Recycling is one of the easiest ways to reduce waste and help the planet, but let’s be honest—sometimes it’s confusing! Should you toss that greasy pizza box in the blue bin? Can you recycle a coffee cup? And what about those plastic takeout containers?
To make recycling easier, we’ve put together this ultimate guide with memorable tips to help you sort your waste the right way. Let’s break it down!
Paper & Cardboard: The Do’s and Don’ts
Clean, dry paper and cardboard belong in the recycling bin. Think newspapers, office paper, cereal boxes, and non-greasy cardboard.
If it’s wet, dirty, or food-stained, it belongs in the trash or compost. That means no greasy pizza boxes or used napkins!
Remember: “If it’s clean and dry, let it fly. If it’s greasy or wet, it’s a regret!”
Glass: Keep It Clear
Glass bottles and jars can be recycled. Rinse them out first to avoid contamination.
Broken glass, mirrors, light bulbs, and ceramics don’t belong in the recycling bin. These need to go in the trash or be taken to a special facility.
Remember: “If it’s a bottle or jar, recycle by far. If it shatters or shines, it’s trash this time.”
Plastics: Know Your Numbers
Most plastic bottles, jugs, and containers labeled with a recycling symbol (usually #1 and #2) can be recycled.
Plastic bags, straws, and Styrofoam? Not so fast! Many curbside programs don’t accept them. Instead, take plastic bags to a grocery store recycling bin.
Remember: “Check the number, don’t just assume. #1 and #2? Recycle them too!”
Breaking Down Plastic Numbers
#1️ PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) – Found in soda bottles, water bottles, and food jars.
Recyclable: Most curbside programs accept them. Rinse and remove caps before recycling.
#2️ HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) – Used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles, and detergent containers.
Recyclable: Widely accepted in recycling programs. Rinse before disposal.
#3️ PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – Found in plumbing pipes, shower curtains, and some food packaging.
Not easily recyclable: Check for specialized recycling programs.
#4️ LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) – Used in plastic bags, bread bags, and squeeze bottles.
Take to a grocery store drop-off bin for recycling (not usually accepted in curbside recycling).
#5️ PP (Polypropylene) – Found in yogurt containers, bottle caps, and straws.
Recyclable in some areas: Check your local recycling rules.
#6️ PS (Polystyrene or Styrofoam) – Used in foam cups, takeout containers, and packing peanuts.
Rarely recyclable: Best to avoid or check for special drop-off locations.
#7️ Other (Mixed Plastics, BPA, Polycarbonate, etc.) – Found in baby bottles, sunglasses, and some food containers.
Not typically recyclable: Look for brand-specific take-back programs.
Rule of Thumb: If it’s #1 or #2, it’s widely recyclable. For other numbers, check local guidelines.
Metal: It’s a Go for Cans!
Aluminum cans, tin cans, and empty aerosol cans are recyclable. Give them a quick rinse before tossing them in the bin.
Batteries, paint cans, and scrap metal can be recycled at special collection centers. Check your local recycling facility for drop-off locations.
Foil with food residue and other contaminated metals should go in the trash.
Remember: “Cans and tins? Throw them in! If it’s dirty or sticky, it’s icky.”
Food Waste: Compost It!
Fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, and yard waste belong in the compost bin.
Meat, dairy, and oily foods can attract pests and don’t break down well in home compost bins.
Remember: “Peels and leaves, compost with ease. Meat and cheese? No, please!”
The Tricky Ones: Where Do These Go?
Used napkins & paper towels → COMPOST (if they’re not soaked in chemicals) or TRASH
Greasy pizza boxes → COMPOST (if accepted) or TRASH (if too greasy)
Used coffee cups → TRASH (unless labeled as recyclable or compostable)
Plastic utensils & straws → TRASH (most recycling centers don’t accept them)
Takeout containers → CHECK THE SYMBOL (Some plastic types are recyclable, but foam is not)
Empty glass jars → RECYCLING (just rinse first!)
Toothpaste tubes → TRASH (or check if the brand has a recycling program)
Batteries → SPECIAL RECYCLING (take them to a collection center)
Electronics → E-WASTE RECYCLING (never in regular bins)
Clothes & shoes → DONATE or TEXTILE RECYCLING (don’t toss them in the trash!)
What Happens If We Recycle Wrong?
When non-recyclable items end up in the recycling bin, they can contaminate an entire batch. That means good recyclables might get sent to the landfill instead!
Avoid “wishcycling”—throwing items in the recycling bin and hoping they can be recycled. If you’re unsure, check your local recycling guidelines.
Quick Recycling Cheat Sheet
Recycle: Clean paper, cardboard, plastic bottles (check number), aluminum & tin cans, glass bottles & jars.
Trash: Plastic utensils, greasy pizza boxes, used napkins, broken glass.
Compost: Food scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, yard waste.
Final Thought: “Sort it smart, do your part!”
The more we all recycle properly, the bigger impact we can make. Got questions? Drop them in the comments below!