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What can be Recycled?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Almost anything can be recycled, but just because something is recyclable does not necessarily mean that it will be recycled. This depends less on what something is made out of, and more on the policies of local recycling agencies. Small agencies and garbage collection companies tend to recycle less, because they don't have the facilities for processing numerous recyclables, and they don't collect enough to justify the expense of contracting some recycling services out. For people who are really concerned about recycling, it may be necessary to drop recyclables off at several locations. For example, plastic grocery bags may not be accepted in curbside recycling, but the grocery store might have a collection point for them.

In terms of plastics, most plastics are in fact recyclable, although some are harder to recycle than others. Plastics are marked with numerical codes which indicate what kind of plastic was used in the manufacturing of the product. Recycling companies usually list the codes they will accept for recycling, and plastics marked with other codes will not be recycled by the collecting agency. However, some communities have collection points for plastics not handled by the recycling company, and it is also possible to mail them to a central location.

Motor oil can be recycled.
Motor oil can be recycled.

Glass is all fully recyclable, although recyclers do need to sort out different kinds of glass. Again, a recycling company may dictate the types of glass it will accept. If a recycling company excludes a particular glass type, there may be a local resource which will handle it. For example, a junkyard or auto body shop might take auto glass.

Paper is also highly recyclable. Many recycling companies today take all paper and cardboard, and do not require separation. Others may ask for glossy materials to be recycled separately. Electronics and appliances like computers, cell phones, fax machines, ovens, and so forth can be recycled as well, although they cannot be put in curbside pickup. Technically considered “electronic waste,” electronics can be processed at a special facility to break them down into component recyclable parts, while appliances need to be processed by specialized scrap yards.

Plastic water bottles can usually be recycled.
Plastic water bottles can usually be recycled.

Metals can be recycled, although some specialty products may need to be taken to a scrap yard. Some metals actually have monetary value; copper, for example, can be sold by weight. Products like tires and motor oil can be recycled too, although many people are not aware of this. They may need to be picked up by a specialty company. Many gas stations and auto shops will accept motor oil and tires for recycling, sometimes for a small fee.

A plastic bag.
A plastic bag.

Fabrics can be recycled, although, again, they may need to be processed by a special company. Biodegradeables like yard waste and food waste are not recyclable, but they can be composted. People who lack the space or inclination for composting may be able to arrange for pickup by a company which composts commercially.

It is always good to ask a recycling company directly if there are questions about a recyclable. If the company will not accept it, it may have suggestions about potential recycling options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials are commonly accepted for recycling?

Glass bottles can be recycled.
Glass bottles can be recycled.

Commonly accepted recyclable materials include paper, cardboard, glass bottles, aluminum cans, and certain plastics like PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and HDPE (high-density polyethylene). According to the Environmental Protection Agency, recycling these materials can significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and conserve natural resources.

Can I recycle plastic bags and wrappers?

A bag made of recycled paper.
A bag made of recycled paper.

Plastic bags and wrappers are typically not accepted in curbside recycling programs due to their tendency to clog machinery. However, many grocery stores offer collection bins for plastic bags, and specialized recycling programs exist for these materials. It's important to check with local facilities for specific guidelines.

How should I prepare items for recycling?

Cardboard can usually be recycled.
Cardboard can usually be recycled.

Items should be clean and free of food residue before recycling. Containers like bottles and jars should be rinsed out. Flattening cardboard boxes saves space in recycling bins. Removing caps from bottles is often recommended, as they are made from different plastics and may not be recyclable with the bottle itself.

Are pizza boxes recyclable?

Pizza boxes are recyclable only if they are not contaminated with grease or food. The presence of grease can compromise the integrity of the recycled material. If the top of the box is clean, it can be torn off and recycled while the soiled bottom part should be discarded or composted if available.

What happens to recycled electronics?

Glass and plastic are recyclable materials.
Glass and plastic are recyclable materials.

Recycled electronics, also known as e-waste, are processed to recover valuable materials like copper, gold, and aluminum. According to the Global E-waste Statistics Partnership, responsible recycling of e-waste ensures hazardous substances are managed and valuable materials are reclaimed, reducing the need to extract new raw materials.

Is it important to remove labels from bottles and cans before recycling?

Electronic waste can be recycled at a special facility.
Electronic waste can be recycled at a special facility.

It is not usually necessary to remove labels from bottles and cans before recycling, as modern recycling processes can handle label removal. However, it's always best to follow the specific guidelines of your local recycling program, as practices can vary depending on the recycling facility's technology and capabilities.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon1002747

The truth is there is hardly any markets for most recycled plastics. The cost of collection, sorting, trucking and then processing far out weights the value. Don't believe me? Why doesn't your laundry container brag about how much recycled plastic is in the container? Try melting something made from plastic (not burn) the volume of material is insignificant.

Animandel

One of the cleanest countries in the world as a whole has to be Germany. The cleanliness is one of the first things that you notice when you visit cities there. And the main reason for this is that the Germans recycle everything, or almost everything. Instead of asking what can be recycled it is easier to ask what can't be recycled there.

Drentel

@Sporkasia - Since you enjoy recycling and think recycling centers are good for the environment, you are not going to like what I am about to write. I have a friend who works at the center where the recycling and the trash are dropped off in my county. He says that more often than not, the things people bring in for recycling are tossed into the trash for one reason or another.

Most people don't fully follow the directions for recycling and they mix items that can be recycled with items that should go into the disposal bin, and the workers at the center just toss these drop- offs into the trash. I'm sure the procedures are different at different recycling centers, but I imagine this happens in more places than you would want to know about.

Sporkasia

This article clears up a lot of my questions. I assumed that what could be recycled in one place should also be recycled in another. However, when we moved to a new state, we learned that many of the items we were including in the recycling were not on the new recycling centers list of acceptable household items that can be recycled.

I really enjoy recycling. I think of it as a small way I can help the environment. I feel guilty now when I have to throw items into the trash when I was able to recycle them before we moved. In fact, in our old state, recycling was the law. Most people where we live now seem to just throw everything into the garbage and not even make an attempt to recycle. I think this is such a waste and a big mistake for the environment. And it takes just a little effort to separate the items.

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    • Motor oil can be recycled.
      By: Georgi Roshkov
      Motor oil can be recycled.
    • Plastic water bottles can usually be recycled.
      By: Yasonya
      Plastic water bottles can usually be recycled.
    • A plastic bag.
      By: Africa Studio
      A plastic bag.
    • Glass bottles can be recycled.
      By: Elnur
      Glass bottles can be recycled.
    • A bag made of recycled paper.
      By: rakratchada
      A bag made of recycled paper.
    • Cardboard can usually be recycled.
      By: Giuseppe Porzani
      Cardboard can usually be recycled.
    • Glass and plastic are recyclable materials.
      By: Moultipix
      Glass and plastic are recyclable materials.
    • Electronic waste can be recycled at a special facility.
      By: tankist276
      Electronic waste can be recycled at a special facility.
    • Many gas stations and autoshops accept tires for recycling.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Many gas stations and autoshops accept tires for recycling.
    • Newsprint can be recycled.
      By: caimacanul
      Newsprint can be recycled.
    • Plastic containers are often equipped with numeric symbols that allow for easier sorting.
      By: branchecarica
      Plastic containers are often equipped with numeric symbols that allow for easier sorting.
    • Aluminum cans are recyclable.
      By: simmittorok
      Aluminum cans are recyclable.
    • Computers can be recycled, but not by standard methods.
      By: DARREN CLEARE
      Computers can be recycled, but not by standard methods.
    • Soda cans are frequently recycled.
      By: Giuseppe Porzani
      Soda cans are frequently recycled.
    • Paper can be recycled to make new copy paper.
      By: bahrialtay
      Paper can be recycled to make new copy paper.
    • Some places may be able to recycle unused coolant.
      By: WimL
      Some places may be able to recycle unused coolant.
    • Plastic containers may be accepted by recycling centers.
      By: Winai Tepsuttinun
      Plastic containers may be accepted by recycling centers.
    • Yard waste is not recyclable, however it can be composted and reused.
      By: Manuela Manay
      Yard waste is not recyclable, however it can be composted and reused.