, tins, aluminum foil, and bottle caps.

• Why It Matters: Recycling aluminum saves 95% of the energy needed to produce new aluminum from raw materials. It can also be recycled indefinitely without losing quality.

• Tip: Rinse your cans before recycling to remove food or liquid residue, as dirty materials can contaminate an entire recycling batch.

  
  

2. Glass

• What to Recycle: Glass bottles and jars.

• Why It Matters: Glass is 100% recyclable and can be recycled endlessly without degradation. It conserves natural resources and reduces pollution when recycled.

• Tip: Separate colored glass from clear glass if required by your local recycling program. Also, avoid recycling broken glass and lightbulbs, as they are not always accepted.

  
  

3. Paper and Cardboard

• What to Recycle: Newspapers, magazines, office paper, cardboard boxes, and paper packaging.

• Why It Matters: Recycling paper reduces the need for logging, saves water, and reduces landfill waste. It also prevents methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, from landfills.

• Tip: Flatten cardboard boxes to save space and remove any non-paper components, such as plastic windows on envelopes or tape on boxes.

  
  

4. Plastic

• What to Recycle: Plastic bottles, containers, and packaging labeled with recycling symbols #1 (PET) and #2 (HDPE).

• Why It Matters: Recycling plastics reduces the need for new plastic production, which is a major contributor to fossil fuel consumption. PET and HDPE plastics are the most commonly recycled types.

• Tip: Rinse plastic containers and remove any caps or lids, as these are often made from different plastic materials that may not be recyclable.

  
  

What Can’t Be Recycled

Despite the wide range of recyclable materials, not everything can go in your bin. Placing non-recyclable items into your recycling bin can lead to contamination, causing entire loads of recyclables to be sent to landfills.

1. Plastic Bags

• Why Not: Plastic bags can jam recycling equipment at facilities, causing delays and extra costs. Many grocery stores and retailers have special drop-off points for plastic bags, so make sure to dispose of them properly.

• Tip: Use reusable cloth bags instead of plastic when shopping.

  
  

2. Food-Soiled Paper

• Why Not: Paper and cardboard that has absorbed grease, oils, or food residue cannot be recycled because the organic matter contaminates the paper fibers.

• Tip: Compost food-soiled paper (like greasy pizza boxes) if you have access to a composting service.

  
  

3. Styrofoam (Polystyrene Foam)

• Why Not: Styrofoam is difficult to recycle and is not accepted by most curbside recycling programs due to its low density and the challenges in processing it.

• Tip: Avoid Styrofoam when possible. Some communities may have special recycling programs for it, but these are rare.

  
  

4. Ceramics and Broken Glass

• Why Not: Ceramics and certain types of glass (such as cookware, mirrors, and windows) have a different melting point than glass bottles and jars, which can disrupt the recycling process.

• Tip: Donate or repurpose unbroken ceramics. Place broken glass or ceramics in your regular trash (with precautions to avoid injury).

  
  

5. Hazardous Waste

• Why Not: Items like batteries, electronics, chemicals, and lightbulbs contain toxic materials that can harm the environment if not disposed of properly.

• Tip: Look for local hazardous waste collection events or facilities that specialize in recycling electronic waste, batteries, and chemicals.

  
  

How to Improve Your Recycling Habits

• Rinse and Clean: Always clean out containers to remove food residue, oils, or liquids. Contamination from dirty items can cause otherwise recyclable materials to be rejected.

• Know Your Numbers: Familiarize yourself with the different plastic resin codes (numbers 1-7), as not all plastics are recyclable. Most curbside programs accept plastics #1 and #2, but others may need to be dropped off at special facilities.

• Avoid "Wish-Cycling": Putting non-recyclable items into your recycling bin in hopes they will be recycled (known as "wish-cycling") can cause more harm than good. When in doubt, check local recycling guidelines.

• Reduce First: Recycling is important, but reducing waste and reusing materials are even better. Opt for reusable products wherever possible to limit the amount of waste you generate in the first place.

  
  

Conclusion

Recycling is a simple and effective way to reduce your environmental impact, but it’s important to know the rules and guidelines. By properly sorting materials and understanding what can and cannot be recycled, you’re helping to keep our planet healthier and greener. Every small effort counts, so start recycling smarter today!