Although you want to help the planet by recycling as much as you can, the rules can be confusing, and you may be trying to recycle items that cannot be broken down or repurposed. Cardboard boxes, aluminum cans, newspapers, and many plastic and glass containers can be recycled, but other items that you might think you can recycle should actually be tossed in the trash or disposed of in a safe manner. 

4 Surprising Objects That Can’t Be Recycled

1. Clothes Hangers

Regardless of whether they’re made of metal or plastic, hangers shouldn’t be recycled. Both types may contain substances that will prevent them from being made into other products, and the curved shapes often get caught in sorting machines. If you have hangers to get rid of, broken ones go in the trash, while usable hangers can be returned to the dry cleaner or donated.

2. Plastic Bags

If your community still allows plastic bags, don’t try to recycle them, as they can get caught in machinery and cause damage. Instead, return them to the store (many have recycling boxes) or reuse them when possible. Better yet, opt for paper or reusable varieties to reduce plastic bag waste.

3. Certain Paper Products

Paper towels, shredded paper, napkins, tissues, and any paper that is laminated or has a plastic coating (like a frozen food box) goes in the trash, not the recycling bin. Paper products like paper towels and napkins are typically contaminated with food or other substances, so they cannot be reused. Not to mention, many are made with recycled paper, so the fibers are too short to be made into a new product. Use cloth towels or napkins and limit your paper usage to reduce the amount of trash you produce. 

4. Takeout Food Containers

Unfortunately, pizza boxes, Chinese food containers, and other takeout boxes cannot be recycled due to the food particles left behind that can contaminate other materials or damage machinery. Only place clean cardboard or plastic containers in the green bin; otherwise, they go in the garbage. 

If you need help making sense of recycling, turn to Sterling Superior Services. With more than 18 years of experience in waste management, this New London County, CT, company will help you recycle the right items and make sure all your waste goes to the right place. They have a separate facility, Superior Recycling, that handles recyclables. To learn more about their services, visit their website or call (860) 642-7351.