Recycling is one of the simplest and most impactful ways to help the environment. However, misconceptions about how it works, what can be recycled, and its overall efficacy persist. Let's break down some of the most common recycling myths and set the record straight.
Myth #1: Everything with a Recycling Symbol Can Be Recycled
While many products display the recycling symbol, this does not always mean they are recyclable in your local program. The number inside the recycling arrows refers to the type of plastic used to make the item, but it doesn't necessarily indicate that the material is recyclable with your local facility (Granger Waste Services).
Fact: Always check with your local recycling facility to determine what materials they accept. These will tell you exactly what can and cannot be placed in your curbside bin or taken to a drop-off center. You can often find this information on your waste management company's website or by calling their customer service line. Following these guidelines helps prevent contamination in the recycling stream, ensuring that the materials you recycle actually get processed and reused instead of ending up in a landfill.
Myth #2: Recycling Uses More Energy Than It Saves
Some argue that the energy used to collect, sort, and process recyclables outweighs the benefits. However, studies have shown that recycling materials like aluminum saves significant amounts of energy compared to producing new materials from raw resources. According to the EPA, recycling aluminum saves 95% of the energy needed to make a can from scratch (Colorado University Environmental Center).
Fact: While it's true that recycling does require energy, certain materials—especially metals like aluminum—have a huge energy-saving advantage when recycled. Aluminum is one of the most energy-intensive materials to produce from scratch, requiring significant amounts of energy to extract it from bauxite ore, process it, and shape it into products. In contrast, recycling aluminum uses far less energy. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recycling aluminum saves up to 95% of the energy needed to create new aluminum from raw materials. This reduction in energy consumption significantly lowers greenhouse gas emissions and reduces the overall environmental impact.
Myth #3: You Don’t Need to Rinse Out Containers Before Recycling
Many people believe that leftover food or liquid in recyclable containers doesn’t matter. In reality, food contamination can ruin an entire batch of recyclables, making them unfit for processing (Waste Management).
Fact: To avoid contamination and help ensure that recyclables are properly processed, it’s important to rinse containers before placing them in your recycling bin. A quick rinse—such as a light rinse under the faucet or using a small amount of water—can remove the food and liquid that could otherwise spoil the recycling stream. This small step makes a big difference by preventing contamination, allowing more materials to be successfully recycled into new products.
Myth #4: Recycling Is a Waste Because It All Ends Up in Landfills
There is a common belief that recycling is pointless because most of it ends up in landfills anyway. While it’s true that some improperly sorted or contaminated recyclables do get discarded, the majority of properly sorted materials are successfully processed and reused (Western Illinois University).
Fact: Many cities and companies have improved their sorting technologies to increase recycling efficiency.
Myth #5: Biodegradable Items Don’t Need to Be Recycled
It’s easy to assume that biodegradable materials, like paper and compostable plastics, will simply break down in landfills. However, landfills are designed to minimize decomposition, meaning these materials take much longer to break down than expected. Landfills are structured to prevent decomposing materials from contaminating groundwater (Western Illinois University).
Fact: Paper, cardboard, and compostable plastics should still be recycled or composted in the proper facilities.
Making a Difference Through Proper Recycling
Recycling is an essential part of reducing waste and conserving resources, but it only works if we do it correctly. By understanding these myths and making informed choices, we can all contribute to a more effective recycling system.
Whether you're hosting a zero-waste event, managing a public space, or launching a sustainability program at your school or business, having the right tools makes all the difference. The ClearStream Zero Waste Station is designed to eliminate confusion and keep recyclables, compostables, and trash in their proper place, with clearly labeled bins for each stream to make sorting simple and effective.
Let’s keep recycling clear, clean, and effective—one clear bin at a time. ♻️
Sources:
Granger Waste Services - 7 Recycling Myths Debunked
Colorado University Environmental Center - Debunking Recycling Myths