Recycling Mistakes You Might Be Making (And How to Fix Them)

Let’s be honest—recycling can be confusing. You’re standing in front of two bins, one for trash and one for recyclables, holding an empty pizza box. You squint at it. Is it recyclable? You think, "Well, it's cardboard, so... probably?" Then you toss it in and walk away feeling good about your eco-friendly contribution. Unfortunately, you just committed one of the most common recycling mistakes!

Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Recycling is full of misconceptions, but we’re here to clear things up so you can recycle like a pro. Let’s dive into the biggest mistakes people make and how to fix them.

1. Wishcycling (a.k.a. The "Hope and Pray" Method)

Ever thrown something in the recycling bin just hoping it’s recyclable? That’s called "wishcycling," and it actually does more harm than good. Non-recyclable items can contaminate the recycling stream, causing entire batches to be sent to the landfill.

Fix it: When in doubt, check your local recycling guidelines. Not everything with a recycling symbol belongs in your bin!

2. The Pizza Box Predicament

Back to that pizza box—yes, it’s cardboard, but if it’s greasy or covered in cheese, it’s not recyclable. The oil from your delicious pepperoni pizza seeps into the fibers, making it impossible to process.

Fix it: If the top of the box is clean, tear it off and recycle that part. The greasy bottom? Toss it in the compost or trash.

3. Plastic Bags Are a No-Go

Your grocery store bags, bread bags, and bubble wrap may have a recycling symbol, but they don’t belong in your curbside bin. These flimsy plastics can jam up recycling machines faster than you can say "oops."

Fix it: Many grocery stores have special drop-off bins for plastic bags. Reuse them when possible or switch to reusable bags!

4. Not Rinsing Containers

That yogurt cup still has yogurt in it? That’s a problem. Food residue can ruin an entire batch of recycling, causing it to be trashed instead.

Fix it: Give containers a quick rinse before tossing them in the bin. No need for a deep clean—just remove leftover food.

5. Coffee Cups: The Sneaky Imposters

You might think your to-go coffee cup is recyclable, but most are lined with a thin layer of plastic that makes them not recyclable in most programs.

Fix it: Look for reusable coffee cups or check if your local recycling program accepts them.

6. Caps On or Off?

The great bottle cap debate! Some people remove them, others leave them on. What’s the right answer?

Fix it: In most places, it’s best to leave caps on bottles so they don’t get lost in the sorting process. However, check with your local recycling rules to be sure.

7. The Tanglers (Hangers, Cords, and Holiday Lights)

Metal hangers, old phone chargers, and twinkly lights don’t belong in your bin. These "tanglers" can wrap around recycling equipment and cause serious issues.

Fix it: Take these items to special recycling centers or reuse them when possible.

Recycle Smarter, Not Harder

Recycling right doesn’t have to be complicated! By avoiding these common mistakes, you can help keep recycling systems running smoothly and make a real impact. When in doubt, do a quick search to confirm whether something is actually recyclable. Every small effort adds up!

Now go forth and recycle like a champion! ♻️