There's no doubt that environmental sustainability and recycling are becoming primary concerns in our society. Consumption is at an all-time high, and waste is becoming more problematic as time goes on. If you are choosing different purchases based on if a company's utilizing sustainable sources for their packaging or understanding that each product that is eco-friendly and manufactured responsibly will help benefit the planet, you are taking steps closer to a greener way of living.

But in the midst of all this, it may feel unclear what items are recyclable and which are not, so here are some tips on Items to never put in your recycling.

Starting With the Basics

It is vital to understand that If something is not recyclable and is placed in recycling, this creates more significant issues for the recycling services that can cause clogging and even breakdown of the machinery. So a good starting place is understanding a few main things that cannot go in your bins.

Propane Tanks

After you have used a propane tank, it might seem sensible to recycle it, but in most cases, the tanks may still have gas inside them, which can cause an explosion. One of the best ways to discard a propane tank is to take it to a scrap metal facility.

Unemptied Aerosol Cans

It might be tempting to want to recycle the aerosol can and make sense considering it is most likely made of steel or aluminum, but this can create a hazard for the recycling company unless the can is empty. It's best to take these to a chemical drop-off company to be emptied and discarded correctly.

Bowling Balls

Bowling balls cannot be recycled because of the complexity of how they are made. There are far too many components, and they are too complicated to recycle due to the inner fillers and cover stock. When it comes to these items, it is best to renew and reuse these items by donating them for someone else to utilize.

Food Soiled Paper

When it comes to your favorite local pizza place, you might be wondering if the box is recyclable, but if it has any contamination in it from the grease, it can't be. This also goes for any paper that might have food smeared on them. This is because once the material is soiled, the fibers cannot be separated from the contaminants during the pulping process.

This also applies to plates or cups made of paper because they may have a plastic lining inside, which cannot be recycled. The products will need to go into traditional waste disposal in both cases.

Garden Hoses

Hoses are another item that has made it onto the list of a product that is not recyclable. One of the main reasons is that they create a more significant problem at the recycling plant due to their design potentially causing damage to the equipment and the employees.

If you want to reuse the garden hose, they can be utilized to cover the blades on cutting tools; you can puncture it with holes to create a watering system or use them to create easier grips on metal handles.

Plastics

When it comes to plastic, bottles are generally approved for recycling but what you want to avoid are recycling bags, wraps, electronics, and any textiles. If you are confused about if they are appropriate, you will want to contact your local recycling center to clarify.

Batteries

Batteries are worth mentioning because although they are recyclable, they cannot be in a traditional bin. You need to take batteries to specialized locations due to their corrosive materials and metals that can cause contamination for the environment.

Diapers

When it comes to diapers, they are also not intended to be recycled because they are too complex to sort out and have hazardous waste on them. At this time, disposable diapers are only landfill-appropriate at this point.

Other Items

A few other items not made for the recycling bins are any form of broken glass, including light bulbs and syringes. There are specific ways to discard these items, so you will check with your local waste company for more information.

Keeping the Planet in Mind Through Education

The first step to creating a more sustainable solution for our environment is to take the steps needed to choose recyclable and reusable products. There is no doubt that awareness is growing that there needs to be alternate options on the market, and LJP Waste Solutions is working hard to create more streamlined choices.

We are a waste solutions company focusing on creating zero landfill options for our world. We develop a process that works with your company to determine the best method for sustainability in your business and home.

We would love to answer any questions you have, or if you would like to set up your free consultation, contact us today or give us a call at 507-625-1968.