Waste Series: Part 2: Recycling

by Mia de Castro

July 17, 2020

As I discussed in last week's article, one of the categories into which MSW (Municipal Solid Waste) can be broken down is recycling. Recycling is an excellent way to limit waste that reaches the landfill and to conserve energy by reusing materials that we already have, but recycling confusion is such a common issue that of the 75% recyclables in US waste, we only recycle 30% (Environmental Protection Agency). I would like to address some questions that are not talked about enough in regards to recycling: What is the process of recycling and why should we do it? What can be recycled? What are some common misconceptions of recycling? How should we go about recycling (is there a “right” way)?

Deeming a product recyclable is actually quite complex. According to the US Federal Trade Commission, the product needs to be easily recyclable at most facilities, not just in a few remote locations. The recycling process is already quite complex as it is different for each category of materials: glass, metals, paper products, e-waste, and textiles. All the processes include a cleaning process in which the old materials are cleansed or melted to eliminate paint coats, glue residue, or impurities. The materials are then broken or melted down to create a new source from which new materials can be made. E-waste, however, has arguably the most dangerous recycling process as the melting and breaking down of the materials can release harmful gases to the environment.

Recycling is a great way to reduce waste, energy use, and energy cost. It also prevents pollution by limiting the need to use raw materials and creates jobs in the recycling industry. For example, it takes 95% less energy to recycle and repurpose aluminium than to create it with raw materials (National Institutes of Health).

Recycling is something that has been falsely marketed as overly easy. Although it is a simple process, this marketing has misinformed the public that they do not need to think about recycling; we easily believe that we only need to place all our trash in the recycling bin to make a difference. Yet, there are regulations to recycling that the general public needs to understand in order to make a difference.

Three basic rules outlined by Waste Management:

1. No food or liquids (other food soiled products) in recycling

2. Make sure that recyclables are not bagged in bags that cannot be recycled

3. Recycle clean bottles, cans, paper, and cardboard (they do not need to be spotless)

Waste Management also outlines some more specific guidelines for recycling that are equally important:

What NOT to Recycle:

• Bags that recyclables may be in; empty the bag and reuse it or find where it can be recycled**: www.plasticfilmrecycling.org

• Other plastic bags or film including plastic wrap, freezer bags, bubble wrap and sandwich bags (see above link)

• Flexible packaging (e.g. chip bags, juice/soup pouches)

• Cups with plastic or wax coatings (most cups!): bring a reusable option instead - many food retailers, like Starbucks, will often offer a discount for reusable cups/tumblers

• Polystyrene foam (e.g. take out containers) or packing peanuts (many can often be returned to the store for reuse, and biodegradable options are available)

• Soiled diapers, household items, tangling items, medical waste, or garage waste

• Hazardous Household Waste (EPA’s HHW Recycling Guide)

What IS Recyclable:

• Plastic bottles and containers: it is best to classify based on shape rather than the recycling arrows: bottles, jars, jugs, and tubs; remember to screw the cap back on tightly and remove labels!

• Food & beverage cans in tin, aluminium, and steel; remove labels!

• Dry paper products (e.g. paper, newspaper and magazines); if wet, then compost!

• Cardboard and paperboard; remember to flatten and ensure they are relatively clean

• Food & beverage containers; ensure that containers are empty to avoid contamination and check locally** for milk, juice, and food cartons

• Glass bottles & containers: check local rules** and regulations

• *Batteries: CANNOT be recycled in the bin (due to toxic acids), but there are many local resources, such as supermarkets, where they can be recycled

**With all recycling, it is important to check local regulations since they vary by state and country. You can simply make an internet search of "[city/town/state] recycling regulations". How2Recycle is a nonprofit that has partnered with many big companies, like Amazon, to ensure items are properly recycled. Terracycle is another excellent online resource and nonprofit organization for checking local regulations in 20 countries. It also has a great resource for recycling products that are more difficult to recycle, through their ZeroWaste Program.

Recycling is an excellent option for reducing waste and cutting down on energy use. However, it is important that more people are properly educated on how to recycle correctly to prevent ineffective recycling efforts.