Examples of Recyclable Household Items: 3 Practical Examples You Actually Use

If you want the best examples of recyclable household items, start in the kitchen. Most of your weekly trash comes from food and drink packaging, which means this room has huge recycling potential.

Think about what you use in a normal day. Breakfast cereal box? That’s usually recyclable cardboard. Milk jug? Often recyclable plastic. Soup can? Recyclable metal. These are real examples that add up fast.

The trick is learning which parts belong in the bin and which don’t.

Cardboard boxes and paperboard: the classic example of easy recycling

Open your pantry and you’ll see some of the clearest examples of recyclable household items:

• The cardboard box from your cereal or crackers
• The box that held your frozen pizza (if it’s not greasy)
• The paperboard sleeve from microwave meals

All of these are usually accepted in curbside recycling programs across the U.S. and many other countries. The key steps are simple:

• Break the box down flat so it takes up less space.
• Remove plastic liners or bags (those usually go in the trash unless your area has a special drop-off for plastic film).
• Avoid boxes soaked in grease or food. A slightly stained box is often fine, but one that’s heavily saturated with oil (like the bottom of a pizza box) usually belongs in the trash.

According to the American Forest & Paper Association, paper and cardboard are some of the most commonly recycled materials in the U.S., with recovery rates around two-thirds or higher in recent years. You can see updated statistics on paper recycling at the U.S. EPA site.

Plastic bottles and jugs: real examples you use every week

Another strong category of examples of recyclable household items: rigid plastic bottles and jugs. These are the plastics with a neck that’s narrower than the base, like:

• Milk and juice jugs
• Soda and water bottles
• Cooking oil bottles
• Laundry detergent jugs
• Shampoo and conditioner bottles

Most U.S. curbside programs accept these, especially if they’re labeled #1 (PET or PETE) or #2 (HDPE). But the number on the bottom is less important than the shape. Many cities now tell residents, “Recycle by shape, not just by number.” Bottles, jugs, and some tubs are in; flimsy plastic film and random plastic bits are often out.

To recycle these correctly:

• Empty them completely and give a quick rinse. They don’t need to be spotless, just free of obvious food or liquid.
• Put the cap back on unless your local program says otherwise. Many modern facilities can handle caps when they’re attached.
• Ignore small plastic labels; they’re usually removed during processing.

If you’re looking for real examples of recyclable household items to teach kids or roommates, this category is perfect. Line up a milk jug, a soda bottle, and a shampoo bottle on the counter and label a bin “Yes.” Then place a plastic bag, a cling wrap, and a disposable utensil in a “No” bin. That simple visual can change habits fast.

Glass jars and bottles: simple, but with a few catches

Glass is another classic example of recyclable household material, especially in the form of:

• Pasta sauce jars
• Pickle jars
• Salsa jars
• Wine bottles
• Beer bottles

Most municipal programs accept clear, green, and brown glass bottles and jars. But there are two big things to watch:

• No ceramics or cookware. Plates, mugs, and glass bakeware are made differently and can ruin a batch of recycled glass.
• Check if your city still takes glass curbside. Some areas have moved glass to drop-off locations because it’s heavy and can break during collection.

Rinse out jars, remove food, and toss metal lids in with metals if they’re accepted. Labels can usually stay on.

2. Home office & living room: paper-based examples of recyclable household items

Once you’re comfortable with kitchen packaging, the next best examples of recyclable household items are in your home office and living areas. These spaces are full of paper-based products that are perfect for recycling.

Printer paper, mail, and cardboard shipping boxes

If you shop online or work from home, you’re surrounded by examples of recyclable household items without even thinking about it:

• Printer or copy paper
• Envelopes (with or without plastic windows, in many areas)
• Magazines and catalogs
• Newspapers
• Cardboard shipping boxes from online orders

Most of this can go straight into your paper or mixed recycling bin. A few simple habits make a big difference:

• Flatten shipping boxes and remove plastic tape if requested by your local program. (Most facilities can handle some tape.)
• Remove plastic air pillows and bubble wrap; those rarely go in curbside bins but may be accepted at special drop-off locations.
• Shred sensitive documents only when needed. Shredded paper can be harder to recycle; check your local rules.

In 2024–2025, many cities are pushing harder to capture more cardboard and mixed paper because e-commerce continues to grow. The EPA tracks these waste trends and publishes updated data on packaging and recycling on its Facts and Figures page.

Paperboard tubes and other overlooked examples

Some of the best examples of recyclable household items are the ones we toss without thinking:

• Toilet paper tubes
• Paper towel tubes
• Clean paper egg cartons (not foam)
• Paperboard sleeves from tea, snacks, or frozen foods

These are usually accepted with paper and cardboard. The main exception is anything heavily contaminated with food or grease. For example, that paperboard ice cream container might or might not be accepted, depending on your city’s rules and coatings on the package. When in doubt, check your local guidelines.

Magazines, catalogs, and junk mail: yes, they still matter

You might feel like everything is digital now, but if your mailbox is anything like most, you still get a steady stream of paper. The good news: most of it is recyclable.

Magazines, catalogs, and uncoated paper mail are all real examples of recyclable household items. Glossy pages are usually fine. Envelopes with plastic windows are accepted in many programs; the sorting process can handle small contaminants.

One tip: keep a small paper-only bin near your desk or in the entryway where you sort mail. That single habit can dramatically increase how much paper you recycle without adding any real effort.

3. Bathroom and laundry room: surprising examples of recyclable household items

The bathroom might not feel like a recycling hotspot, but it’s full of everyday items that qualify. This is where some of the most overlooked examples of recyclable household items live.

Plastic bottles from personal care products

Look around your shower and sink. You’ll probably see:

• Shampoo and conditioner bottles
• Body wash and liquid soap bottles
• Lotion bottles and pump dispensers
• Mouthwash bottles

These are often made from the same plastics as milk jugs and detergent bottles. If your local program accepts plastic bottles and jugs, there’s a good chance it wants these too.

To recycle them correctly:

• Use up as much product as you reasonably can.
• Rinse the bottle quickly.
• Replace the cap if your local program allows it.
• Pumps can be tricky; some programs accept them, others don’t. If your city’s website doesn’t specify, you can remove the pump and recycle just the bottle.

These bathroom containers are great real examples of recyclable household items to include when you’re teaching kids that recycling doesn’t stop at the kitchen door.

Laundry detergent jugs and boxes

The laundry area is another gold mine of recyclable packaging:

• Large plastic detergent jugs
• Liquid fabric softener bottles
• Cardboard detergent boxes
• Some sturdy plastic tubs for laundry pods (check local rules)

Detergent jugs are usually made from #2 HDPE plastic, one of the most widely recycled plastics. Rinse them lightly, put the cap back on, and you’re done.

As brands move toward concentrated formulas and refill systems in 2024–2025, you may see more reusable and refillable packaging in this category. That’s even better than recycling, since reuse typically saves more energy and resources.

Beyond the big three: more real examples of recyclable household items

So far we’ve focused on three practical categories: kitchen packaging, home office paper, and bathroom/laundry containers. But if you’re aiming to really understand examples of recyclable household items, it helps to know a few more common materials.

Metal cans and tins

Metal is one of the best examples of recyclable household materials because it can be recycled over and over without losing quality. Around your home, examples include:

• Aluminum soda cans
• Steel or tin-plated food cans (soup, beans, vegetables)
• Some metal tins for tea, cookies, or candies

To recycle them:

• Empty and lightly rinse.
• You can usually leave the label on.
• Push sharp lids down into the can if they’re fully detached, or follow your local guidance to avoid injuries.

The Aluminum Association and EPA both highlight aluminum cans as one of the most valuable items in your recycling bin. Recycling aluminum saves a significant amount of energy compared to making it from raw materials.

Cartons and newer packaging

You’ve probably seen shelf-stable cartons for items like:

• Broth and stock
• Plant-based milks
• Juice boxes

These cartons are layered materials (paper, plastic, sometimes aluminum). Many U.S. communities now accept them, but not all. The Carton Council tracks where cartons are accepted and how they’re processed.

If your city takes cartons, they’re strong examples of recyclable household items that often end up in the trash simply because people aren’t aware they can be recycled.

Electronics and batteries (special handling)

Electronics and batteries are not curbside-friendly, but they’re still important examples of recyclable household items—just with special rules.

Common household examples include:

• Phones, tablets, and small gadgets
• Laptops and chargers
• TV remotes, flashlights, and toys with batteries

These should never go in your regular recycling or trash, because they can leak chemicals or cause fires. Instead:

• Look for local e-waste collection events.
• Check electronics retailers that offer take-back or drop-off programs.
• Use your city or county website to find official recycling partners.

The U.S. EPA has guidance on electronics recycling and safe battery disposal on its Sustainable Management of Electronics pages.

How 2024–2025 trends affect everyday recycling at home

Recycling isn’t static. In 2024–2025, several trends are shaping how these examples of recyclable household items are handled:

• More focus on quality, not just quantity. Many recycling programs are tightening rules on contamination (like food residue or plastic bags in the bin). Cleaner materials are more likely to be turned into new products.
• “Recycle by shape” messaging. Instead of memorizing plastic numbers, many cities now emphasize simple shapes: bottles, jugs, cans, cardboard, and paper.
• Growth in extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws. Some U.S. states are starting to require packaging producers to help fund recycling systems. Over time, this could lead to packaging that’s easier to recycle and clearer labels.
• More reuse and refill options. From refillable cleaning products to bulk food stores, there’s a push to reduce waste before it’s created. Recycling is still important, but it’s part of a bigger picture.

If you want the most accurate, up-to-date rules for your area, check your city or county’s solid waste or recycling page. The EPA’s national overview is helpful, but local rules always win.

Quick mental checklist: is this a good example of recyclable household material?

When you’re holding an item and hesitating over the bin, run through this quick mental checklist:

• Is it clean and mostly free of food or liquid? If not, a quick rinse usually fixes that.
• Is it made of one main material? Single-material items (all paper, all metal, all glass, all rigid plastic) are better examples of recyclable household items than complex, mixed-material packaging.
• Does it match common shapes? Bottles, jugs, jars, cans, and boxes are usually safe bets.
• Does your local program list it? If your city’s recycling guide specifically says yes or no, follow that.

When in doubt, it’s often better to throw something away than risk contaminating the entire recycling bin with something that clearly doesn’t belong, like greasy food containers, plastic bags, or electronics.

FAQ: Real-world questions about examples of recyclable household items

What are three practical examples of recyclable household items I can start with today?

If you want to keep it simple, start with these three real examples:

• Cardboard shipping boxes and cereal boxes from your kitchen and mail deliveries
• Plastic bottles and jugs, like milk jugs, soda bottles, and detergent containers
• Metal food and drink cans, like soup cans and aluminum beverage cans

If you recycle just those consistently, you’ll already be capturing many of the best examples of recyclable household items in your home.

Are paper towels and napkins an example of recyclable household paper?

Usually not. Used paper towels, tissues, and napkins are often too contaminated or low-quality to recycle. Most programs ask you to put them in the trash, or in compost if they’re unbleached and your area accepts them. Clean paper products like printer paper, mail, and cardboard are better examples of recyclable household items.

Are pizza boxes a good example of recyclable cardboard?

It depends on the grease. Many programs allow the clean top of the pizza box in recycling, but ask you to tear off and trash the greasy bottom. Check your local guidelines; some communities accept slightly greasy boxes, while others don’t.

Can plastic bags and cling wrap go in with other plastic examples of recyclable household items?

In most curbside programs, no. Plastic bags, cling wrap, and thin plastic film can tangle machinery at recycling facilities. Some grocery stores and retailers offer separate collection bins for clean plastic bags and wraps. Bottles, jugs, tubs, and containers are better curbside examples of recyclable household items.

Is Styrofoam an example of recyclable household packaging?

In most curbside programs, expanded polystyrene foam (often called Styrofoam) is not accepted. A few specialized facilities or drop-off programs can handle it, but it’s rarely part of standard household recycling. Check your local rules, but in many areas, foam goes in the trash.

Where can I check if a specific example of packaging is recyclable in my area?

Start with your city or county’s official recycling website or waste management page. Many communities now have searchable tools where you can type in an item (like “yogurt cup” or “carton”) and see exactly what to do. The U.S. EPA’s recycling information can give you a national overview, but local guidance is what you should follow day to day.

If you remember nothing else, remember this: focus on the clear, reliable examples of recyclable household items—cardboard boxes, paper, metal cans, glass jars, and clean plastic bottles and jugs. Get those right, and you’re already making a meaningful difference every time you take out the bin.