A University at Buffalo study reveals
the top 5 most common recycling mistakes New Yorkers make.
Most New Yorkers (83%) believe that recycling is important. And while residents are recycling many items “right”, (such as metal cans and milk jugs), there are certain items that are commonly tossed in the recycling bin that don’t belong. Below are the top 5 items that are most confusing to New York State residents:
5. Plastic Pouches
Many plastic food and beverage pouches (such as those used for yogurt, juice, applesauce, and baby food) are not widely recyclable. This is because they are too soiled with food and difficult to sort from other recyclables due to their flexible nature. Likewise, instant soup and instant rice bags are often made from layers of mixed plastic and aluminum materials, which makes them difficult to recycle. It is best to avoid them or toss them in the garbage.
4. Receipts
Even though they are made of paper, receipts do not belong in your recycling bin. This is because most receipts are made with thermal paper containing chemical compounds that affect their ability to be made into new products. The best way to dispose of receipts is in the trash, but if you’re able to, next time skip the slip and if possible, ask for a digital receipt.
3. Batteries, Electronics, Cell Phones
Although recyclable, batteries, electronics, and cell phones, do NOT belong in the regular recycling bin. They can cause dangerous fires in trucks and facilities so recycling these items requires specialized equipment.
To recycle batteries, electronics, and cell phones “right”, use the drop-off site locator tools below:
RRNY Electronics Recycling Locator Map
Additionally, service suppliers offering cell phones for sale are required to provide free recycling of cell phones. Learn more.
2. Plastic Bags
Plastic bags are recyclable, but they DO NOT belong in your regular recycling bin. Why not? They are “tanglers”: things that can wrap around equipment at a recycling processing facility putting both the workers and machinery at risk. Other tanglers include clothing, ropes, strands of lights, hoses, wires, chains, blinds, cords, and metal hangers.
1. Ceramics and Drinking Glasses
Did you know that certain forms of glass are not widely accepted in regular recycling programs? Because of the varying makeup of different types of glass, items such as wine glasses, assorted drinking cups, mirrors, light bulbs, and ceramics (whether broken, or whole) cannot be recycled. Check your local recycling guidelines to see which types of glass items are accepted in your local program.
With so many different products and materials we encounter each day, it’s no wonder many people are confused about what belongs in the recycling bin. To avoid mistakes it is important to remember that just because an item contains plastic, metal, glass, or paper does not necessarily mean it belongs in the recycling bin. Another key thing to note is that a recycling symbol on an item does not always mean it is recyclable.
Further adding to the confusion, the truth is that local recycling guidelines vary from place to place. That's why it is essential that you Know Before You Throw and check your local guidelines.
When you recycle “right”, you help local recycling systems successfully collect, sort, market, and manufacture recyclable materials into renewed products, which in turn generates many benefits for our communities, natural environments, and local economies.
Content for this page was developed based on findings from a study done by the University at Buffalo.
Interested in more New York State recycling and reuse behavior data? Visit the UB Initiative for Recycling Research and Innovation here.