What You Can and Can’t Recycle
Recycling is an easy and great way to help our planet. 5-Minute Crafts will show you some things you can and can’t recycle, so you’re sure you’re doing everything right.
Things you can recycle:
1. Paper and cardboard
Paper is one of the easiest materials to recycle. You can recycle newspapers, magazines, junk mail, and a lot of other paper. Paperboard and cardboard are also very easy to recycle.
2. Plastic bottles
Plastic bottles used for water, soda, and juice can also be recycled. It helps the environment tremendously.
3. Aluminum and steel cans
Aluminum retains its properties indefinitely, so it’s great to recycle. Doing this makes it possible to use 95% less energy to make new items. Steel cans can also be recycled, but make sure to rinse them out beforehand.
4. Glass containers
Glass containers used for food and beverages are 100% recyclable. Recycling glass is also very environmentally friendly.
Things you can’t recycle:
1. Pizza boxes
Pizza boxes are made with cardboard, but they usually become dirty with grease, cheese, and other food. Once the paper is soiled, it can’t be recycled because the paper fibers can’t be separated from the oils.
2. Plastic bags
Don’t put plastic bags in the curbside bin, as they can get wrapped on the equipment of the recycling facility and mess with the whole process of recycling. Instead, there are communities that are responsible for this kind of trash. Have a look and see if there are any in your community.
3. Wood
Wood can’t be recycled. However, you can always look for a composting program around your area to see if they accept your wood. If you don’t have this in your community, don’t put it in the recycle bin.
4. Light bulbs
Light bulbs can’t be recycled as we would usually do. Instead, they have their own recycling streams in some areas.
5. Windows and drinking glasses
Although some glass items are recyclable, not all of them are. Things like windows and drinking glasses are made out of a stronger glass that has a different melting point than recyclable glass, so you shouldn’t recycle them.