Recycling Expert Insights

When it comes to recycling, many items commonly considered recyclable actually belong in the trash. According to Ryan Metzger, CEO and co-founder of Ridwell, the following six items should never find their way into your recycling bin:

1. **To-Go Coffee Cups**: Often lined with plastic, they contaminate other recyclables.

2. **Plastic Grocery Bags**: These lightweight bags can clog recycling machinery.

3. **Plastic Straws**: Too small and light to be processed, straws contaminate recycling streams.

4. **Multi-Layer Plastic Items**: Snack bags and wrappers are made of different plastics, making them unrecyclable.

5. **Plastic Hangers**: Often made from various plastics and metals, they should be reused or donated.

6. **Bubble Wrap**: Like plastic bags, bubble wrap can disrupt recycling processes and is best reused.

Check local recycling guidelines for specific dos and don’ts in your community, as regulations can vary. Some of these items may have alternative disposal methods or specialized recycling programs.