Are You Making These 7 Recycling Errors? Find Out Now

Recycling is an essential practice for reducing waste and conserving the environment. However, many people unknowingly make common recycling mistakes that can contaminate the recycling stream and undermine their good intentions. This guide will highlight seven prevalent recycling mistakes and provide solutions to ensure your recycling efforts are as effective as possible.

1. Mixing Non-Recyclable Items with Recyclables

The Mistake

One of the most common mistakes is placing non-recyclable items into the recycling bin. This contamination can cause entire batches of recyclables to be sent to the landfill instead of being processed.

Examples of Non-Recyclable Items

• Plastic bags
• Styrofoam
• Food-soiled items (e.g., greasy pizza boxes)
• Certain plastics (e.g., plastic utensils, straws)

The Fix

To avoid this mistake, familiarize yourself with your local recycling guidelines. Each municipality has different rules, and knowing what can and cannot be recycled in your area is crucial. Here are some general tips:

• Plastic Bags: These often can't be recycled curbside but can be returned to specific collection points at grocery stores.
• Styrofoam: This material is generally not accepted in curbside recycling. Check for local drop-off centers that handle Styrofoam.
• Food-Soiled Items: Clean containers before recycling. If a pizza box is greasy, tear off the clean parts and recycle those.
• Plastic Utensils and Straws: Reduce usage and dispose of them in the trash.

2. Not Rinsing Recyclables

The Mistake

Food residue can contaminate recyclable materials, making them unsuitable for processing. This is a common issue with items like jars, cans, and bottles.

The Fix

Before placing recyclables in the bin, give them a quick rinse. It doesn’t have to be spotless, but removing the majority of food residue is essential. For instance:

• Jars and Bottles: Swish a little water inside, seal, shake, and pour out.
• Cans: Scrape out food remnants and rinse briefly.

3. Recycling Plastic Caps and Lids Incorrectly

The Mistake

Many people leave caps on plastic bottles or toss lids into the recycling bin separately. This can cause issues at recycling facilities.

The Fix

Recycling rules for caps and lids vary, but a general best practice is to:

• Plastic Bottles: Leave the caps on after ensuring the bottle is empty.
• Jars: Place metal lids back on after rinsing.
• Loose Lids: Follow your local guidelines—some areas require loose lids to be discarded in the trash, while others accept them if attached to the container.

4. Assuming All Plastics Are Recyclable

The Mistake

Not all plastics are recyclable, but many people assume otherwise. Different types of plastics have different recycling protocols.

The Fix

Learn the different types of plastics and which ones are accepted by your local recycling program. Commonly accepted plastics include:

• #1 (PET): Beverage bottles, food jars.
• #2 (HDPE): Milk jugs, detergent bottles.

Non-recyclable plastics often include:

• #3 (PVC): Plumbing pipes.
• #6 (PS): Styrofoam, disposable coffee cups.
• #7 (Other): Various mixed plastics.

Check for the recycling symbol and number on plastic items and follow local guidelines.

5. Recycling Items Smaller Than a Postcard

The Mistake

Small items like bottle caps, shredded paper, and small plastic pieces can fall through the cracks at recycling facilities, literally.

The Fix

Ensure items are larger than a postcard or about three inches by three inches. Here’s how to manage smaller items:

• Bottle Caps: Reattach them to the bottles.
• Shredded Paper: Place in a clear, sealed plastic bag (if accepted by your local program) or use for composting.
• Small Plastics: Discard in the trash if they’re too small to recycle.

6. Wishcycling

The Mistake

Wishcycling is the practice of tossing questionable items into the recycling bin, hoping they are recyclable. This often leads to contamination and inefficiency.

The Fix

When in doubt, throw it out. If you’re unsure about an item’s recyclability:

• Research: Check local guidelines or online resources like Earth911 (https://earth911.com) for specific information.
• Err on the Side of Caution: Contamination can do more harm than good, so it’s better to discard non-recyclables in the trash.

7. Ignoring the Recycling Symbol and Numbers

The Mistake

Not paying attention to the recycling symbol and numbers on products can lead to incorrect recycling practices.

The Fix

Understand and utilize the recycling symbols and numbers:

• Recycling Symbol (♻): Indicates the item is recyclable, but not necessarily in all programs.
• Numbers (1-7): Specify the type of plastic. Check local guidelines to see which numbers are accepted.

By familiarizing yourself with these symbols and numbers, you can ensure that you’re recycling correctly and efficiently.

Conclusion

Recycling correctly is more important than ever for protecting our environment and conserving resources. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can improve the effectiveness of your recycling efforts. Always stay informed about your local recycling guidelines and make a conscious effort to recycle right.

For more information on proper recycling practices, visit trusted resources like the Environmental Protection Agency (https://www.epa.gov/recycle) and Earth911 (https://earth911.com).