Have you ever wondered what happens when you don’t recycle properly? It can lead to contamination, which when not dealt with can result in items not being recycled effectively, if at all. In 2024, 82% of citizens (up 6% since 2017) were putting non-recyclable items in recycling bins, which means that contamination remains a persistent issue.
In this article, we’ll explain what recycling contamination is, what happens to contaminated recycling, and why attempting to recycle contaminated materials can sometimes do more harm than good. Keep reading to learn more!
What is contaminated recycling?
In simple terms, contaminated recycling is anything in a recycling bin that doesn’t belong there. This includes recyclable materials placed in the wrong bin or items not accepted by your local council. It can also refer to recyclables that have been spoiled by non-recyclable substances, like a grease-soaked pizza box, making them unsuitable for processing.
What happens to contaminated recycling?
Many assume that all recyclables are collected, cleaned and processed at a material recovery facility. However, high levels of contamination such as food residue, can make entire loads unrecyclable. When this happens, the affected waste is often diverted to landfill or incineration, undermining the entire recycling process.
Why is contamination bad?
Contamination can cause lorry loads of recycling to be rendered unrecyclable. This happens when too many incorrect items are placed in the recycling bin, disrupting the recycling stream and making contaminated recycling as harmful as not recycling at all. Contamination also reduces the value of recyclable materials, meaning they may be disposed of instead of being reused.
How to recycle properly
This recycling 101 will help you understand how to recycle correctly to reduce contamination and the frequency of recycling becoming non recyclable waste.
- Clean your recyclables
Rinse before you recycle. Leftover food and liquids are the most common causes of contamination, making materials unsuitable for processing. Residue can also damage recycling machinery, leading to costly disruptions. So, before putting your recycling in the recycling bin, make sure to give it a quick rinse just so that it is free from most remnants. This small act can help to greatly improve the efficiency of the recycling process.
- Don’t bag recyclables
Always place your recyclables loose in your collection bin, never in bags. This is important because recycling centres process tonnes of materials daily using a mix of automated and manual sorting. Bagged recycling slows down operations and in many cases is removed from the system entirely and becomes waste, especially if the bag isn’t clear.
- Avoid wish cycling
Wish cycling happens when items are placed in the recycling bin without knowing if they’re actually recyclable. It is most commonly seen with plastics due to the complexity of plastic recycling, but it also happens with other products like heat proof glass and ends up causing problems at the recycling facility.
- Understand what’s recyclable in your area
The key to avoiding contamination is understanding your local recycling guidelines. Every Material Recovery Facility (MRF) has different processes for sorting and handling recyclables, which affect what they’re able to accept.
By familiarising yourself with the specific requirements of your council or waste management provider, you can ensure you’re recycling correctly and minimising the risk of contamination.
- Remove non-recyclable parts
If the item you want to recycle has non-recyclable parts, make sure to remove them before recycling. For example, the pump on a hand soap bottle. By removing these parts you’re making sure that the recyclable components can be properly processed as there typically isn’t someone available to separate these materials.
How can EJ Shanley help?
At EJ Shanley, we’re committed to making recycling easier and more efficient. Whether you need skip hire, scrap metal recycling, or expert waste management services, we’re here to help. Get in touch today for personalised advice and find out how we can support you with your recycling needs.
