When’s the last time you checked your local recycling guidelines? Chances are, you’re tossing things into those blue bins that’ll make trouble at the recycling facility. Here are some recycling no-no’s to watch for to keep you on top of your sorting game.
1. Paper with food stains. A tiny smear of butter should be fine, but too much grease from food waste can clog the recycling equipment. If your paper takeout box is full of melted cheese or soaked through with cooking oil, it’s best not to put it in your compost bin.
2. Aerosol cans (with the exception of food and cosmetic products). The majority of aerosol cans are not recyclable. If it has a toxic, corrosive or flammable symbol, the can is considered hazardous waste and must be discarded at a household hazardous waste facility. The exception to this rule are aersol cans that contained food or cosmetic items, such as food/cooking spray, shaving cream, deodorant, hairspray, and air fresheners.
deodorant.
3. Hard and soft cover books. Though they may seem acceptable in curbside recycling program due to their high paper content, these items are actually not recyclable as many books contain material and substances that cannot be recycled. Consider donating or selling your old and unused books instead. The Little Free Library program is widespread in many North American communities and provides a wonderful opportunity for residents to share books.
4. Medical products. Unused medical materials are classified as biohazardous waste, including unused or expired prescriptions, needles and plastic syringes. For information about the appropriate disposal of these items, check with your doctor’s office or local pharmacy.
5. Waxed paper and cartons. Small quantities of paper coated with vegetable or soy-based wax should go in your compost bin, not recycling. However, paraffin-based wax paper cannot be composted or recycled because when it melts, it can damage recycling machinery. For this reason, it must go in the trash. To lessen your carbon footprint, consider using plant or non-paraffin-based wax paper material whenever possible. Beeswax and fabric wraps are good options that can be reused.
6. Electronics. While some electronics can be refurbished or repurposed, they shouldn’t go into your recycling bin. Whether new or outdated, electronics contain components like batteries or cathode tubes that aren’t compatible with recycling processes and can spark fires when compacted in waste collection trucks. Most public waste drop-off depots accept old and unused electronics.
7. Treated wood. Wood treated with chemicals may be toxic. Burning treated wood is prohibited in most places. But even when the wood is left to degrade naturally, the chemicals can pollute water supplies. Some public waste depotsd accept treated wood.
Recycling solutions in Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia
Miller Waste Systems offers a full array of waste diversion and recycling solutions in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario. Whether it’s municipal curbside pickup, institutional waste management or residential bin rentals, we can help. Contact us today to discuss your waste management needs.