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.
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.
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.
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.
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.