When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Heres how it works.
We all want to do our bit to recycle more and reduce waste.
But there are some things that simply cant be recycled, even if you wish they could!
Throwing the wrong items in your kerbside recycling can cause a whole host of problems.
These range from damaging recycling machines, to the contamination of a whole batch of perfectly recyclable materials.
Recycling rules can be confusing, and vary by area.
But there are a few things it’s possible for you to do.
For example, if its only the bottom of the box thats greasy.
you could still put the top and sides in with your other cardboard recycling.
Otherwise, your takeout drink would get messy very fast!
Some coffee cups can be recycled though, so it’s worth checking the packaging.
The best option would be to buy one of thebest travel coffee cupsand avoid buying single-use coffee cups altogether.
Some places even offer a discount when you do!
At around $30, it’s a smaller purchase that can make a big difference.
Sadly, its not that simple.
Some expanded polystyrene packaging, especially packing peanuts can be reused.
Mirrors and toughened glass
Glass is one of the original recyclable materials.
However, contrary to what you may believe, not all glass items can be recycled.
The coating on mirrors that makes the glass reflective, also makes it difficult to recycle.
So broken mirrors will have to go in the trash, bagging it up or wrapping beforehand.
While unbroken mirrors can be donated to thrift stores or given away for free in local community groups.
But dispose of any broken glass in the trash.
Hangers
Whether metal, plastic, or wood, hangers cant usually be recycled.
Check your local collection rules, as in some areas, metal hangers are accepted in kerbside collections.
Wooden hangers are made of treated wood which cant be recycled or burnt.
And plastic hangers are usually made of mixed plastics, so are not easily recyclable.
Thrift stores might accept hangers for reuse, or try listing on local groups people always need hangers.
Sometimes you have to think creatively to save items from landfill though.
For example, local crafting groups may be able to make use of metal hangers to create craft items.
Hardcover books
This is another surprising one, because paper is very easily recycled.
Removing the hardcover and just recycling the paper pages is one way to get around the problem.
But really, you shouldnt be putting books in the recycling unless the condition is really poor.
Books are a great item to donate, but dont just dump them at your local thrift store though.
Try a variety of community groups, like those for the young and the elderly.
Paper towels and serviettes can be composted though, which is a great way to divert them from landfill.
As long as your paper plates dont have a plastic coating they could also be composted.
In this case, they will have to go in the trash.
And remember, recycling collections and landfill should always be a last resort.
Its best to reuse or donate anything that could have a second life.
As the old saying goes; one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
More from Tom’s Guide
