Recycling seems simple—just toss anything vaguely paper, plastic, or glass into the bin, and you’ve done your part, right? Not quite.
A lot of things people assume are recyclable actually aren’t, and throwing the wrong items in the recycling bin can cause more harm than good. Some materials contaminate entire batches of recycling, making it harder to process, while others just don’t break down the way people think they do. To clear up the confusion, here are just some of the things that aren’t recyclable, even though most people think they are.
1. Pizza boxes
A cardboard box seems like it should be recyclable, but once it’s covered in grease and melted cheese, it’s a different story. The oils from food soak into the cardboard, making it impossible to recycle properly.
Some areas allow clean parts of the box to be recycled, so if the top is free of grease, you can tear it off and recycle that separately. Otherwise, it’s best to toss the whole thing in the bin, or compost it if possible. The grease prevents the fibres from binding together properly, meaning it can ruin a whole batch of recycled cardboard. So while it feels wasteful, it’s actually better to throw it away than to risk contaminating the rest of your recycling.
2. Coffee cups
Disposable coffee cups might look like paper, but most have a thin plastic lining inside to keep them waterproof. This mix of materials makes them extremely difficult to recycle.
The plastic coating needs to be separated from the paper, which most recycling plants aren’t equipped to do. Even biodegradable cups need specific conditions to break down properly, which many facilities don’t offer. The best alternative? Bring a reusable cup, or look for cafes that use fully compostable alternatives. Some coffee shops even offer discounts if you bring your own cup, making it a win-win for both the environment and your wallet.
3. Plastic bags
Even though they’re made of plastic, most curbside recycling programs don’t accept plastic bags because they get tangled in sorting machines, causing breakdowns and delays. This can slow down recycling efforts and even damage equipment, making them more trouble than they’re worth.
Instead of tossing them in with regular recycling, check if your local supermarket has a special collection bin for plastic bags and wraps. Better yet, switch to reusable bags to avoid the issue altogether. If you do have a pile of plastic bags at home, some councils offer specific recycling programs for them, but they must be kept separate from regular recyclables.
4. Shredded paper
Paper is recyclable, but once it’s shredded, things get tricky. The tiny pieces can clog up recycling machinery, and since shredded paper has much shorter fibres, it’s harder to turn into new paper products.
Some recycling programs accept shredded paper in special conditions, like in clear bags or designated bins, but otherwise, it’s better suited for composting or reusing for packing material. Instead of shredding sensitive documents, consider using a secure disposal service that can recycle the paper properly.
5. Receipts
Receipts might feel like paper, but most are actually printed on thermal paper, which contains a chemical coating that can’t be recycled. The chemicals used in thermal paper, including BPA, can contaminate other recyclables, making the entire batch unusable.
The best option? Skip the receipt when possible, or opt for digital versions instead. Many shops now offer emailed receipts, which are not only more environmentally friendly, but also easier to keep track of when you need to return something. If you do end up with a pile of old receipts, they should go in the general waste bin, not the recycling.
6. Bottle caps
Plastic and metal bottle caps might seem recyclable, but they’re often too small to be processed properly. Loose caps can fall through sorting machines, getting lost or jamming the system.
Some recycling programs accept caps if they’re left on the bottle, but others require them to be removed and thrown away. Check with your local guidelines before deciding where they should go. If your area does allow caps to be recycled, make sure they’re screwed on tightly; otherwise, they might get filtered out as waste.
7. Takeaway containers
Plastic and styrofoam takeaway containers often can’t be recycled because of food residue and grease. Even if the container is clean, many types of plastic used in takeaway packaging aren’t accepted by standard recycling programs.
Some councils accept certain types of rigid plastic containers, but styrofoam is almost never recyclable through household collections. If you get a lot of takeaway food, consider bringing your own reusable container when possible. Some restaurants even offer discounts for customers who do.
8. Paper towels and tissues
Even though they’re made of paper, used tissues and paper towels can’t be recycled because they’re usually contaminated with food, cleaning chemicals, or bacteria.
Since the fibres in tissues and paper towels are also shorter than regular paper, they don’t break down well for recycling. The better alternative? Compost them if possible, especially if they’ve only been used for water spills. Some councils have organic waste collections that allow for paper towels and tissues, so check your local rules before tossing them.
9. Frozen food boxes
Unlike regular cardboard, frozen food boxes have a special plastic or wax coating to prevent them from getting soggy in the freezer. Unfortunately, this coating makes them unrecyclable.
Even though they look like normal paperboard, they need to be thrown in the general waste bin unless your local program specifically accepts them. Some brands are now switching to compostable or recyclable packaging, so keep an eye out for those options when shopping.
10. Toothpaste tubes
Toothpaste tubes are usually made from a mix of plastic and aluminium, making them impossible to recycle in most standard programs.
Some brands now offer recyclable tubes or take-back programs, so check if your toothpaste brand has an alternative disposal option. Otherwise, these tubes need to go in the rubbish bin. If you want to be more eco-friendly, consider switching to toothpaste tablets or brands that use fully recyclable packaging.
Recycling is a great way to reduce waste, but only if it’s done correctly. Throwing the wrong items into the recycling bin can do more harm than good, leading to contamination, increased waste, and extra work for recycling facilities. The best thing you can do? Check your local recycling rules, reduce your overall waste where possible, and find better alternatives to non-recyclable items.
