Hello World! Welcome Friends! Recycling is great for the environment, but it isn’t always the best option, despite having the best intentions. Not everything is recyclable, and for those that are, it’s always best to follow the local disposal and recycling regulations. So what can or can’t you safely recycle? Let’s find out.
When Uncertain, Disposal Is the Best Option
Curbside recycling is ideal if you are sure it’s the best action. Now, you must be wondering, isn’t it better to place waste in the recycle bin to prevent it from ending in a landfill? Unfortunately, incorrect disposal can lead to contamination. For instance, a study by the University of Florida found that 25% of items in the recycling stream were contaminated. As a result, so many non-recyclable materials would end up in the Materials Recovery Facilities (MRF).
Examples of waste that often contaminates recyclable items include:
- Plastic bags
- Pizza and frozen food boxes
- Electrical Cords
- Colored paper
- Food waste
- The wrong plastic materials
- Hazardous waste
Even though takeout boxes are made of paperboard, most have a plastic film, which would prevent these boxes from breaking down during the standard MRF recycling process. In some cases, contaminants lead to machine malfunction.
For instance, plastic bags and cords could get caught between the axles putting workers in danger and resulting in downtime. Things like used syringes and diapers also pose significant health risks. Ultimately, a stack with boundless contaminants ends up in a landfill, negating recycling efforts.
For this reason, we recommend finding the existing local guidelines or seeking residential trash collection services. Even so, it helps to know the available responsible trash collection programs.
- Batteries. Take them to hazardous waste collection sites or the local takeback and drop-off programs
- Bulbs. Check your county’s guidelines for information on the disposal day, site, and fee per bulb
- Propane tanks. Return to the place of purchase or wait until there’s a hazardous waste recycling event to dispose of these items
- Plastic wraps. Return to your local grocery store
- Cords. Seek guidance from the municipal solid waste office. Alternatively, check with your local Best Buy
- Clothes. Place them in the donation bin or take them to a store that participates in takeback programs
- Place ceramics, glasses, food wrappers, diapers, and yard waste (tree stumps and rocks) in the trash
Avoid placing recyclable materials in plastic bags. Instead, use paper bags. Also, there are specific items that require extra caution during disposal.
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials include solid and liquid waste like paint, brake fluid, nail polish remover, cleaning solvents, and pesticides. Such items can be highly flammable and toxic, so you mustn’t place them inside curbside trash bins. We recommend asking around about drop-off sites and events or seeking assistance from the municipality officials.
Furniture
There are several disposal options available. You could start by speaking to your local waste division to arrange a pick-up day. Remember, the localities don’t offer this service free of charge. Alternatively, you could:
- Look up thrift shops that pick up furniture
- List it on an online shopping site until it gets a new owner
- Take it to a dumping site if allowed
- Give it away during bulk collection day
Electronics
Like hazardous materials, electronics contain toxic components like lead. We, therefore, recommend donating them to NGOs, tech firms, or designated e-waste drop-off centers. Ensure you delete all personal information to prevent leaking sensitive information or identity theft.
What About Medication?
Prescriptions and supplements are also waste types that many dispose of incorrectly. Ideally, it would be best if you took them to an FDA-approved takeback site. However, this option may not be feasible depending on where you live.
In such scenarios, it’s wise to flush them to prevent accidents, especially if you have kids and pets around. Alternatively, you could mix the pills with food waste or pet litter. Also, be sure to scratch the prescription details off the container.
In Sum
Recycling waste is a positive habit. Even so, not every material should go into a recycling bin. Electronics and hazardous materials could leak toxic metals, which would harm humans, animals, and the environment. A good rule of thumb is to seek guidance or place it in the trash if an item’s recyclability is in doubt.
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