With more than 268 million tons of waste being produced in the United States every year, homeowners and business owners are continually looking for ways to make their lives greener. However, while most people assume they can recycle anything plastic, cardboard, or metal to help this effort, that's not always the case. Here are several need-to-know items that you can't put in your curbside recycling bin.

What Items Should Be Kept Out of Your Curbside Recycling

1. Pizza Boxes

Pizza boxes are made of corrugated cardboard, which is generally recyclable. However, that isn't the case when it's dirty with food and grease from your favorite pizza. The grease prevents the cardboard from binding during the recycling process, which leads to poor quality paper. However, your leftovers and the box can be put into a composting system if you have one, since all of these materials break down naturally.

2. Batteries

Batteries are common household items that must be regularly replaced. However, before you discard yours, consider recycling it with a local program or facility. This is a better alternative than putting them in your curbside recycling bin, since leaking batteries can taint all of the other items.

3. Plastic Shopping Bags

Many people assume they can recycle shopping bags since they're plastic. However, not all recycling facilities have the necessary processes or equipment to repurpose them. The bags can even get caught in the mechanisms of regular recycling facilities, causing more trouble. If you're looking for a way to reuse them, collect them at home and use them as liners in your wastebaskets, or take them back to the store.

Green Earth LLC in Harrisonburg, VA, helps residents throughout the area practice responsible recycling by offering low-fee bin rentals and trash receptacles. While they can’t recycle batteries, appliances, or tires, they can manage all your usual waste. To find out if they can take care of your reusable materials, call (540) 801-8668 or visit them online to learn more about their services.