Households are often confused about which items can be recycled, leading to common mistakes that contaminate recycling bins. Two items regularly end up in recycling bins incorrectly, with many people unaware they are doing anything wrong.
Commonly misplaced items
Experts have revealed some of the items most often wrongly placed into recycling. It is understandable that people, wanting to do their best and recycle as much as possible, sometimes make mistakes.
Greasy pizza boxes and food-soiled cardboard are frequent offenders. People may assume that cardboard should be put out for recycling, but once it is contaminated with food, it is no longer suitable to be recycled. Clean bits of cardboard can be ripped off and recycled separately.
Wrapping paper confusion
Another common error involves wrapping paper. Most shiny, glittery, or foiled wrapping paper cannot be recycled due to its plastic and metal content. Experts suggest a simple test: scrunch the paper into a ball. If it stays scrunched, it should be fine for recycling.
Fire hazards from vapes and batteries
Vapes and batteries are increasingly ending up in recycling bins, posing potential fire hazards. A vape and lithium battery expert at ecigon explained: "Every vape contains a lithium battery, and the moment it is crushed in a bin lorry or sorter, it can ignite. These fires are intense, fast-moving and almost impossible to put out."
To dispose of vapes safely, take them back to the retailer, a supermarket take-back scheme, or your council's small electricals point. Batteries should also be recycled through designated collection points.
