What You Can't Recycle: 15 Common Mistakes That Contaminate the Bin

Putting the wrong things in the recycling bin is called wishcycling, and it is one of the biggest problems recycling facilities deal with. Rules vary by community, but these items are commonly not accepted in curbside bins or standard drop-off containers.

Items that usually don't belong in the bin

1. Plastic bags and film — they jam sorting machines. Many grocery stores collect clean bags separately.
2. Greasy or food-soiled paper — the clean top of a pizza box can often go in; the greasy bottom can't.
3. Batteries — a fire risk. Take them to a battery drop-off. See our battery guide.
4. Styrofoam (EPS foam) — rarely accepted at the curb. Look for a special drop-off.
5. Hoses, cords and chains — they tangle in machinery.
6. Electronics — need an e-waste recycler.
7. Propane and fuel canisters — hazardous; use a household hazardous waste site.
8. Paint, chemicals and motor oil — take to hazardous waste drop-off.
9. Diapers and sanitary products — trash.
10. Shredded paper — many programs don't take it loose because the pieces are too small to sort. Put it in a paper bag if your program allows it, or ask about shredding drop-offs.
11. Ceramics, drinking glasses and window glass — different melting point than bottle glass.
12. Light bulbs — fluorescent tubes and CFLs contain mercury and need special handling.
13. Clothing and textiles — donate or use a textile recycler instead.
14. Plastic utensils and small items — pieces smaller than a credit card usually fall through the sorting line.
15. Anything bagged — recyclables should usually go in the bin loose, not in a trash bag.

A simple rule

Recycle empty, clean, dry containers that your local program lists by name: aluminum and steel cans, paper and cardboard, and bottles and jugs. For everything else, use our locator and filter by what you have.

Frequently asked questions