13 Items That Are Not Recyclable

Reduce, reuse, and recycle. We hear these three words frequently when it comes to preserving the environment. The world has changed drastically in the past century and the amount of waste we produce is rapidly increasing. Take plastic water bottles, for example. They take approximately 500 years to degrade (if they even degrade at all) and release harmful toxins. Our discarded plastics enter oceans, posing a danger to marine animals.

While recycling brings many benefits, such as reducing landfill waste, not everything is recyclable. It’s not just some plastics either. Here are 13 common items that are actually not recyclable:

1. Some takeout containers

Grease can contaminate these containers, making them unable to be recycled. Leave grease-soaked containers out of your recycling bin.

2. Plastic bottle caps

Some plastic water bottles are recyclable. However, their caps are not because they’re often made from a type of plastic that can’t be recycled.

3. Paper towels, tissues, and napkins

Paper products such as paper towels, tissues and napkins are considered too contaminated to recycle. Instead of using them, try using reusable cloth.

4. Some frozen food boxes

These boxes can have a coating that can’t be broken down properly in the recycling process.

5. Paper with glossy coating

The shiny coating makes them not recyclable.

6. Coloured paper

Paper that is dyed is often heat-treated, which may contaminate it and make it not recyclable. Try turning it into a piece of art with your family.

7. Shredded paper

While regular paper is recyclable, shredded paper can be a problem for recycling facilities since it is difficult to sort. It can slip through the recycling centre’s machinery and end up in a landfill. There are many DIY projects you can try with shredded paper such as using it for crafts or mulch.

8. Plastic grocery bags

Consider switching to cloth or other reusable grocery bags since they are eco-friendly and cost-effective as well.

9. Milk/juice cartons

Before tossing an empty box of orange juice into your recycling bin, make sure it has the recycling symbol on it. The plastic coating on many of these boxes makes them unsuitable for recycling. Try creating a small bird feeder with the juice box instead.

10. Styrofoam products

This material cannot be recycled and is not biodegradable. Research has shown styrofoam is a possible carcinogen because it is mainly composed of styrene. Try limiting your use of styrofoam coffee cups, food containers, and packing peanuts. When ordering from restaurants, ask for reusable containers or recyclable containers.

11. Some types of glass

While broken glass is recyclable, you shouldn’t toss it in your recycling bin as it can injure workers. Check with your local facility to see if they accept broken glass. Drink glasses have a different chemical composition and melting point compared to container glass. Mixing them together can be hazardous for workers. For example, glass light bulbs, mirrors, and baking dishes should not be placed in recycling bins.

12. Wire hangers

Most of the time, recycling facilities, are not set up to deal with wire/wire products. However, your local dry cleaner may take your old wire hangers. You can also use old wires to unclog kitchen sinks and keep paint cans clean.

13. Ceramics

They usually have high melting points which interfere with other items that are recycled at recycling plants. Broken ceramics likely belong in the trash, not the recycling bin as many recyclers cannot accept them. If you have several broken mugs and dishes, contact your local recycling facility to see if they will accept them. There are always exceptions since some facilities may grind them up to be used in other ways.

Conclusion

Responsible recycling is important to create a healthier, sustainable future. We can mitigate the effects of climate change and environmental harm if we pitch in and do our part.