Recycling is the process of gathering waste that would otherwise go to a landfill, and repurposing it to create a new product. The process to recycle materials usually involves 3 steps. First, the recyclables have to be collected. This is usually done by a private hauler or a government agency. Next, they are sorted, cleaned, and processed to ensure they are ready to be used as manufacturing materials. Finally, these materials are sent off to different companies to give this former waste a new life.
However, sometimes these recyclables have contaminants which make the process slower and more expensive. Recycling contamination can happen when materials put into the recycling bin have food waste, oil, or grease on them. However, recycling contaminants also include items that were sorted into the wrong section. For example, a plastic bag is often mistaken as recyclable and put in people’s bins. These bags end up slowing down the recycling process by clogging up the machines, which classify it as a contaminant.
So what can you recycle? It is recommended that you call your local recycling company first to ensure what you can recycle, but most commonly, recyclables include:
Cardboard
Paper
Food boxes
Beverage cans
Food cans
Glass bottles
Jars (glass and plastic)
Jugs
Plastic bottles and caps
On the other hand, some things to avoid putting in your recycling bin are:
Plastic Bags
Food Waste
Loose Shredded Paper
Colored Paper
Electronics
By following these simple steps, you can help keep the recycling stream clean and efficient. Even small actions, like rinsing food containers or double-checking if an item belongs in the bin, makes a big difference. When recycling is contaminated, entire batches may end up in the landfill, wasting the effort of both households and recycling facilities.
Go Greenish CA educates and empowers schools across San Diego to lead the way in sustainability. Reducing contamination not only improves the efficiency of recycling plants but also helps conserve resources, lower costs for municipalities, and ultimately benefits the environment. Cleaner recycling means less energy is wasted, fewer raw materials are needed, and less pollution is generated in the manufacturing process.
Go Greenish promotes clean recycling and encourages all members of the community to take action. Remember, recycling is only effective when it's done right. The next time you're unsure if something is recyclable, take a moment to look it up. Together, with a little extra care, we can make recycling a powerful tool for sustainability instead of a wasted opportunity.
If you are inspired to take the next step driving sustainability in your community, Go Greenish is currently going through a recruitment process! This is a chance to grow your skills, connect with others with similar values and interests, and lead meaningful projects in your community!
Works Cited:
Danielle. “Recycling Contamination - a Nationwide Problem.” Homewood Disposal Service, 7 June 2019, mydisposal.com/recycling-contamination/.
“Recycling Basics and Benefits | US EPA.” US EPA, 16 Apr. 2013, www.epa.gov/recycle/recycling-basics-and-benefits#Steps.
Rachelson, David. “What Is Recycling Contamination, and Why Does It Matter?” Rubicon, 4 Dec. 2017, www.rubicon.com/blog/recycling-contamination/.
