What is recycling contamination?

Recycling in curbside bins is relatively simple for residents and businesses. This is because most of the country's recycling programs still adhere to a single-stream recycling system. This means that it is not necessary to place different recyclable materials (paper, plastic, glass, etc.) in separate bins. outdoor recycling containers distinct; it is enough to separate the recyclable materials from the non-recyclable materials, and then it is up to the recycling facility to make sure that everything is in its place.

Furthermore, people are increasingly aware of how they dispose of waste and unwanted materials. However, despite our best efforts in recycling, we can still run the risk of contamination, which can pose a significant problem for recycling services, businesses, individuals, and the environment. But what exactly is this problem, and what can we do to address it?

What is recycling contamination?

While the single-stream system is relatively simple, the recycling process as a whole is very complex. One of the main challenges facing the recycling industry is that non-recyclable items often end up contaminating the recycling stream. The process by which non-recyclable materials (as well as recyclable but improperly separated materials) impede the recycling system is known as Recycling contamination .

Why is contamination from recycling harmful?

Contamination is a major problem for material recovery facilities (MRFs). An MRF (known in the industry as a "murf") is a processing and sorting facility that prepares single-stream recyclables for sale and reuse. MRFs process both recyclable and non-recyclable waste, often recovering all possible materials from the latter. MRFs are therefore essential to the proper functioning of a city's recycling system. However, the task of correctly sorting each material can be exhausting, if not impossible.

But businesses, local authorities, haulers (garbage truck drivers, etc.), and individuals are also affected. They can face fines and/or other penalties if a load is rejected by a recycling facility due to contamination. When a load is rejected, it is usually sent to a landfill, which can also incur disposal costs. Furthermore, recyclable materials are wasted. Finally, contamination from recycling leads to increased pollution, which is bad for both us and the planet as a whole.

The 5 most common contaminants in recycling

Plastic waste

The safe disposal of plastic and plastic materials (toys, cigarette butts, food packaging, plastic bottles, bottle caps, straws, grocery bags, etc.) is crucial. In fact, although most are recyclable, plastic bags are actually the number one contaminant in the recycling industry. They often clog equipment and can even lead to the closure of an entire facility, not to mention the risks to employees. Furthermore, due to contamination, only 9% of all plastics end up being recycled. Since the plastic recycling process is complex, take the time to familiarize yourself with how plastic waste management works.

Polystyrene

Styrofoam (a type of plastic, also called polystyrene foam) is found in all sorts of products, from packaging materials and toys to egg cartons, takeout containers, and lab equipment. Styrofoam is a special case when it comes to recycling. First, because of its tiny fibers, it's not easy to break down properly. Second, although polystyrene is recyclable, it's difficult (and unprofitable) for many recycling and waste management facilities to handle. Furthermore, polystyrene doesn't decompose—if it ends up in a landfill, it's there forever. So try to be mindful of how much you use.

Electronic waste

Electronic waste includes items such as mobile phones, computers, televisions, Paper shredders , household appliances, lamps, toys, tools, and other discarded items often contain hazardous waste (such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic) and can be very harmful to the environment and human health. Smartphones and many other electronic products also contain precious rare metals (gold, copper, nickel, silver, platinum, palladium, etc.) which, if not handled properly, can also be wasted. Furthermore, items such as electronic wires and cables, known in the industry as "tanglers," can seriously disrupt the machinery at a recycling facility. Fortunately, most U.S. cities have specialized drop-off centers where you can safely and responsibly dispose of your used electronics, so do some research before throwing that outdated smartphone in the trash.

Food waste

Many perfectly recyclable materials often end up in landfills because of Food waste . Indeed, food residues are among the most common contaminants when it comes to recycling. Dirty napkins, packaging, and improperly emptied jars are just a few examples of what can disrupt the recycling process at a facility. Greasy pizza boxes can be particularly problematic, as the oil that soaks into the (traditionally) cardboard box isn't always easily removed during the pulping process. In other words, make sure you've removed the cheese (and/or peanut butter, etc.) to the best of your ability.

Frozen food containers are another tricky point: while some are recyclable (depending on your local recycling center), the outer layer of other containers can prevent the paper from being recycled. So it's always a good idea to check what the box says.

Compostable and biodegradable items

Composting and biodegradation are natural recycling methods. Therefore, compostable products (garden waste, fruits, vegetables, and other organic matter) and biodegradable products (human waste, food waste, hospital waste, manure, etc.) should never be placed in the recycling bin, including compostable and biodegradable plastics. There are industrial and/or commercial composting facilities designed to process this waste throughout the country, so do some research. However, if there isn't one in your area, simply dispose of it in the regular trash.

How can you help reduce recycling contamination?

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 20 billion (or 3.5 million tons) disposable diapers end up in landfills across the country each year. This is because anything containing human fluids is not recyclable. Although the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that about 75% of all waste produced is actually recyclable, less than 30% is actually recycled. Furthermore, the average contamination rate of recycled waste is 25%, meaning one in four items is contaminated. In other words, recycling is complicated.

However, the main cause of contamination during recycling is a lack of awareness. The best way to help is therefore to be informed. Contact your local recycling service providers, familiarize yourself with the rules, and follow their guidelines. Label your garbage and recycling bins accordingly. Clean your containers, separate items, and use common sense. Remember that a single contaminated item can send an entire load of perfectly recyclable materials to landfill. So stay informed, be diligent, and, in short, be mindful of where your waste goes once it leaves the curb.

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