How to avoid sending recycling to landfill

1. 10 ways to avoid recycling contamination

2. Introduction
It’s important that we are aware of what stuff goes in which bin to avoid contamination.
When contaminated loads of recycling are found, it can potentially result in the whole
load ending up in landfill.

3. 1. Look out for recycling labels
Keep an eye out for the recycling labels on the back of packages and bottles.
Determine whether or not an item is recyclable before throwing it in the trash.

4. 2. Remove metal caps & lids on glass jars
Metal lids and caps from glass jars can be put in the recycling loose because they
will be captured by the magnetic sorter.

5. 3. Empty & rinse all containers
Wet and soiled paper or cardboard is unusable at recycling facilities and will be
diverted back into landfills instead of recycled.

6. 4. Do not recycle plastic bags
Plastic bags are one of the number one recycling contaminators. They get tangled in the gears at
recycling facilities, which can be hazardous to the workers who have to untangle them.

7. 5. Safely dispose of batteries
Throwing batteries in the recycling bin is dangerous. They can cause fires due to combustion and medical leaks.
They can also leak on other materials such as paper and cardboard and contaminate the rubbish load which
will then end up in landfill.

8. 6. Coffee cups belong in the trash
Coffee cups are not actually recyclable. They have a plastic lining on the inside which prevents the liquid from
leaking. Throw these in the trash to avoid contamination.

9. 7. Soft paper products are not recyclable
It’s common to think that items such as tissues and paper towels, napkins are recyclable. They are soiled by the
time they are ready to be recycled which means they can contaminate other recycling products.

10. 8. Pots & pans cannot be recycled at home
Pots, pans and cutlery items can be recycled at your nearest recycling facility or
donated at your local charity shop.

11. 9. Compostable items can contaminate your recycling
Compostable items can contaminate your recycling. The processes of composting and recycling are very
different, so you can’t recycle food waste or compostable serviceware.

12. 10. Recycle household products
Don’t forget to recycle shampoo bottles and other household products around the house. Rinse the bottles
thoroughly and make sure to check the recycling labels.

13. Conclusion
It is important to maintain a healthy recycling program so we can make better use of our
limited resources and help reduce our carbon emissions. If we learn to stop recycling
contamination, we will be able to help our recycling facilities flourish safely and
efficiently.
If you are looking to get rid of waste our team at Bonza Bins are happy to help you. Get in
touch with us. It’s also always a good idea to look for more sustainable options whenever
possible in order to avoid the landfill. The most affordable skip bins Armdale!