5 Things to Keep Out of Your Recycle Bin

Last updated 1 year ago

You might be surprised to find out that even some generally recyclable products may not be recyclable depending on how they’ve been used. Other products can be dangerous to the recycling plant itself if they are picked up by a recycling service and enter certain recycling processes undetected. Here’s what you shouldn’t toss in your recycling bin:

Greasy Pizza Boxes
Although they’re made of cardboard, pizza boxes can’t be recycled. Because of the pizza grease they’ve soaked up, they don’t fare well in the paper recycling process. Recycled cardboard is created in a water mixture, and as everyone knows, oil and water don’t mix. However, you can break off and recycle parts of the box untouched by grease.

Paper Napkins and Towels with Food Debris
After you wipe down your grease-coated stove, don’t throw your paper towel in the recycling. If your paper napkins or towels came in contact with food of any sort—for the same reasons as a pizza box—they’re no longer recyclable.

Juice Boxes with Plastic Coating
You can recycle some juice boxes—just check the label—but if it has the plastic coating common to cardboard drink boxes, you’ll have to throw it away.

Plastic Bags
You may think that you’re helping by sorting your recyclables in plastic bags, but the bags themselves are not recyclable. A better option is to drop off your plastic bags at one of the many supermarkets and stores that now reuse them.

Styrofoam
Styrofoam can be dangerous to a recycling center because it’s highly flammable, so don’t ever toss it in your recycling bin.

Western Disposal is a locally-owned waste management and recycling service working in Boulder County for 41 years. Our attention to detail and community focus make us the best choice for your trash, recycling, and composting needs. Call us today at (303) 586-1100 for more information.