What Items Should Never Go in Curbside Recycling?
Recycling is second nature to many households, but knowing what actually belongs in your curbside bin can be confusing. While tossing all recyclables together may seem like the right move, putting the wrong items in your curbside bin can contaminate the recycling stream, damage processing equipment, or even pose safety risks.
Misplaced items can turn an entire load of recyclables into trash, wasting the time and effort of conscientious recyclers and harming the efficiency of the recycling system. Imagine you’ve just finished dinner and go to toss out a greasy pizza box or a handful of used batteries. Should they go in the recycling bin or the trash? What about that cracked mirror you’ve been meaning to get rid of, or the bundle of plastic grocery bags you’ve saved up? These common questions illustrate how easy it is to recycle incorrectly—and how important it is to get it right.
At a glance, some items appear recyclable based on their material alone; however, not all materials are accepted through standard curbside programs, such as recycling services provided by The Trash Man. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most commonly misunderstood materials that should never be placed in your curbside bin. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to recycle smarter, safer, and more effectively!
Why Plastic Bags Don’t Belong in Curbside Recycling Bins
Plastic bags, including grocery sacks, newspaper sleeves, and bread bags, are made from a type of plastic film that isn’t compatible with most curbside recycling systems. These lightweight materials can wrap around the machinery used in material recovery facilities (MRFs), causing jams and requiring costly shutdowns for maintenance. Even when clean and dry, plastic bags create more problems than they solve when included with standard recyclables.
In communities like Webster City, plastic film and bags should never be placed in curbside bins. Instead, many large retailers and grocery stores offer designated drop-off bins for these items, where they are collected and processed separately. This method ensures the plastic can be recycled properly without contaminating other materials or damaging equipment.
Recycling responsibly means using the right system for each material. While it may seem convenient to place plastic bags in your household bin, the smarter option is to take them to a participating retailer.
Can Greasy Pizza Boxes Be Recycled?
Pizza boxes are made of corrugated cardboard, which is recyclable in clean condition. However, once saturated with grease and food residue, the paper fibers are compromised. The oils prevent the cardboard from breaking down properly during the pulping process, leading to contamination in recycling batches. Most recycling facilities, including those in Iowa, advise against placing greasy or food-soiled boxes in curbside bins.
That doesn’t mean the entire box must be discarded. If only part of the box is soiled, such as the bottom panel, you can tear off the clean top portion and recycle it. The greasy portion should be thrown in the trash or composted, if composting services are available in your area. This simple separation step helps reduce contamination and supports better recycling outcomes.
To dispose of cardboard correctly, consider visiting your local recycling center, where you can confirm whether small amounts of contamination are acceptable. Always remember: when in doubt, keep food waste out of your curbside recycling.
How to Dispose of Electronic Waste Properly
Electronic waste, or e-waste, includes items like laptops, phones, printers, televisions, and batteries. These devices contain components that are hazardous or valuable, including heavy metals, rare earth elements, and plastic casings. Placing e-waste in curbside bins not only disrupts the recycling process but can also release toxins if improperly handled.
Proper e-waste disposal involves taking these items to certified electronics recyclers or designated community drop-off events. Many electronics retailers and local governments sponsor e-waste collection programs that safely separate and process the components for reuse or disposal. Some municipalities even require e-waste recycling by law, underscoring its importance.
Never place electronics in your curbside recycling container. They need special handling and should be directed to appropriate recycling outlets that comply with environmental and safety regulations. Responsible disposal keeps harmful substances out of landfills and allows valuable materials to be recovered and reused.
What You Should Know About Disposing of Glass or Mirrors
While certain types of glass—such as jars and bottles—are accepted by curbside programs, items like window glass, mirrors, and Pyrex are not. These materials have different melting points and chemical compositions that make them incompatible with standard glass recycling. Mixing them in with bottles or jars can ruin batches during the recycling process.
Mirrors and tempered glass often have coatings or treatments that further complicate recycling. These materials can shatter dangerously, posing a safety risk to workers at sorting facilities. If you need to dispose of a mirror, wrap it securely and place it in your regular trash, following local guidelines for disposal. For large pieces, contact your waste service provider for bulk pickup recommendations.
By understanding the distinctions between recyclable and non-recyclable glass, you can avoid contamination and protect facility workers. Avoid placing glass items like mirrors or window panes in your curbside bin. Local resources may offer specific instructions for non-curbside disposal.
Why Batteries and Bulbs Are Not Accepted in Curbside Recycling
Many batteries—especially lithium-ion or rechargeable types—and fluorescent bulbs contain hazardous chemicals and are prone to causing fires if damaged during collection or processing. Even small household batteries can short-circuit and ignite, creating safety hazards in recycling trucks and facilities. For this reason, curbside programs almost universally exclude these items.
Instead, recycling these materials requires specialized facilities. Hardware stores and battery retailers often accept used batteries for recycling. Similarly, certain types of bulbs can be returned to electronics or home improvement stores, which partner with certified disposal services. Local municipalities may also host hazardous waste collection events where these items can be safely dropped off.
Keep batteries and bulbs out of your household recycling container. If you're unsure about the right disposal method, reach out to The Trash Man for guidance on safe recycling options through trusted partners.
Need Help with Proper Recycling in Webster City?
At The Trash Man, we offer expert waste and recycling services tailored to the needs of residents in Webster City and the surrounding areas. Whether you're unsure how to handle greasy pizza boxes, electronic waste, or hazardous items like batteries and bulbs, our experienced team is here to support smarter, safer recycling habits.
Don’t let confusing guidelines lead to contamination or safety issues! With over 20 years of industry experience, we’re proud to serve our community with dependable collection services and up-to-date recycling education. If you have questions or need help managing your household waste, contact us online to learn how we can help you recycle more effectively and safely.