4 Things You Need to Stop Recycling
Recycling is great for our environment and neighborhoods but it can be hard to tell exactly what you should recycle. We all know the basics but did you know some things simply can not be recycled or can cause more of an issue at the recycling plant. Here is a list of 4 common things people try to recycle but should stop.
4 Things You Need to Stop Recycling
Disposable Coffee Cups
Coffee has become a big part of our day to day lives. From Starbucks to Tim Hortons to Big B and other fan favorites it’s hard to find someone that doesn’t enjoy a nice cup of joe on the go.
Unfortunately, the disposable cups they often come in can be a mess for recycling companies. Most disposable coffee cups have a polyethylene coating to prevent the liquid from soaking through. This coating makes cups non-recyclable. If the cup is plastic you may be able to recycle it but you need to check for a recycling symbol and rinse the cup out first. When in doubt bring your own reusable cup.
Takeout Containers
When you order takeout or take home leftovers from a restaurant they come in plastic or foam containers. While most of these containers are recyclable it’s the food that can often render these containers un-recyclable. If containers are heavily soiled and contain food or grease residue your recycling service will have to sort through and remove them. Light residue can be rinsed out of most containers but any heavy residue will need to be thrown away instead.
Plastic Wrap and Bags
Even though plastic wrap is made of plastic it can cause more issues than it does good. Plastic wrap and other stringy types of plastic can cause issues for recycling equipment. The stretchy stringy material can bind up in machines and cause blockages and backups. It’s best to avoid putting these types of products in the recycling bin. Plastic bags can have much of the same effect if not sorted out. If you wish to recycle these materials it’s best to look for a store or center that accepts these specific items and can have them properly recycled.
Bottle Caps
Small items like bottle caps can also gum up recycling machines. Things like bottle caps, dental floss containers, travel toiletry bottles, and deodorant containers all pose potential problems for recycling equipment. This means employees have to sort through recycling containers to pick objects out or constantly fix machines.
While you should recycle and do your part to help our communities it’s important to know what you can and cannot recycle. If you are curious, be sure to ask your local recycling or trash disposal company what can be recycled. Be sure to check with your local company like V’s Waste and know what you shouldn’t recycle.