What can be recycled?

For consumers, why is it so hard to determine what can and cannot be recycled"?

Packaging types are very diverse.

Recycling facilities vary in what products they accept for recycling.

You might assume that if there is a recycling logo it belongs in the recycling bin. Unfortunately, just because the packaging has a recycling logo (♻️) does not mean that the product can be recycled in every municipal recycling program.

Here’s a handy guide to help you decide what to do in your own home.

How2Recycle is an organization that is working to resolve some of the issues of recycling (e.g., recyclable items ending up in landfill, non-standardized labeling systems, and misinformation regarding labeling). The label that has been developed by this organization (pictured right) contains four distinct aspects which inform the consumer about how to recycle the product: (1) how to prepare the product for recycling, (2) how to recycle, (3) the type of the material, and (4) the packaging format. The organization has partnered with large companies like Amazon, Mattel, Unilever, Aldi, and Campbell’s to make sure that their consumers are able to properly recycle their products.

How2Recycle’s labeling system is not standardized among all consumer products, therefore it is important that consumers are informed about whether the products that they use on a daily basis can be recycled.

Common items that can be recycled in traditional municipal recycling programs:

Clean paper products that are not combined with other materials (paper envelopes, newspaper, magazines)
Cardboard- shipping boxes, cereal boxes, cardboard milk cartons (no metal lining)
Steel, aluminum, and tin cans
Glass bottles, jars, and bottles
Rigid plastic products
- Plastic water bottles (remove cap)
- Milk Jugs (not Tetrapaks)
- Water bottles/soda bottles
- Shampoo, soap, and detergent bottles

What cannot be recycled in municipal recycling programs:

Paper based products with residue on them: dirty paper plates and dirty pizza boxes, used paper towels, and tissues
Light bulbs
Tetrapaks (can be recycled in some communities, but not at all, important to check with local recycling facilities)
Electronic waste
Plastics based products
- Rubber products
- Flexible plastic packaging: chip bags, candy wrappers, plastic film, cling wrap, bubble wrap, Zip-lock bags
- Styrofoam (also known as expanded polystyrene)
- Plastic shopping bags
- Receipt paper
- Plastic utensils

Additional Resources