With cities like Winter Garden thinking about ending recycling programs, many people wonder why recycling has become so challenging.
The answer? Contamination and costs.
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When people throw non-recyclable items into recycling bins or don’t clean them out properly, it causes issues that can mean higher costs for cities — and sometimes it even means the recyclables get tossed in a landfill.
Here’s a quick, easy guide to what you should and shouldn’t do when recycling. Following these tips can make a difference in keeping programs affordable and effective.
The do’s of recycling
1. Do check your local rules
Every city has its own recycling guidelines, so it’s important to stay updated on what’s recyclable in your area. Cities like Winter Garden have been struggling with non-recyclable items getting thrown in the mix, which increases costs and can lead to whole loads going to waste. By following local guidelines, you’re doing your part to make sure only the right items get recycled.
2. Do rinse out containers
Leftover food and liquids are one of the biggest problems in recycling. A pizza box with grease or a yogurt cup with food residue can ruin an entire batch of recycling. Taking just a few seconds to rinse out bottles, jars, and cans keeps everything cleaner — and more likely to actually get recycled.
3. Do sort properly when needed
Some cities require items to be separated, like keeping glass and paper in different bins. This small step can prevent contamination and make processing faster. Be sure to check if your city has specific sorting rules.
4. Do stick to basics: Paper, cardboard and plastic bottles
When in doubt, stick to basics like clean paper, cardboard and certain types of plastic bottles (usually No. 1 and No. 2 are safe bets). These are usually widely accepted and more likely to be properly processed.
5. Do avoid ‘wishcycling’
Wishcycling is when you toss items in the recycling bin hoping they’re recyclable, even if you’re not sure. Unfortunately, this can do more harm than good by contaminating the recycling stream. Stick to items you know are acceptable to recycle.
The Don’ts of Recycling
1. Don’t put plastic bags in your bin
Plastic bags are a big no-no in most recycling bins because they tangle up in sorting machines, causing delays and damage. Instead, take them to designated drop-off spots. Many grocery stores collect plastic bags separately for recycling. You can search by location here.
2. Don’t include food waste
Food waste, even small amounts, can contaminate recyclables and lead to them being sent to the landfill. For example, greasy pizza boxes usually aren’t recyclable. Instead, compost or throw out food scraps and keep your recycling clean.
3. Don’t recycle hazardous materials
Items like batteries, electronics and certain chemicals need special handling. Many cities offer specific drop-off locations or events for safe disposal. Keeping these items out of regular recycling bins helps protect workers and equipment.
4. Don’t recycle small, loose items
Items smaller than a credit card (like bottle caps or shredded paper) usually slip through sorting machines, making them hard to recycle. To improve recycling efficiency, stick to items that are a bit larger.
5. Don’t toss in non-recyclable plastics
Not all plastics are recyclable. Soft plastics, Styrofoam, and certain numbered plastics (Nos. 3, 6 and 7, for example) often aren’t accepted. Double-check which types are allowed in your local program to avoid sending the whole batch to the landfill.
Why this matters
With places like Winter Garden considering stopping recycling, it’s clear that these programs can’t work without community support. By recycling correctly, we can all help lower costs, reduce contamination and make recycling programs more effective.
So take a moment to check what goes in your bin, rinse it out and follow the guidelines above. Every little bit counts when it comes to keeping recycling an option for everyone.
Confused about whether you can recycle a specific item? Share your question with us and we will try to get it answered.