We’ve all had that moment of feeling good about recycling—disposing of that coffee cup or takeout container thinking we’re doing our part. And we learn that most recycling never actually gets recycled. But, as with all good intentions, our optimism can sometimes be misguided. Some items we toss in the recycling bin, thinking we’re helping the environment, may in fact be hindering the process.
The reality is that not everything can be recycled, depending on where you are. Certain papers, glass, and plastics simply don’t make the cut. It’s essential to check with your local service provider for specifics, but here are some general offenders—and suggestions on what you can do instead.
Aerosol Cans
They may be made of metal, but the chemicals and propellants inside make these cans hazardous, so most recycling centers treat them as such.
Batteries
Batteries are another item best kept separate from regular trash and curbside recycling. Find a designated drop-off for proper disposal.
Brightly Dyed Paper
The intense dyes in colored papers behave just like that red sock in your white laundry—rendering the whole batch un-recyclable.
Ceramics and Pottery
Items like coffee mugs, while sturdy, are not recyclable. Try reusing them in the garden, where they can have a second life.
Diapers
It’s simply not cost-effective to recycle disposable diapers, which are a mix of paper and plastic. In some communities like in Canada, diapers are collected as compost and are shredded into a kind of compost. But just think of all the microplastics going back into the system. Buy reusable, cloth diapers instead.
Hazardous Waste
This includes things like household chemicals, motor oil, and antifreeze. Motor oil is recyclable, but be sure to handle it separately—your community likely has specific guidelines for hazardous waste.
Household Glass
While food containers like bottles and jars are recyclable, items like mirrors, light bulbs, and window panes aren’t suitable for the recycling bin. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) can be recycled but should be disposed of carefully due to their mercury content.
Juice Boxes & Coated Cardboard Containers
Some newer models are recyclable, marked specifically for reprocessing, but many aren’t—especially those disposable coffee cups from your favorite café. They might look like paper cups but they are lined with plastic.
Medical Waste
Items like syringes and tubing fall into the biohazard category and should be disposed of through special channels.
Napkins & Paper Towels
These have absorbed too much residue to be recyclable, but you can compost them instead.
Pizza Boxes
The grease in pizza boxes makes them unsuitable for recycling. Some composting experts accept them, though others advise against it. Either way, it’s either the compost or trash.
Plastic Bags & Plastic Wrap
These are notorious for clogging recycling machinery, but they can often be reused or returned to your grocery store for proper recycling. Look for bioplastics made from algae or sugarcane.
Plastic-Coated Boxes & Non-recyclable Plastics
Plastic-coated containers and certain plastics without recycling marks can’t be processed by most systems. Dispose of them properly.
Plastic Screw-On Tops
Though your plastic bottle might be recyclable, small plastic caps aren’t—dispose of these separately, and remember, they can be a choking hazard.
Shredded Paper
Shredded paper is tough to recycle, as it’s hard for facilities to identify the type of paper. Compost it, or use it in your garden as mulch.
Styrofoam
Check if your community has a special facility for Styrofoam recycling—otherwise, it’s trash.
Takeout Containers
Plastic containers can be recycled if properly cleaned. Oily residue left behind makes them unrecyclable, so rinse them thoroughly before tossing them in the bin.
Tires
Tires require separate disposal, often with a fee collected at the point of sale.
Tyvek Shipping Envelopes
These are often made of non-recyclable material. Find alternative ways to reuse or dispose of them properly.
Wet Paper
Waterlogged paper is a no-go in most recycling systems. The fibers become damaged, leading to contamination risks.
Wire Hangers
Most recycling centers don’t handle wire. Take them back to your dry cleaner, who will likely be happy to reuse them.
Yogurt Cups
Plastics with recycling numbers three through seven are often not accepted by most systems, including those yogurt cups and other food containers.
Every community’s recycling system has its own set of guidelines, and some may be stricter than others. It’s always worth checking in with your local service provider for clarity, and many municipal programs are happy to provide written instructions. If you find that your local system doesn’t handle an item reach out to your local eco NGOs to get something started – maybe a new business opportunity, like ReNuble.
Recycling may seem simple, but it’s a process that demands our care. When in doubt, don’t just recycle—reuse, repurpose, and give the earth a second chance to breathe.
