45 Ways You’re Probably Recycling Wrong

Setting up a home recycling system can feel like navigating a maze blindfolded while juggling flaming torches. With so many rules and potential pitfalls, it’s easy to make mistakes that could derail your eco-friendly efforts. But fear not, intrepid recyclers! We’re here to guide you through the 45 most common blunders people make when establishing their home recycling system.

Before we dive into the list of don’ts, let’s take a moment to appreciate the importance of recycling. According to a recent study by the Environmental Protection Agency, recycling and composting prevented 193 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent from being released into the atmosphere in 2018. That’s equivalent to taking over 42 million cars off the road for a year! So, let’s make sure we’re doing it right.

Here’s a quick comparison of recycling rates in different countries:

Now, let’s dive into the 45 mistakes to avoid when setting up your home recycling system:

1. Not researching local recycling guidelines
Every area has different rules. Don’t assume what’s recyclable in one place is the same everywhere.

2. Mixing recyclables with regular trash
This defeats the whole purpose and can contaminate entire batches of recyclables.

3. Failing to rinse containers
Food residue can contaminate other recyclables and attract pests.

4. Leaving caps on bottles
Most recycling facilities prefer caps to be removed.

5. Recycling greasy pizza boxes
The grease contaminates the cardboard, making it unrecyclable.

6. Putting plastic bags in the recycling bin
These can jam sorting machines. Most grocery stores have separate collection bins for plastic bags.

7. Not flattening cardboard boxes
Unflattened boxes take up too much space and can jam equipment.

8. Recycling shredded paper
Small paper pieces can contaminate other recyclables. Check if your area has special collection for shredded paper.

9. Throwing electronics in the recycling bin
Electronics require special recycling processes. Find a local e-waste collection point.

10. Recycling broken glass
Broken glass can be dangerous for workers and contaminate other recyclables.

11. Not removing labels from containers
Some facilities require labels to be removed for proper sorting.

12. Putting recyclables in plastic bags
Many facilities won’t open bagged recyclables due to safety concerns.

13. Recycling disposable coffee cups
Most have a plastic lining that makes them unrecyclable in standard systems.

14. Putting non-recyclable plastics in the bin
Not all plastics are recyclable. Check the numbers and your local guidelines.

15. Recycling used paper towels or tissues
These are usually contaminated and not recyclable.

16. Not separating different types of recyclables
If your area requires separation, mixing can lead to contamination.

17. Recycling items with mixed materials
Things like padded envelopes often can’t be recycled due to mixed components.

18. Putting recyclables in the wrong bins
If your area uses multiple bins, make sure you’re sorting correctly.

19. Not cleaning out paint cans
Paint residue can contaminate other recyclables.

20. Recycling waxed cardboard
The wax coating makes it unrecyclable in most systems.

21. Putting yard waste in recycling bins
Yard waste usually goes in separate composting bins.

22. Not removing plastic windows from envelopes
The plastic can contaminate paper recycling.

23. Recycling receipts
Many receipts are printed on thermal paper that can’t be recycled.

24. Putting recyclables in opaque containers
Use clear bags or bins so collectors can easily see the contents.

25. Not checking if items are actually recyclable
Just because something is made of plastic or metal doesn’t mean it’s recyclable.

26. Recycling items smaller than a credit card
Small items can fall through sorting machinery and cause problems.

27. Not removing food scraps from containers
Food residue can contaminate entire batches of recyclables.

28. Putting scrap metal in recycling bins
Most curbside programs don’t accept scrap metal. Find a scrap yard instead.

29. Recycling old clothing or textiles
These usually can’t be recycled curbside. Look for textile recycling programs.

30. Not educating family members about recycling rules
Everyone in the household needs to be on the same page.

31. Putting recyclables out in windy conditions without securing them
Loose recyclables can become litter.

32. Recycling items with hazardous waste residue
Things like motor oil containers or pesticide bottles need special handling.

33. Not checking if aerosol cans are empty before recycling
Pressurized cans can be dangerous if not completely empty.

34. Putting non-recyclable glass in the bin
Items like light bulbs, mirrors, and window glass aren’t recyclable curbside.

35. Recycling napkins and paper towels
These are usually too contaminated to recycle.

36. Not removing plastic liners from cereal boxes
The plastic can contaminate paper recycling.

37. Putting recyclables in containers that aren’t approved
Use only the bins provided or approved by your local recycling program.

38. Not rinsing out pet food cans
Food residue can attract pests and contaminate other recyclables.

39. Recycling items with glitter or metallic decorations
These additives can contaminate other recyclables.

40. Putting recyclables out too early or too late
Follow your local collection schedule to prevent litter and ensure pickup.

41. Not removing staples from papers
While small metal bits are usually okay, large staples can cause problems.

42. Recycling hardcover books
The glue and binding materials make these difficult to recycle. Consider donating instead.

43. Putting recyclables in trash compactors
Compacted recyclables are often too dense for sorting machinery.

44. Not checking if bottle caps are recyclable
Some areas accept them, others don’t. Check your local guidelines.

45. Assuming all plastics with recycling symbols are recyclable
The symbol doesn’t guarantee recyclability in your area. Always check local guidelines.

As we get to the end of our recycling journey, keep in mind that mastering at-home recycling is similar to learning to dance in that it requires patience, practice, and a willingness to laugh at your mistakes. If you periodically find yourself forgetting to rinse out that recalcitrant peanut butter jar or throwing a greasy pizza box in the recycling bin, do not give up. What matters is that you are trying your best to improve your recycling habits on a constant basis.

You are not merely sorting rubbish when you avoid these typical errors and improve your home recycling system; you are actually saving the environment. Each item that is correctly recycled is a tiny win in the fight against pollution and waste. Now that you have this newfound understanding, go out and convert your friends, family, and neighbors to recycling. With collective efforts, we can transform our neighborhoods into recycling hubs, one appropriately sorted item at a time. Recall that progress and the beneficial effects of our collective efforts are what matter in life’s grand recycling dance, rather than perfection.