Most paper products can be recycled. Magazines, colored paper, newspaper, and phone books can all be recycled. [2] X Research source Most recycling plants can even take stapled paper and spiral notebooks, and sticky notes. [3] X Research source If you have gift wrap that has a shiny, laminated texture, it probably can’t be recycled. You likely won’t be able to recycle anything that held liquid, paper towels, or paper that has been coated in plastic. [4] X Research source Refrigerated/frozen food boxes are generally NOT recyclable due to the way they’re made with the exception of “aseptic cartons” like milk and juice cartons. [5] X Trustworthy Source State of Oregon Official website for the State of Oregon Go to source If you’re recycling cardboard boxes or paper bags, flatten and stack them to make them easier to process. Shredded paper or paper that has been exposed to liquids of any kind cannot be recycled. With that said, some municipalities may still take these products and separate what’s recyclable from what isn’t. You should check you’re your local government, though. [6] X Research source
Plastics with a 1, 2, or 5 on them are almost always recyclable. So long as they aren’t contaminated, go ahead and throw them in the recycling bin. Number 3 plastic, which is PVC, and number 7 plastic, which is a miscellaneous category, are rarely recyclable. Check with your local government or recycling service to see if they’ll take these. Plastics with a 4, 6 on them are occasionally recyclable, but it really depends on where you live. A few plastic items seem like they’d be recyclable, but aren’t. Plastic bags, straws, disposable cups, and tissue boxes can’t be processed. [8] X Research source
In some states, you can make money by turning your glasses into a collection center. The one exception here is broken glass. It poses a hazard to sanitation workers, and it’s extremely difficult to process. Throw out any broken glass. [11] X Research source If the glass had any oil or hazardous residue on it, play it safe by throwing it out. You may end up contaminating other materials if you toss it in the recycling bin.
If the metal is sharp or damaged in a way where someone may cut themselves, don’t put it in your recycling bin. The only metals that can’t be recycled are metals that contain mercury (like metal thermometers), and metals with cathodes ray tubes in them, which are found in old TVs and computers. [13] X Research source Metals with some kind of electrical wiring, like a dryer or iPod, are usually not recyclable. These products can often be taken apart for scrap though, so check with your local recycling center or scrapyard.
You can find a recycling center or drop-off location for batteries in the United States by visiting http://www. call2recycle. org/. There are also mail-in services you can use to ship your batteries to a recycling center meant specifically for this. [15] X Research source The process for recycling rechargeable batteries or car batteries is kind of complicated. For anything outside of those basic batteries that go in your remote, contact your local government or recycling plant to see where you can take them. [16] X Research source
You can often recycle TVs, computers, cameras, drones, musical equipment, printers, and speakers. Just make sure that you remove any batteries before setting them out. [18] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U. S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source You may need to arrange for large appliances to be picked up by a junk removal service. You can always donate old electronics. A lot of nonprofit organizations and schools will accept things like old computers. [19] X Expert Source Kathryn KelloggEco-friendly Living Expert Expert Interview. 28 June 2019. If you’re getting rid of a computer or phone, be sure to wipe it of any personal information before you throw it out. [20] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source
You can actually refill ink and toner cartridges a few times before you need to dispose of them, so do that to reduce waste if you can! Ink and toner cartridges aren’t exceptionally difficult to recycle, but most people just toss them out because they don’t know they can be processed![22] X Research source
Spent oil can also contaminate water supplies, since it’s so difficult to get it out of water. [24] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U. S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source
Cleaning products, like oven cleaner or rust remover, and home improvement goods, like solvents and paint. Anything containing mercury, like thermometers and fluorescent lights. Automotive materials, like fuel, antifreeze, and filters. Needles, syringes, and medicine.
Food, alcohol, wood, clothing, lighting, tires, concrete, and foam are the most common contaminants. These items can render your entire bin unrecyclable, so just throw them out. If you’re in doubt about whether something is clean enough to be recycled, throw it in the garbage just to play it safe. The risk is rarely worth it.
Packing peanuts, Styrofoam, and plastic utensils. Ceramic cookware and insulated coffee cups. Bubble wrap, shower curtains, and liners. Laminated packaging, toys, and mirrors.
If you can’t find any information online, feel free to call your local sanitation department to find out where you can find more information.
You aren’t always going to get it perfect. There are probably going to be times when you accidentally put something in the recycling bin that isn’t supposed to be there, so always check your bin after it gets picked up and don’t beat yourself up if you make a mistake!
Even if it isn’t required, do your best to keep similar items together to make things easier for the recycling facility. Stack cardboard on top of other cardboard, and keep your aluminum cans in the same portion of the bin.
