5 common recycling mistakes and how to fix them

Recycling may seem simple, but has a range of complexities from the moment you toss material into the bin. Small mistakes can lead to big problems—like contaminated recycling streams, machinery breakdowns, and entire batches of recyclables getting trashed.

Here are five of the most common recycling mistakes—and how to avoid them.

1) not all plastic is recyclable

Most people do not know how to read the embossed triangle on plastic products. It tells you what type of plastic the item is made from—not whether your recycling facility accepts it. Most municipal programs only take #1 (PET) and #2 (HDPE) plastics—like water bottles and detergent jugs. Others, like plastic clamshells, bags, and wrappers (usually #4 or #5), are often not accepted in curbside bins.

Fix it: Check with your local recycler to see which plastic types are accepted curbside. When in doubt, leave it out. And never toss in soft plastic film (chip bags, bubble wrap, bread bags)—those go to store drop-offs or specialty recycling programs.

2) assuming glass is always accepted

Glass used to be a recycling staple. But unfortunately, more and more municipalities are pulling it from their curbside programs. Why? When glass breaks in the bin or truck, it can contaminate other materials like paper and cardboard. Worse, the shards can damage sorting machinery or injure workers.

Fix it: Don’t assume your glass jar is welcome in the bin. Look up your local guidelines. If curbside glass isn’t accepted, many cities have drop-off points or dedicated collection programs. Even better, glass is easy to clean and great for household reuse!

3) misreading (or ignoring) the how2recycle label

The How2Recycle label is meant to help, but only if you actually read it. That little label tells you how to properly dispose of each part of a package—but it’s easy to miss the fine print, especially when items have mixed materials like paper backing and plastic windows.

READ THE LABEL!

Ensure you follow special instructions on top of the label!

Fix it: Look at all the components of the label. If it says “Remove Film Before Recycling” or “Check Locally,” that’s your cue to take action. Never assume the whole thing can be tossed in.

4) recycling items with food contamination

Greasy pizza boxes, peanut butter jars with a spoon’s worth left, takeout containers with residue; All of it causes issues. Food residue complicates the sorting process at materials recovery facilities (MRFs).

Fix it: Rinse out containers and clean off residue as best you can. For cardboard, if it's too greasy or stained, tear off the clean parts and recycle those. Compost the rest if possible.

5) not following local guidelines

Every recycling program is a little different—what’s okay in one town might be totally off-limits in another. If you’re not paying attention to your local rules, there’s a good chance you’re tossing in something that doesn’t belong. And contamination can result in entire bins being rejected.

Fix it: Look up your city or county’s recycling page. Bookmark it. Refer back to it whenever you're unsure. A five-second check can save a whole truckload from getting trashed.

recycling bubble paper products

Bubble Paper products are easy to recycle. All of our products are paper-based products are 100% curbside recyclable, meaning you can toss them in with your home recycling bin.

For a full breakdown, check out our How to Recycle page.