Dirty Dozen: don't throw these into your single-stream recycling bin

July 6, 10:09 PMGreen Business ExaminerShawna Bohan

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How blessed many of us are to be able to toss all of our recyclable items into the same bin and simply drag it all to the curb on recycling day.  This single-stream recycling process has boosted recycling numbers nationwide due to the ease of use. 

However, when the recyclables make it back to the city or county recycle center/sorting facility, there is quite a bit of contamination and abuse of the privilege being found as well. 

Here are the top 12 things to NOT put into your recycle bin:

1. Plastic bags are the WORST contaminant and should be recycled at your grocery store or similar...not in your curbside bin. 
2. Materials in plastic bags slow the conveyor belt - and usually end up being pulled from the line and thrown into the pile headed for the landfill.
3. Plastic lids or caps are still not recyclable folks.  Please throw them in your trash can, not the recycle bin.
4. Shredded paper is too small to sort at the recycle center, but are excellent feed for your compost bin.
5. Non-recyclable plastics such as lids, Styrofoam, plastic pots, etc. are not recyclable in most areas because markets for their reuse don't exist...YET.
6. Caps or lids on containers tend to keep liquids inside the otherwise recyclable container.  Please remove all caps and lids and place them in the trash!
7. Liquids and any other residues should be quickly rinsed away before the item is thrown in the recycle bin. 
8. Ceramics or non-recyclable glass like china, dishes, mirrors, light bulbs and window glass are not usually recyclable in your curbside bin.
9. Diapers or other bio-hazardous waste like syringes, needles, sanitary products and the like are not recyclable or even compostable.  Ick.
10. Hazardous waste such as paint, auto fluids, car batteries and pesticides should be taken to a hazardous waste facility. 
11. Scrap metal is recyclable, but not usually in your curbside bin.  Please check with your local recycle center to see if they offer drop-off centers for these materials.
12. Frozen food containers, paperboard boxes that were designed for freezer foods have been coated with a polymer plastic to protect the foods inside from freezer burn.  These materials are not recyclable or compostable.  Who knew?

For more information about what can or cannot be recycled in your area contact your local recycle center.  If you don't have a recycle center in your area...consider pitching the idea to your local leaders.