Master the Art of Recycling: Simple Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes

1. Wishcycling: Tossing Non-Recyclables in Hope

Have you ever thought, “Surely, they can recycle this somehow!” and tossed a questionable item into the recycling bin? That’s called wishcycling, and it’s a big problem. Items like greasy pizza boxes, plastic bags, and Styrofoam often contaminate entire batches of recycling.

How to avoid it:

When in doubt, leave it out. If you’re unsure about an item, check your local recycling guidelines. Remember, quality is more important than quantity when it comes to recycling.

2. Not Knowing Your Plastics

Not all plastics are created equal. While some, like #1 PET (water bottles) and #2 HDPE (milk jugs), are widely recyclable, others, like #6 polystyrene (Styrofoam), often are not.

How to avoid it:

Look for the resin code—those little numbers inside the recycling triangle—on your plastic items. Keep a cheat sheet handy or download an app that tells you which plastics are recyclable in your area.

3. Forgetting to Rinse Containers

That yogurt container or soda can might seem fine to toss in the bin, but if it’s still dirty, it can spoil an entire load of recyclables. Food residue can attract pests and make materials like paper or cardboard unrecyclable.

How to avoid it:

Give your recyclables a quick rinse before tossing them in the bin. It doesn’t have to be spotless—just clean enough to remove food and liquid residue.

4. Putting Electronics in the Bin

Old phones, batteries, and broken appliances don’t belong in your regular recycling bin. Electronics contain valuable materials like copper and gold but also hazardous components that need special handling.

How to avoid it:

Take electronics to designated e-waste recycling centers or participate in community collection events. Many retailers and organisations also offer take-back programs.

5. Recycling Plastic Bags and Films

Plastic bags and films, like grocery bags or bubble wrap, are notorious for clogging recycling machinery. These items aren’t accepted in most curbside programs.

How to avoid it:

Instead of tossing them in your bin, collect them and drop them off at designated collection points, often found at grocery stores. Better yet, switch to reusable bags and minimize your use of single-use plastics.

6. Ignoring Local Recycling Guidelines

Recycling rules aren’t universal—they vary from city to city, depending on what facilities are available. Tossing items that aren’t accepted in your area can result in contamination or extra sorting costs.

How to avoid it:

Check with your local council or waste management service for up-to-date recycling guidelines. Many provide printable lists or apps to help you sort properly.

7. Skipping the Basics

Even the most well-intentioned recyclers sometimes forget to break down cardboard boxes or remove lids from jars and bottles. These small steps can make a big difference in how efficiently your recyclables are processed.

How to avoid it:

Flatten cardboard, remove non-recyclable elements like tape, and separate materials (e.g., lids from jars). These small actions streamline the recycling process and increase efficiency.