A Guide to What Can & What Cannot Be Recycled

Do you think everything can be recycled? No. Have you ever noticed a waste recycling bin? Well, that is there so that you only put the waste material that can be recycled and throw the rest in normal garbage bins. We have to understand plastic waste management and recycling so that we can lead a responsible and sustainable lifestyle. Now, you must be confused and wondering what can and cannot be recycled. So let us guide you here.

Why Should We Recycle?

Before anything else, let’s first understand why recycling is important. Recycling is one of the best ways to reduce waste, save natural resources, and keep our planet clean. Recycling gives materials like paper, plastic, glass and metal a new life. Instead of piling landfills and garbage bins, recycled material can be repurposed for better use. Also, you would be amazed to know that recycling helps fight pollution and protects animals from ingesting harmful waste.

Now, are you ready to understand what goes in the recycling bin and what doesn’t?

What CAN Be Recycled?

Let’s look at some of the common household items that belong in the recycling bin:

1.  Paper & Cardboard

 Newspapers, magazines, and books

 Cereal boxes (without the plastic liner)

 Paper bags

 Junk mail and envelopes

Note: Make sure there’s no food or grease on paper items like pizza boxes or cereal boxes.

2. Plastic

 Water bottles (Should be empty when you throw them in the recycle bin)

 Milk jugs and juice bottles

 Shampoo and detergent bottles

 Plastic food containers (like yoghurt cups, takeaway boxes, etc)

Note: Check for a recycling symbol with numbers 1 or 2 at the bottom of the plastic container. Those are the ones you can put for recycling.

3. Metal

 Soda cans

 Food cans

 Aluminum foil (clean and crumpled)

 Bottle caps and lids

Note: Rinse out food cans before recycling them!

4. Glass

 Glass bottles

 Jars (like pasta sauce, jam jars or pickle jars)

Note: Make sure the glass bottles are not broken and don’t throw pieces of glass in the recycling bin.

What CANNOT Be Recycled?

One thing is for sure. Not everything can be recycled. Here are some common items that should be trashed or properly disposed of in other ways:

1. Food & Greasy Items

• Greasy pizza boxes
• Used paper napkins or tissues
• Leftover food (The best way to dispose of leftover food is to compost it!)

2.  Plastic that CANNOT be recycled

• Plastic bags (like grocery bags need to be taken to a special recycling bin at the store)
• Straws (They are small and lightweight for recycling machines)
• Plastic utensils (They’re usually made from mixed plastics)
• Chip bags and candy wrappers (They have layers of different materials)

3. Glass that CANNOT be recycled

• Mirrors and window glass (They have special coatings)
• Light bulbs
• Ceramics (Like broken mugs or plates)

4. Other Items that CANNOT be recycled 

• Batteries (Recycle them separately at electronics stores)
• Styrofoam (It’s not recyclable in most places)
• Clothes and shoes (Donate them instead!)
• Electronics (There are electronic waste centres for such items)

Simple Recycling Tips

So, you have understood what goes into recycling and what doesn’t. But do you know how you can be a recycling hero? Here are some super cool tips for you!

• Reuse – Before tossing something, think of ways to use it again. For example, your old t-shirts can become cleaning rags, and glass jars can hold snacks or coins.
• Start a Recycling Challenge – Compete with your friends or family to see who can recycle the most in a week. Interesting, right?
• Create Exciting DIY Projects – Turn old magazines into collages or plastic bottles into bird feeders.
• Spread the Word – Teach your friends and classmates what you’ve learned about recycling and encourage them to start recycling as well!

Recycling doesn’t have to be confusing. All you need to know is that if it’s clean and made of paper, plastic, metal, or glass, it’s probably recyclable! If you’re not sure, check the recycling symbol or ask an adult. You can also learn about topics like recycling, sustainability, etc through our online quiz competition where you can play and win exciting prizes.

Every small effort matters! By recycling the right way, you’re helping make the world a cleaner, greener place. Are you ready to do your bit? Be a recycling hero today!