How to Properly Recycle - When in Doubt, Throw it Out.

Recycling is a simple and powerful way to help the environment, but doing it incorrectly can do more harm than good. Contamination in recycling bins — such as greasy pizza boxes, plastic bags, or non-recyclable plastics — can result in entire batches being sent to landfills. To truly make a difference, it’s important to understand the basics of what can and can’t be recycled, and follow your local recycling guidelines carefully.

The first step to recycling properly is to learn what your local waste management program accepts. Every municipality has slightly different rules. Commonly recyclable items include clean paper and cardboard, plastic bottles and containers labeled #1 and #2, metal cans, and glass jars. Items should be rinsed to remove food residue and dried before placing them in the bin. Keeping recyclables clean prevents contamination and helps ensure they actually get processed.

One common mistake is trying to recycle items with good intentions but without certainty — a behavior known as “wish-cycling.” This includes things like plastic utensils, food-soiled containers, or mixed-material packaging (like chip bags). These items can clog machinery or contaminate entire loads. That’s why the saying, “When in doubt, throw it out,” is often the best approach. It may feel counterintuitive, but putting non-recyclables in the trash is better than compromising an entire recycling stream.

Ultimately, recycling right is about quality over quantity. By focusing on keeping recyclables clean and sticking to what your local program accepts, you're making a meaningful contribution to sustainability. When you're unsure whether something belongs in the recycling bin, take a moment to check — or throw it out. A little caution goes a long way in making recycling more effective for everyone.