40% of the items in recycling bins cannot be recycled due to contamination, putting everyone's good efforts to waste. Common contaminants include food and liquid waste, Styrofoam, tissue paper, electronic waste, furniture and items meant for reuse, such as clothing, toys and shoes.
Food & Liquid Waste
Stained coffee cups,
Pizza boxes and other food-stained paper containers
Plastic utensils/cutlery,
Plastic containers that are too oily and requires much washing
Dirty aluminum foil and trays
Styrofoam
Styrofoam boxes, containers and packaging
Tissue Paper, Toilet Paper, Paper Towels
Clean or dirty, these items cannot be recycled
Electronic Waste
Electronic waste can be recycled but not in the blue recycling bins. They should be deposited at designated e-waste collection points. Find out where to deposit your e-waste here.
Bulbs & Tubes
(Incandescent, LED and fluorescent)
Electric Mobility Devices
Reusables
Donate your reusable items if they are in good condition. Otherwise, these items cannot be recycled in the blue recycling bins and should be discarded as general trash. Visit this link to find out where you can donate/resell/repair your items.
To CHECK if your item can or cannot be recycled, simply use the Recycling Search Engine or check out the Bloobin’s Recycling Guide to seek his advice. He may also throw in a few helpful recycling tips!