7 Things People Still Put in Recycling Bins (But Should Not by Default)
Wishcycling sounds harmless, but it degrades sorting quality and raises processing cost. EPA's latest full national dataset reports 35.7 million tons of plastic waste generated in 2018 and an 8.7% recycling rate for plastics. Source: https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/national-overview-facts-and-figures-materials
Quick Rule Before You Toss Anything
If your local program does not explicitly accept an item, keep it out of curbside recycling. EPA's national guidance is clear that accepted lists vary by community and should drive your default decisions. Source: https://www.epa.gov/recycle/how-do-i-recycle-common-recyclables
| Item | Default Rule | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic bags and wraps | Do not place in curbside bins; use store drop-off where available. | EPA flags bags and wraps as problematic in curbside systems. Source: https://www.epa.gov/recycle/how-do-i-recycle-common-recyclables |
| Compostable plastics | Keep out of recycling streams. | EPA says compostable plastics are not intended for recycling. Source: https://www.epa.gov/recycle/how-do-i-recycle-common-recyclables |
| Plastic utensils | Assume not accepted unless local rules say otherwise. | EPA lists utensils as items many curbside programs do not accept. Source: https://www.epa.gov/recycle/how-do-i-recycle-common-recyclables |
| Propane cylinders and other pressurized containers | Do not place in curbside recycling. | EPA identifies these as materials requiring special handling programs. Source: https://www.epa.gov/recycle/how-do-i-recycle-common-recyclables |
| Rechargeable and lithium-ion batteries | Never put in curbside recycling bins. | EPA requires dedicated battery collection pathways for safety. Source: https://www.epa.gov/recycle/how-do-i-recycle-common-recyclables |
| Electronics and small e-waste | Use e-waste collection, repair, or certified drop-off channels. | EPA provides separate e-waste handling pathways instead of curbside bins. Source: https://www.epa.gov/recycle/how-do-i-recycle-common-recyclables |
| "Biodegradable" plastic products | Do not treat claim language as proof of curbside recyclability. | FTC Green Guides treat unqualified degradable claims as deceptive when complete breakdown does not occur within one year after customary disposal. Source: https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/green-guides |
What About Pizza Boxes?
Most programs now accept pizza boxes in paper recycling when food scraps are removed. EPA and AF&PA both state pizza boxes are generally recyclable, even with light grease staining. Sources: https://www.epa.gov/recycle/how-do-i-recycle-common-recyclables and https://www.afandpa.org/news/2025/lets-set-record-straight-pizza-boxes-are-recyclable
Evergreen Operating Checklist
1) Follow local accepted-material lists first. 2) Keep batteries, propane, and e-waste out of curbside bins. 3) Route bags and wraps to store drop-off. 4) Remove food scraps from paper packaging. 5) Treat marketing claims as claims, not disposal instructions.