The mantra “reduce, reuse, recycle” resonates loudly in today’s eco-conscious world. Yet, not everything that you think looks recyclable really is. A lot of things that are thrown into the recycling bin actually get sent into landfills and add to the problem of pollution.
The Environmental Protection Agency reports that 32 percent of waste is recycled, highlighting the importance of effectively knowing what can and can’t be recycled. Read on for 15 everyday-use items that aren’t recyclable.
Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap is a common packaging material that protects fragile items during transit. However, it’s made from plastic film that most curbside recycling programs don’t accept.
According to Waste Mission, 46% of plastic waste that ends up in oceans is composed of low-density polyethylene film, plastic bags, clingfilm, and bubble wrap. Instead, consider reusing bubble wrap for future shipping needs or dropping it off at specific recycling centers that accept plastic films.
Plastic Bags
Despite being made of plastic, grocery bags often wreak havoc on recycling machinery. According to the American Chemistry Council, plastic bags can jam recycling equipment, costing facilities millions in repairs.
An alternative is to return them to collection bins at most grocery stores or use them around the house.
Takeout Containers
Many takeout containers are made from mixed materials, such as plastic, lined with metal or paper, making them difficult to recycle. According to the Recycling Partnership, non-recyclable materials cost the recycling industry $1.2 billion annually.
Unless explicitly labeled as recyclable, it’s best to dispose of these containers in the trash. Opt for reusable containers or clean out any residue before checking if your local facility accepts them.
Styrofoam Containers
Expanded polystyrene, more commonly known as Styrofoam, is lightweight, a plastic derived from petroleum, and frequently reused in food containers and packaging. Unfortunately, it isn’t widely recyclable due to contamination and processing costs.
Widely used for packaging and insulation, Styrofoam takes centuries to decompose and is not accepted in most curbside recycling programs. The Earth Resource Foundation notes that less than 1% of Styrofoam is recycled yearly. Some locations have special drop-off points for Styrofoam recycling. Otherwise, it belongs in the trash.
Candy Wrappers
These wrappers often contain a mix of materials, like plastic and aluminum, which make them difficult to recycle. Terracycle, an organization specializing in hard-to-recycle waste, states that most candy wrappers end up in landfills.
Consider switching to candies with recyclable packaging or participating in specialized recycling programs.
Tissue Paper
Tissue paper is typically made from recycled paper fibers that are too short for further recycling. Eco-Cycle mentions that tissue paper often contains dyes or additives that disrupt the recycling process.
Composting is a more sustainable option for your used tissues.
Paper Towels and Napkins
While they are paper products, used paper towels and napkins are often contaminated with food or cleaning products. The Paper Recycling Coalition indicates that these contaminants make them unsuitable for recycling.
Composting is a viable alternative for these items.
Blister Packs (Pill Packaging)
Blister packs, commonly used for pill packaging, present a unique recycling challenge because they are composed of a combination of plastic and foil. This mixture renders them non-recyclable in most municipal facilities, as it is difficult to separate the materials efficiently.
The American Chemical Society suggests seeking specialized programs focusing on recycling mixed-material packaging. Alternatively, some pharmaceutical companies run take-back initiatives where consumers can return blister packs for safe disposal.
Straws
Plastic straws, often found in drinks and fast food, present a unique challenge to recycling efforts. Their small size and lightweight nature make them difficult to sort and process in recycling facilities, frequently leading to clogging or contamination.
Consequently, most recycling programs do not accept plastic straws. Consider switching to reusable alternatives like metal or silicone straws to reduce waste. If you must use disposable straws, dispose of them in the trash rather than the recycling bin.
Coffee Cups
The exterior of disposable coffee cups may resemble paper. Still, they are often lined with a thin plastic film that makes them non-recyclable. The Sustainable Packaging Coalition advocates for returning these cups to specific collection points provided by some coffee shops, which can properly process these materials.
Transitioning to a reusable coffee cup can also save money and enhance your eco-friendly lifestyle.
Ceramics
According to the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, broken ceramic mugs and dishes are made from materials that don’t break down easily in the recycling process. Instead, they can be creatively repurposed for art projects or garden mosaics.
Donate usable items to local charities or thrift stores to extend their life cycle.
Light Bulbs
Due to the materials and coatings used in their construction, most light bulbs, including incandescent and halogen, cannot be recycled through standard programs. In particular, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and LEDs often require special recycling arrangements.
Earth911 recommends taking electronics to retailers or facilities that accept electronics for safe recycling. Transitioning to LED lighting reduces waste and minimizes energy consumption.
Electronics
E-waste is a growing environmental issue that can have detrimental effects if not handled properly. The United Nations Environmental Programme reports that only 20% of e-waste is formally recycled, leading to the loss of valuable materials.
Ensure electronics are taken to certified e-waste recycling centers that can process them responsibly, promoting a circular economy.
Batteries
Batteries contain toxic chemicals that are harmful if not disposed of properly. The U.S. Department of Energy advises using designated battery recycling programs to prevent environmental harm.
The Call2Recycle program highlights that improperly disposed batteries can leak toxins into the environment. Many retailers now offer battery recycling programs, making it easier than ever to dispose of them responsibly.
Broken Glass
Broken glass can be dangerous and problematic for recycling facilities. Colored and tempered glass, in particular, often cannot be recycled with regular glass.
The EPA suggests reusing glass containers or taking them to specialty recycling centers.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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