Things to Do

7 things you can’t recycle that you thought you could

By Shelia Poole
April 22, 2016

Wait before you toss that plastic container with the remnants of this morning’s grits and sausage into the recyling bin.

It on the list of things that many recycling places won’t take because there’s not a market for it, they can’t collect enough, the expense, but most importantly, it makes the planet healthier.

Also at issue is that which items can be recycled, may vary from state to state and even at the municipal level.

Plastic bags and cords can clog the recycling machinery. Most grocery stores, though, have bins where you can reycle plastic shopping bags.

The most common items that are almost universally collected for recycling in curbside programs across the country are paper, bottles and cans (plastic and metal), according to Brenda Pulley, senior vice president/recycling, with Keep American Beautiful in Washington, D.C

Other items such as plastic bags, electronics and textiles are recyclable - just not at curbside.

Here are 7 things don’t to put in your curbside bins. When in doubt, check with your local recycling companies or municipality.

Christmas lights or electric cables

Related:

Here’s how you can get rid of old paint

Georgia’s environmental report card

About the Author

Shelia has worked at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for more than 30 years. Previously, she worked at The Lexington Herald-Leader and The Louisville Defender. Her beat is a bit of a mixed bag that includes religion and spirituality, culture and trends, race and aging. She earned degrees from Spelman College and Northwestern University.

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