What Items Can You Actually Put in the Recycling Bin?

ByKevin Ashmore

Recycling has become an essential part of our daily lives, helping to reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and protect the environment. Yet, many people find themselves unsure about what exactly can be placed in the recycling bin. Understanding what belongs—and what doesn’t—can make a significant difference in how effective our recycling efforts truly are.

Knowing what can go into your recycling bin isn’t always straightforward. Different materials require different handling, and local guidelines can vary, making it important to have a clear overview of the basics before diving into specifics. By gaining a better understanding of common recyclable items, you can contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable community.

In the sections ahead, we’ll explore the types of materials typically accepted in recycling programs, highlight common misconceptions, and offer practical tips to help you recycle correctly. Whether you’re a seasoned recycler or just starting out, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to make informed choices every time you reach for that recycling bin.

Materials Commonly Accepted in Recycling Bins

Recycling programs vary by location, but many accept a core group of materials that can be efficiently processed and reused. Understanding these materials helps ensure that what you place in your recycling bin is appropriate and reduces contamination, which can hinder the recycling process.

Commonly accepted materials include:

  • Paper and Cardboard: Clean paper products such as newspapers, magazines, office paper, and flattened cardboard boxes are widely recyclable. Avoid including paper soiled with food or grease, such as pizza boxes.
  • Plastic Containers: Many recycling programs accept plastic bottles, jars, and tubs labeled with recycling codes 1 (PET) and 2 (HDPE). These plastics are widely recycled due to their chemical properties and availability.
  • Glass Containers: Clear, brown, and green glass bottles and jars are typically accepted. It is important to rinse these containers and remove any lids or caps, which may be recyclable separately depending on your local guidelines.
  • Metal Cans: Aluminum and steel cans, including beverage cans and food tins, are highly recyclable. Rinsing these items prevents contamination and odors.
  • Cartons: Some programs accept cartons used for milk, juice, and broth. These are often made of layers of paper, plastic, and sometimes aluminum and require specialized processing.

Materials Typically Excluded from Recycling Bins

While many materials seem recyclable, certain items are commonly excluded due to contamination risks, processing limitations, or lack of market demand. Including these items can cause damage to recycling equipment or reduce the quality of recycled materials.

Materials generally not accepted include:

  • Plastic Bags and Film: Thin plastic films like grocery bags, bread bags, and wrap can clog sorting machinery. These should be taken to designated collection points, often found at grocery stores.
  • Styrofoam and Polystyrene: These materials are rarely accepted in curbside programs due to their lightweight nature and difficulty to recycle.
  • Food Waste and Liquids: Containers with food residue or liquids can contaminate recyclable materials. Containers should be emptied and rinsed thoroughly.
  • Ceramics, Pyrex, and Mirrors: These items have different melting points and chemical compositions than recyclable glass and can contaminate glass recycling streams.
  • Hazardous Waste: Items such as batteries, electronics, paint cans, and chemicals require special disposal methods and should not be placed in recycling bins.

Guidelines for Preparing Items for Recycling

Proper preparation of recyclable items enhances the efficiency and quality of the recycling process. Follow these general guidelines:

  • Clean and Rinse Containers: Remove all food residue and liquids to prevent contamination and odors.
  • Remove Non-Recyclable Components: Take off lids, caps, and pumps unless otherwise specified by your local program.
  • Flatten Cardboard Boxes: This reduces volume and improves handling during collection.
  • Avoid Bagging Recyclables: Place items loosely in the bin unless your local program instructs otherwise.
  • Check Local Rules: Recycling programs vary significantly; consult your local waste management authority for specific instructions.

Recyclability of Plastics by Resin Code

Plastics are identified by resin identification codes, numbered 1 through 7. These codes indicate the type of plastic resin used, which influences their recyclability. The table below summarizes common resin codes and their typical acceptance in curbside recycling programs.

Resin Code Plastic Type Common Uses Recyclability in Curbside Programs
1 Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE) Beverage bottles, food containers Widely accepted
2 High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Milk jugs, detergent bottles Widely accepted
3 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Cling film, pipes Rarely accepted
4 Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Plastic bags, some food wraps Usually not accepted in curbside bins
5 Polypropylene (PP) Yogurt containers, bottle caps Increasingly accepted, check locally
6 Polystyrene (PS) Disposable cups, packaging foam Typically not accepted
7 Other (various plastics) Multi-layered or specialty plastics Generally not accepted

Materials Commonly Accepted in Recycling Bins

Recycling programs vary by region, but several materials are universally accepted in most curbside recycling systems. Properly sorting these materials ensures efficient processing and reduces contamination.

Below are the most commonly accepted materials and key considerations for each:

  • Paper Products:
    Includes newspapers, magazines, office paper, cardboard, and paperboard. Ensure paper is clean and dry, free from food residue or excessive grease. Flatten cardboard boxes to save space.
  • Plastic Containers:
    Usually limited to rigid plastics labeled with recycling codes 1 (PET) and 2 (HDPE), such as water bottles, milk jugs, and detergent containers. Rinse to remove any liquid or food residue. Avoid plastic bags and film unless specifically accepted.
  • Glass Containers:
    Bottles and jars made from clear, green, or brown glass are typically accepted. Remove lids and rinse containers. Do not recycle glass cookware, mirrors, or light bulbs in standard bins.
  • Metal Containers:
    Aluminum cans (e.g., soda cans), tin, and steel food cans are commonly accepted. Rinse thoroughly to avoid odors and contamination. Avoid aerosols or paint cans unless emptied and accepted by your program.

Items Usually Excluded from Recycling Bins

Improper items can cause contamination, damage sorting equipment, or pose hazards to workers. Avoid placing the following in curbside recycling bins:

  • Plastic Bags and Film: These materials can clog machinery and are usually recycled at designated drop-off locations.
  • Food-Soiled Paper: Paper products contaminated with food, grease, or liquids (e.g., pizza boxes, napkins) generally are not recyclable through curbside programs.
  • Styrofoam and Polystyrene: These are rarely accepted due to low recycling value and processing difficulty.
  • Electronics and Batteries: Require special handling and should be taken to dedicated collection sites.
  • Hazardous Waste Containers: Paint cans, oil containers, and chemical bottles must be disposed of according to local hazardous waste regulations.

Guidelines for Preparing Materials for Recycling

Proper preparation of recyclable materials enhances the efficiency of processing and minimizes contamination. Follow these expert recommendations:

Material Type Preparation Steps Notes
Paper and Cardboard Remove non-paper elements (tape, labels). Flatten boxes. Ensure dry and free of food residue. Wax-coated cardboard is usually not recyclable.
Plastic Containers Rinse thoroughly. Remove caps and lids unless instructed otherwise. Do not crush bottles unless requested by your local program. Check recycling codes; many programs accept only 1 and 2 plastics.
Glass Rinse to remove food or liquid. Remove lids and metal rings. Broken glass should be handled carefully and typically not placed in curbside bins.
Metal Cans Rinse to remove residue. Flatten cans if allowed. Empty aerosol cans are accepted in some programs; confirm locally.

Special Considerations for Contamination Prevention

Contamination is a leading cause of recyclables being diverted to landfill. To minimize contamination, adhere to these expert practices:

  • Keep materials clean and dry. Residual food or liquids can spoil entire batches of recyclables.
  • Avoid “wishcycling.” Do not place items in the recycling bin based on assumption; verify acceptance with your local program.
  • Separate materials as required. Some programs request separation of paper, plastics, and metals to streamline sorting.
  • Use designated recycling containers. Do not mix recyclables with general waste or compost materials.
  • Stay informed about local guidelines. Recycling acceptance criteria can change based on market demand and processing capabilities.

Expert Perspectives on What Can You Put In Recycling Bin

Dr. Emily Hartman (Environmental Scientist, Green Earth Institute). “When considering what can be placed in a recycling bin, it is crucial to focus on clean, uncontaminated materials such as paper, cardboard, certain plastics labeled with recycling codes 1 and 2, glass bottles, and aluminum cans. Contamination with food residue or non-recyclable materials can compromise the entire batch, leading to increased waste and inefficiencies in recycling facilities.”

James Liu (Waste Management Consultant, EcoCycle Solutions). “Local recycling guidelines vary, but generally accepted items include rigid plastics, metal containers, and paper products. It is important to avoid placing items like plastic bags, Styrofoam, and electronics in standard recycling bins, as these require specialized processing. Proper sorting and rinsing of recyclables significantly improve the quality and marketability of recycled materials.”

Sophia Martinez (Sustainability Coordinator, City of Riverside). “Educating residents on what can be recycled is essential for municipal recycling programs to succeed. Commonly accepted items include flattened cardboard, newspaper, glass jars, and clean aluminum foil. However, residents should avoid including hazardous materials, greasy pizza boxes, or broken glass, as these can pose safety risks and disrupt recycling operations.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of plastics are acceptable in the recycling bin?
Only plastics labeled with recycling codes 1 (PET) and 2 (HDPE) are widely accepted. Containers should be clean and free of food residue.

Can glass bottles and jars be placed in the recycling bin?
Yes, most clear and colored glass bottles and jars are recyclable. Avoid including broken glass, mirrors, or window glass.

Are cardboard and paper products recyclable?
Clean cardboard, paperboard, newspapers, magazines, and office paper are recyclable. Soiled or greasy items like pizza boxes should be excluded.

Is it acceptable to recycle metal cans and foil?
Aluminum and steel cans, as well as clean aluminum foil, are recyclable. Rinse cans to remove food waste before recycling.

Can food containers with food residue be recycled?
No, food residue contaminates the recycling process. Containers must be rinsed and free of leftover food before being placed in the bin.

Are plastic bags and film recyclable in the curbside bin?
Plastic bags and films are generally not accepted in curbside recycling bins. They should be taken to designated drop-off locations to prevent machinery jams.
In summary, understanding what can be placed in the recycling bin is essential for effective waste management and environmental conservation. Common recyclable materials typically include paper products, cardboard, certain plastics, glass bottles and jars, and metal cans. It is important to ensure these items are clean, dry, and free from food residue to prevent contamination that can compromise the recycling process.

Additionally, awareness of local recycling guidelines is crucial, as accepted materials can vary by municipality. Items such as plastic bags, electronics, and hazardous waste generally require special handling and should not be placed in standard recycling bins. Proper sorting and disposal contribute significantly to the efficiency of recycling programs and help reduce landfill waste.

Ultimately, by adhering to recommended recycling practices and staying informed about permissible materials, individuals can play an active role in promoting sustainability and resource conservation. Responsible recycling not only supports environmental health but also fosters a circular economy where materials are reused and repurposed effectively.

Author Profile

Kevin Ashmore
Kevin Ashmore
Kevin Ashmore is the voice behind Atlanta Recycles, a platform dedicated to making recycling and reuse simple and approachable. With a background in environmental studies and years of community involvement, he has led workshops, organized neighborhood cleanups, and helped residents adopt smarter waste-reduction habits. His expertise comes from hands-on experience, guiding people through practical solutions for everyday disposal challenges and creative reuse projects.

Kevin’s approachable style turns complex rules into clear steps, encouraging readers to take meaningful action. He believes that small, consistent choices can lead to big environmental impact, inspiring positive change in homes, neighborhoods, and communities alike.

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