Realistic Recycling

By Ashley V.

First off, Happy Global Recycling Day! In honor of today, I wanted to bust some common misconceptions around recycling and give you some useful tips to become better recyclers and stewards of the Earth. 

Misconception #1: If I see the Recycling Symbol on a Package, it’s Recyclable. 

Wrong. Just because it has the recycling symbol on it doesn’t mean it is recyclable.¹ The three arrows do not mean anything. The only thing that matters is the number inside the three arrows. There are several different types of plastics, and they are not all recycled the same. Different plastics have different melting points and cannot be broken down and reformed into new plastic together. Check your local recycler to find out which number plastics they accept. Unfortunately, any plastics not accepted should be thrown away in the garbage. 

Misconception #2: Recycling is the Same Everywhere. 

Wrong. Every single municipality handles recycling differently. That is why it can be so frustrating to determine what is recyclable and not because it is different everywhere. Do not assume that just because you can recycle plastic in your town means that other places recycle it too. Same for glass, aluminum, and paper. This is something to be extra vigilant about when at work or traveling.

Misconception #3: I am not sure if an item is recyclable, I will put it in the recycling bin and hope for the best. 

Wrong. This is called “wishful recycling,” and I think we have all been guilty of this a time or two. However, what we don’t realize is how harmful this is. By throwing in non-recyclable items, we have contaminated the recycling stream, and this could cause it to be sent to the landfill instead. By putting items in the recycling bin that do not belong, we are causing more headache and struggle for our recyclers. At the end of the day, it’s easier for them to send it to the landfill than to try and sort every single piece of recycling. We can do better to make their jobs easier. If you want to learn more about the harmful effects of “wishful recycling,” check out this blog post by the University of Washington. 

Even though it is Global Recycling Day, we need to acknowledge that recycling is not the answer to our current waste problems. We need to recognize that what we consider waste should be considered opportunity.² We need to manage our resources better and create more opportunities to reduce, then reuse, and then recycle as a last resort. To become efficient and responsible with our resources, we might want to re-evaluate how we handle materials and add a few steps to that phrase…

1. RETHINK – Be mindful of our choices as they have an impact.
2. REFUSE – Don’t consume what you don’t need.
3. REDUCE – Use less, consume less.
4. REUSE – Sharing is caring, give old objects a new life.
5. REPAIR – Fix an item instead of replacing or throwing it away.
6. RE-GIFT – Just because you don’t need it doesn’t mean someone else won’t.
7. RECOVER – Upcycle whenever possible.
8. RECYCLE – Your last option. What you cannot use, recycle into new materials. 

These additional steps really help us start to re-evaluate our choices when it comes to items and objects in our life. It is important to remember that recycling should be a last resort, not your first when it comes to waste in your household.  

Actionable Tips: 

• Go to your local municipality’s website and learn what they CAN and CANNOT recycle. Then, pay attention to what you throw away and what you recycle. When in doubt, throw it out! If you are unsure about an item, air on the side of caution or take the time to look it up. 
• Clean out your items before you put them in the recycling bin. Food residue and remaining liquid can cause items to be sent to the landfill. Just give them a quick rinse before placing them in your recycling bin. 
• Not all paper products are created or recycled the same. If the paper is waxy or is coated with plastic, it cannot be recycled. Pay attention to the paper you are putting in your recycle bin.
• Do not put your recyclables in a plastic bag. Toss them in loose because plastic bags clog up the recycling machines and cause major havoc.
• Try to reduce the amount of waste and recyclables in your home. Check out our other blog posts and resources to learn how you can reduce your waste footprint.

Sources:

1- https://ecologycenter.org/plastics/ptf/report9/

2- https://www.globalrecyclingday.com/

Resources: 

https://www.recycleacrossamerica.org/tips-to-recycle-right