20 Things That Are Not Recyclable:
Recycling is a cornerstone of sustainable living, but not everything can go into the blue bin. Missteps in recycling—known as “wishcycling”—can contaminate batches, increase costs, and send more waste to landfills. Here’s a list of 20 common items that are not recyclable through standard curbside programs, along with why they’re problematic and what to do instead.
Why It Matters:
Throwing non-recyclables into the bin doesn’t just waste effort—it can spoil entire loads. For instance, a single greasy pizza box can render a batch of cardboard unusable. Most facilities rely on automated sorting, so items that don’t fit the system—like small plastics or hazardous materials—end up as trash anyway.
1. Plastic Bags
- Why? They tangle machinery at recycling facilities.
- Instead: Take them to grocery store drop-offs for specialized recycling.
2. Greasy Pizza Boxes
- Why? Food residue contaminates paper fibers.
- Instead: Compost the soiled parts; recycle clean sections.
3. Styrofoam (Polystyrene)
- Why? It’s lightweight, brittle, and hard to process profitably.
- Instead: Check for local drop-off programs or toss it.
4. Bubble Wrap
- Why? It’s a low-grade plastic not accepted curbside.
- Instead: Reuse for shipping or find a store drop-off.
5. Drinking Straws
- Why? Too small and flexible for sorting machines.
- Instead: Switch to reusable straws.
6. Disposable Coffee Cups
- Why? Plastic linings make them non-recyclable with paper.
- Instead: Use a reusable mug.
7. Chip Bags
- Why? Mixed materials (plastic and foil) can’t be separated.
- Instead: Look into TerraCycle programs.
8. Broken Glassware
- Why? Different melting points than bottle glass.
- Instead: Wrap and discard safely in trash.
9. Ceramics
- Why? They don’t melt like recyclable glass.
- Instead: Donate usable items; trash the rest.
10. Receipts
- Why? Thermal paper often contains BPA, a contaminant.
- Instead: Toss them or go digital.
11. Plastic Cutlery
- Why? Low-quality plastic isn’t cost-effective to recycle.
- Instead: Opt for reusable utensils.
12. Aerosol Cans with Liquid
- Why? Pressurized contents pose a hazard.
- Instead: Empty fully, then check local rules—some accept them.
13. Batteries
- Why? They’re hazardous waste, not curbside material.
- Instead: Use designated drop-offs at stores or recycling centers.
14. Clothes Hangers
- Why? Mixed plastics or metal-plastic combos confuse sorting.
- Instead: Donate or return to dry cleaners.
15. Shredded Paper
- Why? Too small for standard processing; it clogs machines.
- Instead: Compost or check for special collection.
16. Wet Paper
- Why? Moisture weakens fibers, making it unusable.
- Instead: Dry it out if possible; otherwise, compost.
17. Diapers
- Why? Contaminated with organic waste.
- Instead: Landfill only—composting isn’t an option.
18. Toothpaste Tubes
- Why? Mixed materials and residue complicate recycling.
- Instead: Look for mail-in programs like Colgate’s.
19. Mirrors
- Why? Coated glass doesn’t recycle with bottles.
- Instead: Donate if intact; trash if broken.
20. Food-Soiled Foil
Instead: Clean foil can often be recycled—check locally.
Why? Grease and scraps ruin the metal’s purity.