Common Recycled Items that Should Not be Recycled

If you have dedicated yourself to making environmental changes to tackle the world’s climate crisis, then recycling effectively is a key focus on making an impact on the ecosystem; recycling is a common problem around the world, and while different local authorities have their own separate rules about what is accepted in recycling, I have provided a general guide on items that should definitely not go into the recycling bin, which is a common mistake amongst many people.

Pizza boxes

Cardboard is good to recycle, but not when there are leftovers stuck to it! This includes grease stains, melted cheese and bits of crush inside.

Coffee cups

One may think these takeaway cups are entirely paper, but usually they are a combination of paper and plastic, hence why they do not belong in the recycling bin.

Bin bags/Bin liners

Many people use this to gather up their recycling, which is completely ok, but it is important to note that the bag itself is not recyclable because it is coloured with a substance called carbon black pigments, which affects the sorting system at recycling centres.

Kitchen or toilet roll

The cardboard tube inside is a “go” for the recycling bin, but the kitchen or toilet roll paper needs to be put in the general bin. 

Plastic shopping bags

These can be caught in the recycling centre sorting machinery; therefore, they are not accepted in the recycling bin.

Plastic straws

Having been banned in the UK since April of 2020, this should not be an issue there; the reason they are not recyclable is due to the size and risk of falling out during the sorting process.

Crisp and sweet packets

These packets are made of multiple materials that are non-recyclable, so check each packaging before deciding whether it goes in the recycling or the general waste bin.

Change always starts small and becomes greater the more people get involved, so any changes you make in your recycling routine, no matter how minute it might seem, is just as important as any other change, as this impact will be a part of a bigger transformation.