Recycling has become a daily habit for all of us. But are we sure we’re doing it correctly? We know, for example, that in the special blue bins we should place aluminum, tin, plastic, glass, and paper packaging — but perhaps we don’t realize that when these materials are damaged, soiled, or dirty, they should not be placed in the recycling bin.

Here are recyclable materials that should instead go in regular trash bins:

• Broken glass – Glass packaging can be recycled, but broken glass cannot, as sorting is often done by hand, posing a serious risk of injury.

• Pizza boxes & takeaway food containers – Although cardboard, they are usually soaked with oils and grease, making them non-recyclable and problematic for the process.

• Biodegradable or photodegradable bags – Unlike regular plastic bags, these decompose over time and cannot be recycled.

• Small pieces of paper – Smaller than A4 size (e.g., torn pages, tickets) cannot be processed effectively.

• Wet or soiled paper – Greasy napkins, oily paper, or wet paper are unsuitable and contaminate other recyclables.

• Clay or ceramic items – Such as old coffee mugs; they are difficult to recycle.

• Styrofoam and foam (EPS/XPS) – Highly flammable and problematic in recycling facilities.

• Toxic material containers – Such as those for motor oil, antifreeze, pesticides — residues are hazardous.

• CDs, DVDs, videocassettes – Contain mixed materials that prevent easy recycling.

• Plastic straws & cutlery – Hard to recycle despite being plastic.

• Plastic furniture – Blue bins are only for packaging, not bulky plastic items.

• Wire hangers – Often combine metal and plastic; better to separate or discard.

• Phone cards – Not packaging; recycling is costlier than production.

• Bottle caps – Need to be separated, as they are recycled differently from bottles.

• Some juice cartons – Not all are recyclable, especially those combining plastic and cardboard; check for recycling symbols.

Remember:

• Separate packaging waste from general trash.

• Empty containers completely and rinse if needed.

• Flatten cardboard boxes.

• Do not place recyclables inside tied bags; throw them in loosely.

• Never put regular trash in recycling bins.

• Keep bins closed to protect recyclables from rain.

Sources: www.ekpizo.gr – www.herrco.gr