10 Surprising Things You Didn't Know You Could (or Couldn't) Recycle
Think you’ve got recycling down? You’re probably wish‑cycling—and here’s how to stop.
I’m an editor who knows recycling like the back of my hand—or at least I used to. Until I realized: I don’t. Neither do most people. Every day brings fresh confusion: can that juice box go in the bin? What about bubble wrap or greasy pizza boxes? The truth is—recycling isn’t as straightforward as it seems. We've entered a world of mixed materials, wish‑cycling and outright bans. Let’s unravel the contradictions and empower you to recycle smarter (and guilt‑free). Want to be that person who actually reads the label? Let’s go.
1. Juice & milk cartons (aka mixed‑material packaging)
You buy them for convenience. You throw them in the bin for convenience. But surprise: those cartons are often a tangle of paper, plastic, and aluminum foil. Most curbside programs can’t separate the layers. What a bummer. According to Treehugger via Times of India, mixed‑material items shouldn't go in the recycling bin—they contaminate the stream. Instead? Try specialized drop‑off locations or zero‑waste stores.
2. To‑go coffee cups
They look recyclable—they feel recyclable—but they're not. A Ridwell waste expert says those cups are paper lined with plastic, which can’t be separated easily. Only select facilities accept them; otherwise: landfill. Your next coffee trip? Bring a reusable mug.
3. Pizza boxes (when greasy)
Just because it's cardboard doesn't mean it's recyclable. Grease and cheese soak in and ruin the recycling process. AMCS Group ranks them among “15 surprising things that cannot be recycled.” Fatty stains destroy the entire pulp batch. Rip off clean parts and toss the rest in the compost or trash.
4. Plastic straws & utensils
Tiny and flimsy—exactly why they slip through machines or gum them up. AMCS and Ecopify highlight that straws and utensils are typically made from plastics #5 or #6 and are too small for sorting systems. Opt for reusable—yes, even for that party.
5. Plastic bags & film packaging
We’ve all done it: bagged recycling in plastic bags. Big mistake. These clog recycling systems and must be dropped off at designated locations (like grocery stores), not curbside. Bag your recyclables? Nope. Just toss them loose.
6. Bubble wrap & padded envelopes
Flexible and slippery, bubble wrap is more nuisance than recyclable. Ridwell warns that these plastic films jam machinery and shouldn’t go in curb bins. Use shipping-store bins or save them for reuse.
7. Batteries & aerosol cans
They’re household staples—but downright hazardous in recycling streams. Batteries can short‑circuit and spark fires, while aerosols may explode under heat or pressure. Both need special handling or drop‑offs.
8. Plastic hangers
Mixed plastics, metal bits—they fall into the non‑recyclable camp. Donate or reuse instead. Simple as that.
9. Snack & chip bags
Looks weird? That’s because these are laminated combinations of plastic and metalized film—virtually impossible to separate. Ridwell includes them in a list of items that are definitively not recyclable.
10. Styrofoam & polystyrene
Those foam coffee cups and packing peanuts? Polystyrene is almost never accepted curbside. Many jurisdictions are banning them entirely—California, New Jersey, New York and more. Tread carefully: most of it goes straight to landfill.
Why It Matters
This confusion isn’t trivial. “Wishcycling”—putting things in the recycling bin hoping they'll be recycled—leads to nearly 20% of recyclables being contaminated. That means more wasted energy, costs, and effort. And sometimes, full batches of recycling get sent to the dump. Yikes.
How to Recycle Like a Pro ♻️
Check your local guide: recycling rules vary by city—don’t trust your neighbor’s.
Rinse & separate: even ketchup residue ruins batches.
No bagging in plastic: keep recyclables loose.
Find drop‑off spots: for film plastics, batteries, aerosol cans, polystyrene.
Reduce & reuse: best practice? Don’t consume single‑use in the first place.
Your Turn
Think you can conquer your recycling bin? I challenge you: this week, don’t put any of the 10 items above in your curbside. Instead, research local drop‑off options. Then? Show off. Post a pic. Tag me. Let’s start a zero‑wish‑cycling revolution. 😉