Things that Aren’t Recyclable

While most people are aware of the importance of recycling and the benefits it can provide to the environment, not everyone understands that there is a distinction between what can and cannot be recycled. If you're interested in going green and stepping up your recycling efforts, you may be surprised at what types of things you can't send to the recycling bin. 

🟡 Pots and Pans  

Pots and pans, along with other scrap metal and hangers, most likely can't be taken out with your normal recycling, but if you're looking to dispose of them responsibly, most scrap yards will gladly take them in. 

🟡 Styrofoam 

 Styrofoam can neither be recycled nor does it biodegrade, and you should be careful to limit your use of these types of products. 

🟡 Batteries 

Batteries and other hazardous wastes like paints and oils should never be recycled—no excuses. 

🟡 Plastic Bottle Caps 

These types of caps are typically made from polypropylene, or plastic #5, and can't be recycled 

🟡 Bubble Wrap 

Despite it being plastic, bubble wrap cannot be recycled because of the type of plastic. With that said, you can usually recycle bubble wrap with your other plastic bags near grocery stores or other nearby locations or save it for your next move! 

🟡 Plastic grocery bags 

Much of the sorting process is done by machines at recycling facilities, which means that plastic bags often cause more of a hindrance of damaging equipment than good. Most grocery stores accept used bags though. 

🟡 Aerosol cans 

Unless completely empty, most recycling centers won’t accept these products due to danger. 

🟡 Disposable diapers 

Even though you may think it is a terrible waste by throwing away thousands of these during your baby’s life, disposable diapers are not recyclable. 

🟡 Used food containers 

Even if they are made from paper or cardboard like a Chinese to-go container or pizza box, these items should be left out of your recycling bin because (unless they are washed) the food particles and grease contaminate the recycling process. The oils cannot be separated from the paper fibers. 

🟡 Certain Paper Products 

There are certain types of paper products that can't be recycled, either because of issues related to contamination or issues related to their composition. Napkins, paper towels and tissue are generally considered too contaminated to recycle. 

At The Ecofairy, our goal is to help you build a more sustainable life by offering you a line of reusable products. We offer products that last and that will help you reduce the amount of plastic you use.   

 

More info on our website: https://www.theecofairy.com