Recycling is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect the environment. But the process is not always as simple as it may seem. People who do recycling have the best intentions but they might make mistakes. These mistakes can hinder recycling efforts and may cause more harm than good.
If you are looking to improve your recycling habits and avoid common mistakes, here are some mistakes that you need to avoid.
1. Recycling Dirty Containers
One of the most common recycling mistakes is tossing dirty containers into the bin. Whether it’s a yogurt cup with a spoonful left at the bottom or a greasy pizza box, these items can contaminate an entire batch of recyclables.
To avoid this, always rinse out containers before recycling them. Even a quick rinse is better than nothing. As for pizza boxes, if they’re covered in grease, it’s best to tear off and recycle the clean parts, while throwing away the greasy sections.
2. Putting Plastic Bags in the Recycling Bin
Plastic bags are a major problem for recycling centers. They get tangled in the machinery, causing delays and costly repairs. Despite many people’s good intentions, plastic bags should never go in your regular curbside recycling bin.
Instead, take your plastic bags to designated drop-off locations, often found at grocery stores or retail centers. If you’re unsure where to go, check with your local recycling center for guidance. By keeping plastic bags out of your curbside bin, you’re helping recycling centers run smoothly and efficiently.
3. Assuming All Plastics Are Recyclable
Not all plastics are created equal. Just because something is plastic doesn’t mean it’s recyclable. Many people mistakenly assume all plastic can go into their recycling bin, but this is far from true. Plastics labeled with numbers 1 and 2 are usually accepted by most recycling programs, but others, like plastic utensils or Styrofoam, often aren’t.
Before tossing any plastic item into the recycling bin, check the number on the bottom of the container. If you’re unsure whether it’s recyclable, check with your local program to avoid contamination.
4. Ignoring Specialty Recycling for Metals
Steel, aluminum, and other metals are highly recyclable, but many people don’t realize just how easy it is to recycle them. Items like old steel appliances, metal scraps, or even large steel containers shouldn’t be placed in regular bins but should instead go through proper channels like steel recycling programs.
Steel recycling ensures that valuable materials are reused instead of wasted, and it helps cut down on the need for new resources. Next time you’re cleaning out your garage or getting rid of an old appliance, look for a steel recycling option near you to dispose of it properly.
5. Trying to Recycle Confidential Documents without Shredding
Many people recycle paper without realizing that some of it contains personal information, such as old bills, bank statements, or medical records. While it’s good to recycle, throwing sensitive documents directly into the recycle bin can put you at risk for identity theft.
You can avoid this risk by using a service that offers document destruction before recycling your confidential papers. Paper shredding services ensure that your private information is securely destroyed before it enters the recycling stream.
