Recycling Myths vs. Reality
Recycling can feel confusing, especially if you are new to it. Everyone wants to do the right thing, but conflicting advice, changing rules, and local differences can make it tricky to know what belongs in the bin. At BARC, we process thousands of materials every year, so we know how important it is to recycle correctly.
To help you recycle smarter, we’ve put together some insight on common recycling misconceptions. Think of this as your quick guide to making a real difference with your recycling efforts!
5 Common Recycling Myths
Myth: It’s fine to try and recycle everything because the hauler will sort it.
Sending non-recyclable items to Material Recovery Facilities adds extra work. Staff or machines must remove these items so they do not contaminate valuable recyclables. Tossing the wrong items in your recycling increases costs, slows down processing, and can even create safety risks for workers. When in doubt, it is better to throw it away than risk contaminating the rest of your recyclables.
Myth: All plastics are recyclable
Plastics are identified by numbers 1 through 7, but not all of them are accepted curbside. Most municipal systems only handle #1 PET and #2 HDPE. Other plastics, like film wraps, straws, and multi-layer packaging, often cannot be recycled through standard programs.
Myth: Pizza boxes and food residue are fine
Food and liquid leftovers on materials can damage equipment and lower the value of recycled products. Our tip for figuring out if something is too stained to recycle is to see if you can tell what food was in the container. If you can figure it out based on the residue, it is probably too dirty to recycle. As long as it’s not caked on, quick scrape or rinse will usually make it safe to recycle!
Myth: Glass is always recyclable
Glass recycling rules vary by community. Some towns accept all glass in curbside bins, others only at drop-off locations, and some require glass to be separated from other recyclables. Certain states, like here in Michigan, also have bottle deposit programs where you can return bottles for a refund. Check your local guidelines for the best way to recycle glass!
Myth: The recycling symbol means an item can be recycled at a facility
The Mobius triangle on a product is meant to provide general recycling information. It does not guarantee that your local recycling program will accept the item. Different plastics and materials have unique chemical compositions, and not all of them are processed the same way. Always confirm with your local facility.
5 Recycling Truths
Truth: Containers don’t need to be squeaky clean in order to be recycled.
Containers do not need to be spotless. A little grime is okay, but big messes are not. Just rinse or wipe off excess residue to prevent contamination. The goal is to make sure they are clean enough to avoid contaminating other materials, like paper. Try using a spatula to scrape cans and jars, or using a small amount of water, shake the container to remove most residue.
Truth: Recycling saves energy and resources
Yes, EPA data show that recycling conserves energy and natural resources. Here are a few examples from their website:
- Recycling one ton of office paper saves the equivalent of 322 gallons of gasoline.
- One ton of aluminum cans saves more than 152 million Btu, equal to 1,024 gallons of gasoline or 21 barrels of oil.
- Recycling 10 plastic bottles saves enough energy to power a laptop for over 25 hours.
Truth: Non-recyclable items may still be reusable
Even if something cannot go in the recycling bin, it might still have value. Fiberglass parts, electronics, and old furniture can often be reused or repurposed. If you live in Northern Michigan, BARC can help you figure out whether your items can be reused or recycled.
Truth: Education makes recycling more effective
Understanding what your local facility accepts and how they process materials reduces contamination and increases the success of recycling programs.
Truth: When in doubt, ask the experts
If you are uncertain about an item, reach out to BARC or your local recycling provider. We are happy to answer questions and help keep materials moving in the right direction.
Recycling does not have to be perfect. It just has to be informed. By separating fact from fiction, you can make a real impact and help materials stay in circulation longer.
At BARC, every item we process is part of a bigger system. Fewer materials end up in landfills, more resources are reused, and recycling becomes smarter for everyone. Together, we can turn recycling myths into real progress!