Recycling Myths
Myth #1.
Recyclables do not need to be separated from trash.
No! All of us should sort recyclables from trash. Separation should not occur downstream. Even though Greenwich employs a single stream system in which recyclables go in one container, they should not be mixed with trash. Some residents are not compliant, while others are wishcyclers, who - hoping to avoid waste - may toss everything from broken cell phones and clothing to plastic newspaper bags and candy wrappers in the recycling. These materials jam up machinery, contaminate valuable material and are hazardous to workers. To avoid these problems and keep costs down, it’s imperative to follow the rules of recycling right. If in doubt, throw it out!
Myth #2.
Recyclables should be bagged.
While your trash should be bagged, accepted recyclables should be loose, not bagged, not bundled, not boxed. Plastic bags are a major source of contamination and expense. Workers do not have time to open bags, and machines are not designed to pry them apart. At the MRF in Stamford, operations shut down several times a day in order to remove entangled bags from machinery, which increases the cost of recycling and is a hazard for workers.
If you have plastic bags, please reuse or recycle them at grocery and retail stores that accept them. Holly Hill transfer station also has a separate container specifically for plastic bags, wrap and film. Even some schools are collecting these materials through the Trex program. But do not put them in the recycling bin! For more information, check out “Unacceptables.”
Myth #3.
Recyclables do not need to be clean.
Accepted materials should be clean and, if necessary, rinsed quickly before recycling. Grease and food residue gets burned away during the recycling process for plastic, glass and metal but will transfer to paper and contaminate it. Food also will spoil, creating unsanitary conditions for workers in the recycling facility.
To reduce contamination, paper towels, napkins, paper take out items, including coffee cups and paper goods, should be put in the trash. Pizza boxes can be recycled, as long as food and paper is removed. Remember to empty liquids from beverage containers at home and when out before recycling.
Myth #4.
Styrofoam can be recycled.
Expanded polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam, is no longer recyclable because of contamination issues and its lack of market value. Foam cups, egg cartons, peanuts, take-out containers, meat trays and any other styrofoamshould not be put in the blue bin. Anything marked with the resin code #6 is not recyclable. Let’s nix the six!!
The best approach is to refuse and avoid styrofoamfor your health and the environment. Styrofoam products contain styrene, a probable carcinogen. It is one of the most common forms of plastic pollution and is produced from petroleum.
In response to concerns from residents, Greenwich Public Schools recently eliminated styrofoamlunch trays from its cafeterias. As consumers we should choose foods without styrofoampackaging, encourage grocery stores and food establishments to stop using this harmful product, and support local ordinances. Westport and Norwalk have already banned single-use polystyrene, and hopefully soon Greenwich will follow their lead. Check out BYOGreenwich for updates.
Myth #5.
Tetrapak/aseptic cartons cannot be recycled.
Although these cartons are composed of paper, polyethylene and aluminum, they are accepted recyclables. Just empty them and toss them in the blue bin. Do not crush the cartons and keep the cap on. There are three paper mills in the US that can process them for recycling to make other products. Alternatively these cartons can be used for building materials, like ceiling tiles and wallboard. Visit the Carton Council for further information.