Recycling is a key component of waste management and an important way to have a positive impact on the environment. But even the best recyclers can still make mistakes. Maximize your efforts and ensure your materials are properly processed with these dos and don’ts. 

Do: rinse out containers

Did you know food and liquid left behind in recyclable containers can become a contaminant? Before tossing your containers in the recycling bin, give them a quick rinse to remove any residue or material left behind.

Don’t: recycle food-soiled items

While most paper is recyclable, food-soiled items, like greasy pizza boxes or napkins, are not. The oils in these items can disrupt the recycling process and prevent these items from being turned into new materials. Instead, opt to compost food-soiled paper products with other organic waste.

Do: break down cardboard boxes

Cardboard is one of the easiest materials to recycle, but oversized boxes can take up a significant amount of space. Always flatten your boxes to maximize space in your recycling bin and make the material more manageable for recycling facilities. Remove any non-paper elements, like tape or foam packing inserts, as these cannot be recycled with the cardboard and may cause issues in the recycling process.

Don’t: put plastic bags in the recycling bin

Plastic bags are a common recycling no-no. Although they’re plastic, these bags should not be mixed with standard recyclables as they’re not compatible with typical recycling machinery and can cause significant issues at recycling facilities. Instead, look for drop-off locations at grocery stores or other retailers that accept plastic bags for recycling or consider investing in reusable shopping bags.

Do: check local recycling guidelines

Recycling rules vary depending on where you live so it’s important to familiarize yourself with your local policy to ensure you take full advantage of the recycling program and avoid putting things in the bin that don’t belong. Check your city’s website for specific information.

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