When it comes to recycling, cleanliness is key! Dirty or contaminated recyclables can disrupt the recycling process and lead to more waste. But don’t worry—there are practical steps you can take to manage these items responsibly. Here are three diverse examples of what to do with dirty or contaminated recyclables.
Plastic bottles are one of the most commonly recycled items, but they need to be clean to be effective in the recycling process. If you have a bottle that contained a sugary drink, rinsing it out can save it from the landfill.
In this case, after you finish your drink, simply give the bottle a quick rinse with water before tossing it in the recycling bin. Make sure to remove the cap as it is often made from a different type of plastic. If you have multiple bottles, you can fill one with water, swish it around, and use that water to rinse several bottles at once. This saves water and ensures the bottles are clean.
Notes: If the bottle is heavily soiled or sticky from syrup or other residues, you may need to wash it more thoroughly by using a bit of soap. If the bottle is too contaminated to clean, it’s best to throw it in the regular trash.
Pizza boxes are a common source of confusion in recycling. While the cardboard itself is recyclable, the grease from the pizza can render it contaminated. Instead of tossing the entire box into your recycling bin, consider composting it if you have a compost setup.
Tear the box into smaller pieces to help it break down more quickly in your compost pile. The grease can actually be beneficial as it provides carbon and helps the composting process. If you don’t compost, check your local waste management’s guidelines on how to dispose of greasy cardboard.
Notes: Make sure to remove any plastic or non-biodegradable elements (like cheese residue) before adding the box to your compost. If your city doesn’t allow composting of greasy pizza boxes, dispose of it in the trash.
Sometimes, dirty or contaminated recyclables can find a new life through creativity. If you have glass jars that are too dirty to be recycled due to food residue or grease, consider repurposing them for fun DIY projects instead!
You can clean out the jars and use them as planters for small herbs or succulents. If the inside is still a bit grimy, just fill the jar with soil and plant your greenery—most plants don’t mind a little residue. Alternatively, you can use them for storage, like organizing office supplies or crafting materials.
Notes: If the jars are too stained or damaged, you can still recycle them by checking with your local recycling program about how to handle these items. Remember to remove any metal or plastic lids that may not be recyclable.
By following these examples of what to do with dirty or contaminated recyclables, you can help ensure that you’re doing your part in promoting sustainability while minimizing contamination in your recycling efforts!