5 Common Recycling Mistakes & How to Fix Them

Recycling is one of the easiest ways to help the environment, but it can sometimes be confusing. Many of us toss items into the bin with good intentions, only to unknowingly contaminate the batch. At Simple Bottle Return, we are passionate about making sustainability easy and effective. To help you become a recycling pro, we have identified five common errors and how to correct them.

1. “Wish-cycling”

This happens when you toss something in the bin hoping it is recyclable, even if you aren’t sure. While well-intentioned, this can clog sorting machinery and contaminate viable materials.

The Fix: Stick to the basics you know are accepted. When in doubt, leave it out or check your local guidelines.

2. Not Cleaning Food Containers

Tossing a greasy pizza box or a jar with peanut butter residue into the bin is a major mistake to avoid in recycling. Food waste can ruin paper products, and mold can spread to other recyclables.

The Fix: Give your plastic, glass, and metal containers a quick rinse. They don’t need to be spotless, but they should be free of food scraps.

3. Bagging Your Recyclables

It may seem organized to put your cans and bottles in a plastic garbage bag before placing them in the bin, but this can be a significant problem. Plastic bags often get tangled in sorting equipment, which can shut down the entire process.

The Fix: Keep your recyclables loose in the bin. If you use a bag to collect them, empty the contents into the bin and reuse or trash the bag.

4. Recycling Coffee Cups

Most single-use coffee cups appear to be made of paper, but they are actually lined with a thin plastic film to prevent leaks. This mixed material makes them difficult to process.

The Fix: To truly reduce waste, bring a reusable mug. If you must use a disposable cup, throw the cup in the trash and recycle only the plastic lid and cardboard sleeve.

5. Breaking Glass

Broken glass is hazardous for workers and difficult to sort. Once shattered, tiny shards can embed themselves in paper or plastic, rendering those materials unrecyclable.

The Fix: Handle glass carefully. For a safer and more convenient option, use a dedicated return service.

Check Out Our New Bottle and Can Redemption Facility in Bridgeport!

Incorporating recycling into your daily routine doesn’t have to be complicated, and our team is here to help. At Simple Bottle Return, you can discover the ease of bottle and can redemption with our streamlined process. We are hands down the fastest bottle and can redemption center in Connecticut. Think of all the time you’ll get back in your day!

Visit us today to get started on your green lifestyle, or get in touch if you have any questions!