What Happens to Improperly Recycled Materials?

What Happens to Improperly Recycled Materials?

Most people believe improperly recycled materials go straight to the landfill or incinerator, but it's not quite that simple. Contamination, essentially anything in a recycling bin that shouldn't be there, significantly impacts the process.

After collection, recycling is sorted at a material recovery facility (MRF). Each facility has its own sorting methods, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. What happens to contaminated recycling depends on the type and extent of the contamination. There's a chance recycling will end up in a landfill or incinerated if heavily contaminated. However, following a few basic principles can make the process easier for both individuals and waste management companies. These include rinsing recyclables, not putting rubbish in recycling bins, and disposing of broken glass safely in general waste.

Common Forms of Contamination

Let's examine some common forms of contamination and their consequences. We should rinse recyclables before placing them in the bin—not scrubbing, but removing most food and residue. Recyclables are cleaned during the recycling process, but not immediately; they often sit for a while. Containers with large amounts of food or liquids can contaminate other recyclables in the bag. Highly contaminated or dirty containers are often removed from the recycling line and sent to the landfill or incinerator. A single half-full smoothie container in a recycling bin might contaminate the entire bag, sending it to general waste.

One contentious issue is pizza boxes. They are recyclable as long as food remnants are removed and the box isn't heavily greased. If in doubt, rip it in half and recycle the clean side. Broken glass is generally not collected because it's a hazard for processors and can contaminate other recyclables, particularly paper and cardboard, potentially damaging machinery.

Recycling often won't be collected if general waste is visible in the bag. A UK recycler reported finding nappies in recycling bins! If collected, the entire bag is often removed unless the waste can be easily and hygienically separated. Buildings repeatedly sending contaminated recycling may be blacklisted from collection services.

Recycling varies by location, and it can be difficult to get it right every time. This is exacerbated by "wish-cycling"—placing questionable items in the recycling bin when unsure if they're recyclable. While well-intentioned, this can create problems for recyclers. MRFs can often remove unrecyclable items, though some are more challenging than others. Depending on the item, it might be separated into the correct stream, sent to another facility, or sent to the landfill.

Some materials are harder to distinguish, causing further issues. For example, plant-based bioplastics can be difficult to distinguish from PET during recycling. These should be composted (if your provider offers this service) or sent with general waste to avoid contaminating traditional plastics.