You might be surprised to learn that there are actually quite a few things that can’t be recycled. While most people know that things like batteries and light bulbs can’t go in the recycling bin, there are actually quite a few other items that can’t be recycled either. Here are some surprising things that are not recyclable:
Shredded Paper
Shredding your documents before throwing them away is still a good idea, especially if you want to keep your files confidential. However, if you are shredding your paper so that it can be recycled, you are probably doing it wrong. Shredding paper destroys its natural fibres, which means that it will not hold its shape well if it is recycled, so the best thing to do with shredded paper is to put it into your green recycling bin, as, once it has decomposed, it can be used as mulch or compost!
Paper and/or Cardboard Food Containers
Putting paper and cardboard materials contaminated with food in the recycling bin significantly affects the quality of the recycled materials. The grease and other substances from the food can jam the recycling machines and make the recycled materials less valuable. It is therefore always best to wipe, wash or remove the parts contaminated with food before recycling.
Paper cups and drink cartons
Paper cups and drink cartons can’t always be recycled as they often have a wax or plastic lining, which makes them even more difficult to recycle.
Paper towels, napkins, and tissue products
Paper towels, napkins, and tissue products are made of paper, so in theory, they can be recycled. However, they are often too small in size to make it through the industrial recycling process, so often the best course of action is simply to throw them into the domestic waste.
Loose bottle caps
Most recycling facilities cannot recycle plastic bottle caps because they are too small and often made out of a different type of plastic than the bottle itself. Larger plastic lids, however, can be recycled as long as they are larger than fist size and clean.
Disposable nappies
Disposable nappies are single-use items that are used once and then thrown away. They are made from a mix of materials, including plastics and paper, which makes them difficult to recycle. Most of the time, they end up in landfills.
Ceramics
Ceramic products cannot be recycled because they are made of different materials than glass. Glass is made of silica, which can be melted down and reformed, but ceramic products are made of clay and other minerals which cannot be melted.
Grocery Plastic Bags
The majority of thin plastic bags that are commonly used cannot be recycled because they are made from high-density polyethene, which is too narrow to be recycled by machines. On the other hand, thicker plastic bags made from low-density polyethene can be recycled.
Small pieces of metal
Small pieces of metal, such as screws, nails and washers, can contaminate recycled materials and cause problems in the manufacturing process. For this reason, small pieces of metal are not usually accepted in recycling programs.
Batteries, mobile phones, and electronic waste
The materials mentioned are recyclable but should not be put in your general waste bin. This is because they can be hazardous to handle. There are specific drop-off points for these items where they can be recycled safely. Electronic items, including printer cartridges, also have specific drop-off points. You should contact your local Council to find the local drop-off locations.
Balloons
Even though they’re made of plastic, people assume that balloons are always recyclable. However, this is not the case. Latex balloons can decompose up to four years, so your best bet is to find another use for them instead of throwing them away. Releasing balloons into the sky also harms the environment, so it’s best to avoid doing that.
Wrapping Paper
Some wrapping paper cannot be recycled because it has shiny, glittery plastic details. The plastic tape that is often left on the wrapping paper also cannot be recycled. Recycled and reusable wrapping paper is a better alternative.
Plastic Toys
If you want to be eco-friendly during Christmas, one thing you can do is avoid buying plastic toys. This is because plastic toys often contain many different materials, which makes them difficult to recycle. A better option is to buy wooden toys made from natural materials. You can also donate old toys to families who will appreciate them.
The Benefits of Recycling
Recycling has many benefits, including reducing environmental pollution, conserving natural resources, creating jobs, and improving public safety.
- Reducing Environmental Pollution
Recycling reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. When materials are recycled, they are broken down into their component parts and reused. This process reduces the number of toxins, heavy metals, and other materials that are released into the environment.
- Conserving Natural Resources
Recycling helps to conserve natural resources. When materials are recycled, they are not wasted. Instead, they are used to create new products or materials that can be used again and again.
- Creating Jobs
Recycling jobs are often created in the manufacturing process. Materials that are recycled must be processed and converted into new products. This process requires skilled workers and often creates jobs in the manufacturing sector.
- Improving Public Safety
Recycling can improve public safety. When materials are recycled properly, they are safe to handle and do not create environmental hazards.
How to Know If an Item Is Recyclable
There are a few ways to know if an item is recyclable.
- Check the bottom of the item. Many plastic items have a recycling symbol on the bottom. This symbol will indicate what type of plastic the item is made from.
- Look for a recycling sticker. Some local authorities will put a recycling sticker on an item to indicate that it can be recycled.
- Check your local authority’s website. Local authorities often have a list of what can and cannot be recycled. This list will usually be broken down by type of material.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, there are a surprising number of things that are not recyclable. This can be frustrating for people trying to do their part to reduce their environmental impact, but it is important to be aware of what can and cannot be recycled. By knowing what can and cannot be recycled, we can all work together to create a more sustainable future.
Get open skip hire here at Enviro Skip Hire. We offer a wide range of skip sizes and aggregates in Cheshire, UK. Contact us.
