7 Things You Should Stop Recycling
Recycling when done right is awesome. By using materials we’ve already extracted, we’re saving the energy and resources to extract new materials. But when recycling is done wrong, it just ends up as waste. So, here are 7 things that don’t belong in your recycle bin.
Pizza Boxes
If your pizza box is grease-stained, it does not belong in the recycling bin. You can still compost the pizza box. If the box is not stained and not plastic-lined, then it can be recycled.
Paperboard Boxes
Most paperboard boxes used in freezer foods or ice cream are lined with plastic to help prevent freezer burn. The plastic lining is difficult to separate thus, most likely won’t be recycled. A good rule of thumb is if it feels slick or if it’s tough to tear, it’s probably lined with plastic.
Coffee Cups
Coffee cups are just like the paperboard boxes…lined with plastic. With cafes no longer letting you bring your own to-go mug, it’s been tough getting coffee in resuables. But see if you can reuse them in your garden for seedlings before tossing them out.
Shredded Paper
While paper is recyclable, shredded paper has too short a fiber length to be valuable to recyclers so it’s not recycled. Remember, everything (including recycling) is a market. If there’s no value, there’s no market. Luckily, shredded paper can be composted! So after you’re done destroying your secrets, add it to your compost pile or compost bin.
Soda Tabs & Other Small Metal Bits
While metal bottle tops and soda tabs are recyclable, oftentimes, they are too small and fall through equipment. So, make sure to keep the soda tab with the can. The same thinking goes with aluminum foil. Save the bits and pieces of foil and wrap it into a large ball before putting it in the recycling bin.
Wrapping Paper
We’re inching closer and closer to Christmas! When wrapping presents this year, keep in mind that metallic, shiny wrapping paper cannot be recycled. Consider using 100% paper wrapping paper or better yet, using reusable wrapping like a cloth bag or bandana. Here’s a video showing how to wrap a book with a bandana or hankerchief:
Plastic
Finally, plastic doesn’t belong in the recycling bin. This includes the plastic trash bag you might put your recycling in. Items in your recycling bin should be loose and without a bag.
Yes, technically plastic can be recycled but in most places it does not get recycled. You can check your city to see if it still gets recycled but again there’s no market for recycled plastics, so plastics do not get recycled. Currently, due to the low price of natural gas, it is cheaper to make virgin plastic, then to use recycled plastic.
What do you think? Did any of these surprise you? Keep these in mind the next time you’re figuring out what goes in which bin.
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