5 Myths About Recycling We Need To Talk About Now

Reduce, re-use, and recycle - it’s a saying we all know or have at least heard in passing. With the rise in environmental activism and imminent threat from climate change, people have pushed for programs that help reduce waste and the impacts we make on our environment.

Although it may seem like recycling is a tenant in American society, it’s not as widespread as you’d think. In fact, there are only ten states with designated container disposal laws. There are many misconceptions about the recycling process. People question whether it’s worth the time and energy to recycle. There is also debate surrounding whether products made from recycled materials work or are of acceptable quality.

These myths contribute to the false information that’s often spread surrounding recycling systems. The process of recycling is straightforward and extremely helpful to our environment. With single-stream recycling systems, homeowners don’t even need to worry about separating their recyclable waste. In modern times, there is no reason not to reduce commercial waste by implement a recycling program on your property or work with a recycling company in your residential neighborhood.

5 Commons Myths About Recycling

Recycling is one of the staples of environmentalism as we know it today. Although it’s become prevalent in nearly every neighborhood across America, some people don’t feel it holds any meaningful value. These people probably have heard some of the common myths about recycling. Doubtful residential and commercial property owners need to know the myths and facts about recycling, so they can understand why this process is so vital to our environment’s health. Let’s take a look at five of the most common misconceptions surrounding recycling:

Myth #1: Items Made of Different Materials Must Be Sorted

Let’s start with perhaps the most prevalent myth surrounding the recycling process. Although sorting is helpful and might be required in your area, it’s unnecessary for successful recycling. Some towns or counties might ask residents to separate paper products from the rest of any recycling. However, many locations around the country choose to use single-stream recycling, which allows consumers to place all recyclable materials in a single bin.

Items recycled using the single-stream process are picked up and transported to a material recovery facility (MCF) for sorting and processing. Single-stream recycling is a more affordable and efficient option for taxpayers. Typically, sorted recycling systems are seen in upper class, suburban areas, since the process has a higher cost, and those areas have higher property taxes.

Myth #2: You Can’t Recycle Crumpled Bottles or Cans

Nope, this statement is simply not true. Although, ideally, you’ll leave the can crunching to heavy machinery at the recycling plant, there is no issue in recycling a crumpled up beverage bottle or can.

While you can put dented or crumpled cans and plastic bottles in recycling bins, you will probably want to keep them intact if you opt to dispose of them at your local can recycling center. Self-service recycling machines are much more sensitive to worn containers, and they might not be accepted.

Myth #3: Materials Can Only Be Recycled Once

This is another popular misconception that has floated around for ages. Although it does hold some truth in the case of plastic, other materials like metals can be recycled time and time again without any degradation to the material’s quality. Glass is another material that can be continually broken down and re-used. 

Plastic does have an unfortunately short lifespan. Items like water bottles typically don’t become new water bottles but are broken down into plastic pellets for other manufactured products. Plastic pellets are used in clothing, upholstery, rugs, and other non-recyclable items.

Although plastic bottles are “less recyclable” than their aluminum can counterparts, it’s still important - and easy - to dispose of both in the recycling bin properly. 

Myth #4: Products Made From Recycled Materials Are Inferior

When recycling first came to the forefront of environmental efforts, many people were skeptical of the quality of items made from recycled materials. While it is true that many years ago, recycled products were slightly thinner or more easily torn than other alternatives, that is no longer the case.

In modern times, more and more companies are choosing to move to recycled materials for their products because so many consumers demand it. However, they obviously can’t sacrifice the quality of their products; otherwise, they would lose customers quickly. Thus, technology has improved immensely to allow for high-quality products manufactured from recycled materials. Consumers no longer have to worry about inferior recycled products. 

Myth #5: Separating Trash From Recycling Isn’t Important

This is a myth that is just so wrong. It’s imperative for homeowners and commercial businesses to separate their recyclable materials from regular garbage. Things you throw in the recycling bin, like organic food waste or broken glass, can create serious recycling system issues. 

Putting items in the recycling bin that don’t belong can provoke problems later in the recycling process. Broken glass is especially important to keep out of the paper recycling bin because it can seriously damage paper processing plants’ machinery.

Getting Rid of Recycling Myths

The first state to pass a beverage container disposal law was Oregon in 1971. However, recycling programs didn’t start spreading in the United States until well into the 1990s. Even now, there are only ten states in America that have dedicated disposal laws. Unsurprisingly, many people are confused or misinformed about the recycling process.

Recycling is one of the staples of the environmental movement. There are thousands of items you probably use every day that are made up of recycled materials. Contrary to common belief, products made from recycled materials are just as comparable in quality to other non-recycled alternatives.

The myths surrounding recycling programs are problematic because they deter home and business owners from participating in a practical, environmentally-friendly task. Recycling is easy, especially in a single-stream system. There is absolutely no reason to refuse to recycle your waste. Whether you own a home, business, or other commercial property, contact a waste management service to set up your recycling program today. Implementing a recycling program is the first step in reducing your impact on our environment.