Here are some recycling truths you need to know about! I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but recycling is not the solution that will save the Earth. In fact, most of us are recycling ALL WRONG.
More often than not, we toss in the item we want to recycle, feeling great about the fact that we did something for the environment. However, we don’t often take the time to check to make sure we are recycling properly nor do we investigate where that recycling is going. We assume we are doing the right thing and therefore the right thing will happen to that item.
For so long we’ve been told this narrative of reducing, reusing, recycle. At some point, we forgot about reduction and reuse and focused on recycling. One reason is that recycling puts the action on someone else. We buy the item, use it, and it’s up to someone else to deal with it. Another reason is that recycling makes us feel good; like we’re doing our part!
In reality, there are several recycling truths you need to know about to be a better steward of the environment!
This blog post is all about painful recycling truths you need to know about!
1. Recycling can be contaminated
Here’s a recycling truth: we often contaminate our recycling! When you place items that are not accepted by your recycling hauler into the recycling bin, it is called contamination. Contamination is also created when dirty items are placed in the recycling bin. All recycled items should be clean and dry before placing them in the bin.
2. Contaminated recycling is not accepted
Incorrect and/or dirty, contaminated items that are placed in the recycling bin are not accepted. In fact, they are a major reason for the recycling crisis in the United States. When contaminated items are placed into the blue bin, they are hauled off to the recycling center and mixed with other recyclables. Sometimes these items are picked out by hand or sorted out by machines, but other times these items are incorrectly sorted, make their way into the final recyclables, or get other items in the pile dirty.
3. Contaminated recycling ends up in the landfill or incinerated
There’s a term for people who throw items into the recycling bin that don’t actually go in the bin: wishful recyclers. These are people who don’t really know if an item is recyclable but put it into the bin anyway hoping and wishing that it will be recycled. These contaminated products most often still end up being sent to the landfill by the recycling company. No matter how much we wish for a company to recycle all of our items, tossing them in the bin, regardless of what is accepted is not the answer.
4. You can live in the same state and each city accepts different types of recyclables.
Yes, you read that right. Unfortunately, there are no universal rules on what each city must accept. Some items are accepted by almost all cities, but for the most part, across the country – recycling varies from place to place.
Although recycling makes us feel good and we view it as good for the environment, recycling is still a business. Depending on the recycling hauler, they will only accept items that are beneficial for their business.
5. Plastic is one of the biggest recycling problems
According to the EPA, only about 9% of plastic is actually recycled. In addition, despite the recycling symbol placed on plastics, most of them are not recyclable in your curbside bin. All plastics are not created equal! While plastics 1 and 2 are more commonly recycled, plastics 3-7 are much less common.
6. Most recyclables are shipped overseas
Did you know that in 2016 the United States exported 16 million tons of plastic, paper, and metals to China? (source). In fact, the majority of recyclables from the United States were often shipped to countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand, Cambodia, etc. These countries do not have the infrastructure to handle our trash and it is often moving one problem to another place. Out of sight, out of mind.
How can you be a better recycler? 7 Ways to Be a Better Recycle
1. Find out what you can recycle
Go to your search engine and type “what can I recycle in *insert your city”.
2. Refuse
Refuse free “gifts”, items from solicitors, items from others you know you don’t need, free samples, etc. If you don’t really need it, refuse it.
3. Buy less
When we buy less we have less to dispose of. You don’t have to figure out if an item is recyclable if you don’t have it in the first place.
Here is a post of 19 items you should stop buying.
4. Buy items in materials you can reuse, rather than materials you can recycle
Decrease the number of items you are recycling by buying items in materials you can reuse, such as glass. I reuse my glass jars as containers or drinking glasses. Remember to reduce and reuse before recycling.
5. Clean and dry your recyclables
Recyclables with food stains are considered contamination. Make sure you empty, clean, and dry your recyclables before throwing them in the bin.
6. Stop recycling these things
- Anything food soiled (including greasy pizza boxes!)
- Beer tops
- Christmas lights
- Diapers
- Disposable cups
- Plastic bags (and plastic film)
- Needles
- Styrofoam
- Water hoses
7. Line your recycling bin with a washable liner or no liner at all
This incentivizes you to make sure your recyclables are clean and dry before placing them in the bin.
I hope you love this blog post all about painful recycling truths!
Do you recycle? Have you checked with your city/county to see exactly what is acceptable in your recycling bin? Do you have any recycling tips to share? I love to hear from you!
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