The idea of “reduce, reuse, recycle” sounds simple enough, but figuring out what actually belongs in the recycling bin can get confusing. Plenty of everyday items look recyclable but are rejected by many recycling programs because of their size, materials, coatings, or contamination.
Recycling rules also vary from one community to another, so it’s always smart to check your local program before tossing something into the bin. Here are 15 common household items that usually need a different disposal method.
Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap is made from plastic film, which most curbside recycling programs don’t accept. Instead of tossing it out, save clean bubble wrap for future packages or look for a local drop-off that accepts plastic film.
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Plastic Bags
Plastic grocery bags can get caught in the sorting equipment used at recycling facilities and cause mechanical problems. Many grocery stores have collection bins for clean plastic bags, or you can reuse them around the house before throwing them away.
Takeout Containers
Takeout containers can be tricky because they may contain different materials, coatings, or leftover food. Check your local recycling rules before putting them in the bin, and throw away containers that aren’t accepted or can’t be cleaned properly.
Styrofoam Containers
Expanded polystyrene, often called Styrofoam, is accepted by relatively few curbside recycling programs. Some communities have special drop-off sites for clean foam, while others require it to go in the trash.
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Candy Wrappers
Most candy wrappers are made of layers of plastic, foil, or other materials that regular recycling facilities aren’t equipped to separate. Check for a specialized recycling program in your area, or put the wrappers in the trash.
Tissue Paper
Used tissue paper usually has fibers that are too short and weak to be turned into new paper through the standard recycling process. Clean tissue paper can sometimes be reused for crafts or packing material, while used pieces may be suitable for composting if your local program allows them.
Paper Towels and Napkins
Paper towels and napkins generally aren’t accepted in curbside recycling because they are often contaminated with food, grease, or cleaning products. Clean paper napkins and towels can sometimes be composted, provided they haven’t been exposed to chemicals or other unsuitable materials.
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Blister Packs (Pill Packaging)
Blister packs combine plastic with foil or other materials, making them difficult for standard recycling facilities to process. Check with your local waste program or a specialized collection service to see if the packaging is accepted.
Straws
Plastic straws are too small and lightweight for many recycling systems to sort properly. Reusable metal or silicone straws can reduce waste, while disposable plastic straws usually end up in the trash.
Coffee Cups
Many disposable coffee cups have a thin plastic lining that keeps liquid from soaking through the paper. Some recycling programs accept certain types of cups, so check locally before putting one in your recycling bin.
Ceramics
Broken mugs, plates, and other ceramic dishes don’t belong with most curbside glass recycling because they have different properties and melting points. Usable ceramics can be donated, while broken pieces can sometimes be reused for crafts or garden projects.
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Light Bulbs
Standard recycling bins usually aren’t the right place for light bulbs because different types contain different materials and may require special handling. Check with your local recycling center, hardware store, or household hazardous waste program to find out where you can take your bulbs.
Electronics
Old phones, computers, televisions, and other electronics contain materials that shouldn’t be placed in a regular recycling bin. The United Nations Environment Programme reports that a large share of electronic waste still isn’t formally recycled, so take unwanted devices to an approved e-waste collection site when possible.
Batteries
Batteries can cause fires and release harmful materials if they are placed in household recycling or trash incorrectly. The Call2Recycle program recommends using designated battery collection points, and many retailers offer drop-off programs for common household batteries.
Broken Glass
Broken glass can pose a safety risk to workers and may not belong in the same recycling stream as bottles and jars. The EPA suggests checking local recycling rules for glass and finding another disposal option if broken pieces aren’t accepted.
