Recycling is an important part of waste management, but it can be tricky to know what items go in what bins. Luckily, many common household items can be recycled if they’re properly sorted, keeping them out of landfills and reducing single-use waste. Here’s a quick look at five products you may not realize can be recycled

1. Aluminum Foil

After cooking or wrapping up leftovers, aluminum foil often finds its way crumpled up in the trash. But it doesn’t need to be thrown out. Aluminum foil can be recycled almost indefinitely without losing quality. Simply ensure your foil is relatively clean (wipe off any food residue) and scrunch it into a loose ball before placing it in the recycling bin with other similar materials like cans and tins.

2. Aluminum Foil Containers

Speaking of aluminum, takeout containers, pie pans, and other disposable foil containers we often think of as single-use are actually recyclable. All you need to do is rinse them out, ensure they’re free of food scraps, and put them in the recycling bin when no longer needed.

3. Plastic Straws

While it’s known that plastic straws can be quite problematic, if you are using them, they can be recycled in your curbside pickup along with plastic stir sticks. Just be sure to separate paper straws and wooden stir sticks out as these belong in your organics bin.

4. Empty Spray Containers

Whether they’re from cleaning products, cooking oil, or air fresheners, empty spray containers are commonly discarded. However, your aerosol cans can in fact be recycled so long as you follow some important safety considerations. To recycle your aerosol cans, ensure they’re completely empty (don’t waste product) but intact.

Don’t try to puncture or disassemble the can. Spray paint cans, however, can not be put in your recycling bin for curbside pickup. Instead, return your spray paint cans to your local recycling depot for proper disposal.

5. Party Decorations

Party decorations, especially balloons, plastic streamers, and other festive items, are usually single-use items and often end up in the trash. While not all decorations can be recycled, some can! Paper banners and signage, cardboard cutouts, and other paper gift bags can be recycled so long as they’re free of glitter and embellishments.

Recycling may seem like a small step, but recycling as many items as possible, like aluminum foil, plastic straws, or even party decorations, can make a big difference in reducing waste and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Looking for more info? Interested in curbside collection programs or more waste management options? Contact our team to get started.