Is Recycling a Myth?
Recycling has long been seen as a key solution to our waste problem, but lately, there’s been more discussion about whether it really works. As someone who values sustainability and cares deeply about this planet, I wanted to dive into the facts and uncover the truth about recycling.
The Good News: Recycling Does Work
Recycling does help. Phew. When done right, it saves resources, reduces energy use, and cuts down on landfill waste. The EPA highlights that recycling helps conserve natural resources and reduces greenhouse gases (epa.gov). For example, recycling aluminum saves up to 95% of the energy it would take to create new aluminum from scratch.
But there’s a catch: recycling is only effective if we understand how to do it correctly. The success of recycling depends on the system, the materials, and our ability to sort things properly.
The Challenges: It’s More Complicated Than It Seems
Recycling sounds simple, but the system has flaws. In the U.S., only 35% of waste gets recycled. Every year, $6.5 billion worth of recyclables are lost due to contamination or improper processing.
Plastic is especially tricky. Many types aren’t recyclable, and mixing them with non-recyclables makes the process inefficient. Take a yogurt container—if it’s not rinsed, leftover food can contaminate entire batches. The lid might be a different plastic, making sorting harder. Small mistakes like this can cause recyclables to be rejected entirely.
Busting the Myths
Myth #1: Everything in the bin gets recycled. Contaminated or improperly sorted recyclables often get trashed.
Myth #2: Recycling uses more energy than it saves. Recycling aluminum, paper, and glass significantly reduces energy use.
Myth #3: Recycling is the best solution. While important, reducing and reusing are even more effective ways to cut waste.
Recycling FAQs: What Can and Can’t Be Recycled?
Can I recycle plastic fruit containers? Yes, but remove the paper liner first.
What about styrofoam? Yes, San Diego does recycle styrofoam! However, most counties don’t.
Should I crush cans and cartons? No, leave them intact unless your local facility says otherwise. San Diego says don’t crush.
Can I recycle plastic grocery bags? Not curbside, but many stores have drop-off bins.
Should I leave caps on bottles and cartons? Yes, but rinse first.
Are metal lids from glass jars recyclable? Yes, but separate them from the jars.
What about bubble wrap? Not in curbside bins, but some shipping stores accept it.
What if something is labeled compost? Straws, utensils and products labeled compost or biodegradable go in the trash.
What do I do with paper plates, cups and take out boxes? They belong in the trash.
Easy Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Waste
Ditch produce bags. Buy loose or use reusable ones.
Choose less packaging. Buy in bulk or select items with compostable or minimal packaging.
Repurpose jars and containers. Use them for storage instead of throwing them away.
Cut back on online shopping. Excessive packaging from shipments adds up.
Use cloth napkins and towels. Reduce paper waste by switching to reusable options.
Compost food scraps. Keeps organic waste out of landfills and enriches soil.
Best Practices for Recycling
Know your local rules. Check with your city’s recycling program to avoid mistakes. Check San Diego’s here.
Clean and dry items. Rinse bottles, jars, and containers to prevent contamination.
Sort properly. If you only have one bin, follow your local guidelines for mixed recycling.
Don’t “wish-cycle.” If you’re unsure, look it up—tossing non-recyclables in the bin does more harm than good.
When you throw something "away," it doesn't disappear—it just goes somewhere else. Landfills, incinerators, and oceans are all destinations where waste still harms the environment.
Recycling is part of the solution, but reducing and reusing are even more impactful. By making informed choices, we can help improve the system and move toward a more sustainable future.
