16 Items You Should Avoid Recycling — Even If They Seem Recyclable

Across the United States, recycling guidelines are not standardized. This can lead to confusion about what can be picked up at your home and what must be taken to designated drop-off sites.

It's common for people to engage in 'wish-cycling,' where they toss various materials into recycling bins, hoping they'll be recyclable. However, recycling protocols are more nuanced than this approach.

Understanding Recycling Complexity

The acceptability of materials for curbside recycling collection can differ greatly across different areas. Rajesh Buch, a sustainability expert, highlighted that differing local standards are partly due to the high costs associated with waste sorting technologies, which aren't affordable for many communities.

Incorrect disposal can lead to contaminated waste streams, with an estimated 25% contamination rate, according to the EPA. It's crucial to review what your local recycling program accepts. Websites like Earth911 offer tools to locate nearby recycling drop-off points, or companies like TerraCycle can manage recycling for you, often requiring a fee.

1. Aerosol Cans

Not all recyclers accept aerosol cans, even though their metal bodies are recyclable if emptied. The complication arises from attached plastic caps, which must be separated.

2. Batteries

Due to the risks of chemical spills and potential fires, many places like Seattle prohibit placing used batteries in landfill waste. They generally need to be dropped at a designated recycling facility.

3. Snack Packaging

Chip bags and wrappers usually feature multiple layers of materials, such as foil and plastic, which are not machine-separable in most facilities. Specific brands may offer return-to-store recycling programs.

4. Ceramic and Glassware

Most ceramics, including coffee cups and ovenware, are not recyclable because they can impair recycling machinery. Consider donating intact items instead.

5. Coffee Capsules

Although the components of coffee pods are increasingly recyclable, their size means they often escape through the spots in sorting machinery. However, returning them to manufacturers may be a viable option.

6. Disposable Diapers

Containing complex blends of materials, diapers are difficult and impractical to recycle at municipal facilities, albeit some specialized services like TerraCycle offer options.

7. Electronic Waste

Items like phones and computers incorporate diverse materials, making conventional recycling ineffective. Nevertheless, many cities offer dedicated e-waste recycling programs.

8. Pool and Inflatable Toys

With a vast range of plastics used, PVC products like pool toys may prove challenging to recycle. Review local guidelines or opt for take-back schemes.

9. Light Bulbs

Different types of bulbs require distinct disposal methods due to their chemical contents. Adjacent drop-offs or specific stores might tackle this, especially for items containing hazardous substances like mercury.

10. Medical Waste

Items like needles need proper disposal to prevent injury. Specialized take-back programs or dedicated medical waste facilities are available to manage these hazards.

11. Paper Towels

While seeming innocuous, paper towels, even when clean, aren't recognized as recyclable due to possible contamination and their short fiber lengths, limiting their reuse potential.

12. Medicine Bottles

Small medicine bottles might evade recycling processes due to their diminutive size. Community-specific guidelines will inform the acceptable practices.

13. Pizza Boxes

Pizza boxes, often saturated in grease, can taint other recyclable materials. Some facilities may accept them clean, but it's essential to differentiate beforehand.

14. Plastic Films

Plastic bags and wraps can entangle and damage electronic waste treatment mechanisms. Many shops collect these items for recycling.

15. Bottle Caps

Although caps differ in material from bottles, local guidance will clarify procedures, as some facilities can process them separately.

16. Styrofoam

Widely restricted, Styrofoam can be recycled in select formats. Specific municipalities have collection points for these materials.