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  1. Home
  2. Better Life

8 things you can’t actually recycle

Although you might think you can. - by Laura Barry
  • 15 Oct 2019
8 things you can’t actually recycle

National Geographic has released a series of useful infographics online to help people understand why some products can be recycled, and why others can’t. It has since been shared on social media several times, and you may be surprised by the items on this list of non-recyclables.

1. Coffee cups

Although it looks like paper, the inside of your average takeaway cup is lined with plastic. Since it’s made from two different materials, it can’t be recycled unless those materials are separated, which is impossible to do by hand.

2. Greasy pizza boxes

Although cardboard can be recycled, it isn’t heated using the recycling process which means if it is contaminated with oils, grease or pulp it will contaminate an entire batch of recycled cardboard.

infographic
National Geographic

3. Tissues and paper towel

Due to being contaminated with cleaning products and food waste, these items cannot be cleaned and therefore cannot be recycled.

4. Dirty plastics

Dirty plastics won’t be recycled, so make sure you rinse away any dirt, food or debris.

recycling infographic
National Geographic

5. Mirrors

The type of glass used in mirrors in non-recyclable – but do try to give it away or donate it before throwing it in the trash.

6. Wrapping paper

Particularly important to remember at Christmas, wrapping paper that is glittery, foiled or shiny is not recyclable as it cannot be mulched.

wrapping paper infographic
National Geographic

7. Sticky tape in all its variations

It’s important that if you want to recycle paper or cardboard, that you remove all tape. Tape is made from a particular plastic that cannot be recycled and can prevent paper from being mulched effectively during the recycling process.

8. Shredded paper

Who knew!? Shredded paper is difficult to sort from non-recyclable material and can potentially clog machinery, so it’s better to send it to the compost pile instead.

You might also like:

How to dispose of common household items 

Easy changes to live a more sustainable life at home 

Watch the video below to learn how to turn plastic bags into a funky new tote!

Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

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{headline}

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