Recycling is one of the easiest ways to reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and protect our environment. Yet, many people still feel confused about what actually belongs in the recycling bin.
This simple, informative guide will help you understand what can be recycled, what cannot be recycled, and why it matters.
What Can Be Recycled
1. Paper & Cardboard
Recyclable items include:
Newspapers and magazines
Office paper
Mail and envelopes (including those with windows)
Cardboard boxes (flattened)
Cereal and food boxes
Tips:
Keep paper clean and dry.
Remove excessive food residue.
Flatten cardboard boxes to save space.
2. Plastics (Check the Number!)
Most recycling programs accept plastics labeled:
#1 (PET) – water and soda bottles
#2 (HDPE) – milk jugs, detergent bottles
Some facilities also accept:
#5 (PP) – yogurt cups, food containers
Important:
Rinse containers before recycling.
Leave caps on if your local facility allows it.
Avoid putting plastic bags in curbside bins (more on that below).
3. Glass
Recyclable glass items:
Glass bottles
Glass jars (food containers)
Note:
Remove lids.
Rinse thoroughly.
Avoid broken glass unless your facility accepts it.
4. Metal
Common recyclable metals:
Aluminum cans
Steel/tin food cans
Clean aluminum foil (if not heavily soiled)
Why recycle metal?
Recycling aluminum uses up to 95% less energy than making it from raw materials.
What Cannot Be Recycled (In Most Curbside Programs)
1. Plastic Bags & Film
Grocery bags
Bread bags
Plastic wrap
These can jam recycling machines.
✔ Instead, return them to grocery store drop-off locations.
2. Food-Soiled Items
Greasy pizza boxes (bottom portion)
Used paper towels
Dirty paper plates
Food contamination can ruin entire batches of recyclables.
3. Styrofoam (Polystyrene)
Most curbside programs do not accept:
Foam cups
Takeout containers
Packing peanuts
Check for specialty recycling centers in your area.
4. Hazardous & Special Waste
These require special disposal:
Batteries
Electronics
Light bulbs
Paint
Chemicals
Look for local e-waste or hazardous waste collection events.
Common Recycling Mistakes
❌ “Wishcycling” (putting items in the bin hoping they’re recyclable)
❌ Recycling items with food residue
❌ Putting recyclables inside plastic bags
❌ Mixing trash with recycling
When in doubt, check your local recycling guidelines.
Why Recycling Correctly Matters
Recycling properly helps:
Reduce landfill waste
Lower greenhouse gas emissions
Conserve natural resources
Save energy
Protect wildlife
One contaminated load can send an entire truck of recyclables to the landfill.
Simple Recycling Checklist
Before tossing something in the recycling bin, ask:
✔ Is it clean?
✔ Is it dry?
✔ Is it made of paper, cardboard, metal, glass, or accepted plastic?
✔ Does my local facility accept it?
If the answer is yes — recycle it!
Final Thoughts
Recycling doesn’t have to be complicated. By learning the basics and avoiding common mistakes, you can make a meaningful difference every day.