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.
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.
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.
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!
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