The habit of recycling things that we use in our daily lives because it helps in minimizing the waste in the environment and we can use them later for further processes. Although it is a good habit that everyone should adopt, on the other hand, there are many things that cannot be recycled and they can be proven harmful when recycled. Therefore, it becomes quite important to know about these items to keep them in mind to minimize the harm that they can cause in future. According to a report by Treehugger, here is a list of 15 common items that you should avoid recycling.
10 items that you should not recycle
Aerosol CansAerosol cans that we use daily in the form of hairspray, deodorant or spray paint might look recyclable at first glance because of the metal body but they can be dangerous if they are not completely empty and can explode or leak during the recycling process that is highly risky. So , they should be handled with proper care and recycling of these cans should be avoided.
Source: Recycle coach
BatteriesBatteries should never be placed in your regular recycling bin because they contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals like lead, cadmium and lithium which can leak and can even cause fires or environmental harm if they are not disposed of in a proper way. Recycling them can pose high risks to the safety of the individuals . Always keep in mind to avoid recycling batteries for your safety.
Source: Phys.org
Brightly dyed paperBrightly colored paper especially in the colors like neon or heavily saturated shades should not go in your recycling bin because of the intense dyes on them that can contaminate the recycling process which makes it harder to produce clean and high quality recycled paper. Thus, you can use plain or lightly colored paper but avoid saturated shades always.
Source: Adobe stock
Ceramics and potteryCeramics, pottery and dishes cannot be recycled with glass because they are made from different materials and fired at much higher temperatures which makes them incompatible with glass recycling processes. Instead of recycling them, you should consider donating these usable items as they can be used for construction waste and for further purposes as well.
Source: FairGaze
DiapersDiapers that are used cannot be recycled and should never be placed in your recycling bin because they are made from a mix of plastics, gels and organic waste that can not be separated or further processed. Thus, their contents make them a serious contamination risk by spreading germs and bacteria in the environment. Make sure to dispose of diapers in your regular trash rather than recycling them.
Source: Amazon.in
Hazardous wasteHazardous waste like paint, pesticides, chemicals and solvents are dangerous to people, animals as well as to the environment because these materials require special handling and disposal because they can become the reason for contaminating recycling streams, causing fires or releasing toxic fumes. Always make sure to put these hazardous waste in your regular bin so that they can be safely managed.
Source: Sandy City
Household glassItems like window panes, mirrors, drinking glasses and light bulbs are proof that not every glass can be recycled because they are made from different types of glass than bottles and jars which contain additives or coatings that are difficult to be processed. Always check the local guidelines and in case you have household glass, it is usually best to dispose of it in the trash or take it to a specialized recycling center rather than recycling them by yourself.
Source: Magic bricks
Juice boxesJuice boxes may look recyclable but they are made from layers of paper, plastic and aluminum that are fused together that makes them difficult to separate and recycle. This multi-layer design often contaminates the recycling streams or are sent to landfills. In general, juice boxes should not go in your regular recycling bin as they need proper maintenance.
Source: iStock
Medical waste Medical waste like used bandages, syringes, gloves and other materials get contaminated very easily with bodily fluids or medicines. These items are hazardous and also require special disposal to prevent the spread of infections and protect sanitation workers. Therefore, it should never be thrown in regular recycling or trash bins.
Source: AIHMS
NapkinsNapkins that are already used should never be recycled because they are often contaminated and made from low-quality paper which breaks down during recycling and can damage machinery and reduce the quality of recycled paper products. Therefore, it is the best way to throw napkins in the trash to avoid any inconvenience in the future.
Source: IKEA
Also read: 10 Japanese habits Indians can embrace today for a healthier and happier lifestyle tomorrow
