Common Mistakes You May Not Know You’re Making When Recycling

Common Mistakes You May Not Know You’re Making When Recycling

Nov 15, 2018

If your recycling efforts are going to have the desired positive effect you’re aiming for, then you need to make sure that you’re recycling correctly and responsibly. There are certain dos and don’ts when it comes to recycling, and you may be committing a few don’ts without knowing it. It’s always good to give your efforts a once-over, so here are five common mistakes to watch out for:

• Recycling recyclable material with food items in it

Patting yourself on the back for recycling used pizza boxes or takeaway bags? This gets a thumbs down from the recycling powers that be. The problem with this is that grease compromises the recycling process and grease-stained packaging is better off thrown away in your regular garbage. Contaminated material only results in an entire recyclable batch of material being sent to the landfill site. Make sure you remove all food items and give containers the once over under a tap before throwing in the recycling bin.

• Thinking all plastics are equal

There are different types of plastics available with some being suitable for recycling and others not, as certain plastic materials are a challenge to recycle. A grading system is used, and the triangle recycle number that lets you know whether it’s recyclable or not. The number 1 indicates plastic that is accepted for recycling while number 7 means the opposite.

• Placing recyclables into plastic bags

Recycling facilities send any recyclables found inside plastic bags to the landfill as the machines can’t handle processing all types of plastic bags. It’s a better idea to leave recyclable items loose in recycling bins.

• Recycling disposable coffee cups

Disposable coffee cups have a waterproof lining and are thus not recyclable. Their lids, on the other hand, can be rinsed and recycled as they’re made from standard plastic.

• Not flattening cardboard before placing in the recycling bin

Flattening cardboard boxes allows you to put more of them in the recycling bin and is also preferred by recycling companies as it prevents machine blockages during processing.

Spending a little more time thinking about how and what you recycle is a better way to protect the environment. WM Waste Management Services have a range of waste disposal options to ensure you are recycling responsibly. Contact us to learn more about our bin rental in Melbourne.