10 Items That Usually Recyclable

If you’re not already recycling, you’re missing out on a simple yet powerful opportunity to help the environment and potentially save our future.

Recycling plays an important role in supporting our environment by conserving resources, saving energy, and reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Each time you recycle, you’re giving old materials a new life while minimizing the need to extract more raw resources.

That said, it’s important to remember that not everything can be tossed into your recycling bin. Rules vary by location, and certain materials may require special drop-off points.

So to help you get started on your recycling journey, I decided to create this recycling resource to highlight 10 commonly used items that can usually be recycled. (And for those who already practice recycling, this blog post may surprise you with a few extra items you could be saving from the trash!)

The Importance Of Recycling

Fun Fact: According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recycling just 10 plastic bottles saves enough energy to power a laptop for more than 25 hours!

Recycling provides countless benefits for both our environment and society. So before we dive into the 10 items that are usually recyclable, let’s take a closer look at why recycling is so important:

• Conserving Natural Resources: Recycling allows us to repurpose existing materials into new products, which drastically reduces the need to extract raw resources like trees, water, and minerals from the Earth.
• Saving Energy & Reducing Emissions: Manufacturing new products from recycled materials almost always requires less energy than making them from scratch. This directly helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other forms of pollution.
• Economic Benefits: Recycling not only creates thousands of green jobs in sorting, processing, and manufacturing new goods. But it also helps reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills, saving municipalities significant costs related to waste management, transportation, and landfill expansion.

Another Fun Fact: According to the Environmental Protection Agency, in a single year, recycling and reuse activities in the United States alone accounted for 757,000 jobs, $36.6 billion in wages, and $6.7 billion in tax revenues.

Recycling is powerful, but it works best when paired with the other two R’s—Reduce and Reuse. By consuming less and reusing what you already have, you can significantly cut down on waste before it even reaches your recycling bin.

Summary: Every item we recycle helps conserve natural resources, cut down on pollution, and reduce the amount of waste piling up in landfills. By choosing to recycle, we’re giving those valuable resources a second life while building a more sustainable future.

Here Are 10 Items That Are Usually Recyclable:

Photo: © mali maeder via Pexels

1. Plastic Bottles

Fun Fact: Plastic water bottle sales have skyrocketed over the last 24 years. According to the Container Recycling Institute, Americans bought more than 86 billion plastic water bottles in 2021, compared to just 3 billion bottles in 1997.

The good news is that most plastic bottles are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a highly recyclable material. These bottles can be easily recycled into a variety of plastic products, including new plastic bottles.

Unfortunately, of the 86 billion plastic water bottles sold in 2021, only 29% (25 billion bottles) were actually got recycled. Around 71% (61 billion bottles) get dumped into the landfill or being left as litter.

Actionable Tip: Whenever possible, choose reusable bottles made of stainless steel or glass to cut down on single-use plastic bottles altogether. And remember to always empty your bottles before putting it in your recycling bin to prevent contamination.

Summary: Most plastic bottles are recyclable because they are made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Your curbside recycling programs will most likely accept your plastic bottles, so please do the world a favor and recycle them.

Photo: © chonesstock via canva.com

2. Brown Paper Bags

Unlike plastic bags, which are not recyclable due to their lightweight and flexible nature that often jams the machines and disrupts the entire recycling process, brown paper bags are recyclable.

Fun Fact: According to Splash Packaging, schoolteacher Francis Wolle invented the first machine to mass-produce paper bags in 1852, revolutionizing packaging by making paper bags more accessible and affordable. Later in 1871, Margaret E. Knight patented a machine that produced flat-bottomed paper bags, which were more practical and durable than earlier designs.

Brown paper bags have long been a reliable companion for carrying groceries, lunches, and various other items. These bags are made from kraft paper, a strong and durable material that is 100% recyclable and biodegradable.

Most curbside recycling programs accept these bags, and recycling them is a straightforward and efficient process. However, they must be clean and dry, as grease and food residue can contaminate the recycling process. (If a bag is wet or greasy, composting is often the better option, since paper bags break down naturally and enrich the soil!)

In addition to being recyclable and compostable, brown paper bags can also be repurposed. You can grant them a second life in various ways, such as gift wrapping or crafting projects, which extend their usefulness and reduce waste.

Summary: Brown paper bags are a sustainable and eco-friendly choice for carrying groceries and other items. They are made from strong, durable kraft paper that are 100% recyclable and compostable, so most curbside recycling programs do accept them.

Photo: © vm via Getty Images

3. Newspaper And Junk Mail

If you're an average person living in the United States, then chances are you would get a ton of newspapers and junk mail (especially during holidays). It annoyingly shows up year after year in your mailbox, even if you wish it could go away.

According to a case study done by the Senior Stewards Acting for the Environment, the average American household receives around 848 pieces of junk mail each year. However, the sad news is that 44% of those junk mail are being thrown away unopened.

But just because they are annoying doesn't mean you should throw them in your trash can. The good news is that most newspapers and junk mail are made of paper, so it's accepted in all curbside recycling programs.

Fun Fact: According to the official government website for Teton County, approximately 10 million tons of newsprint are tossed into the trash every year in the United States. (Around 65,000 to 75,000 trees are needed to produce the Sunday edition of the New York Times!)

Recycling newspapers and junk mail can typically save 34 to 60% of the total energy needed for virgin newsprint. However, remember to separate non-paper items such as plastic film and other contaminants inside first.

Actionable Tip: Not only can newspapers and junk mail be recycled, but they can also be composted. If you are lucky enough to have a garden outside your house, you can simply dig a one-foot hole anywhere in your yard to compost them.

Summary: Things like newspapers, old documents, and junk mail are some of the easiest materials to recycle and turn into things. Almost, if not all curbside recycling programs accept them.

Photo: © SergeyNivens via Getty Images

4. Books

Why recycle books? Because each ton of paper recycled saves 3 cubic yards of landfill space, 380 gallons of oil, 17 trees, and 7,000 gallons of water.

Books are primarily made from paper, which is a recyclable material. By recycling paper, we reduce the need for virgin wood pulp, conserve natural resources, and lower the overall environmental impact of book production.

Fun Fact: According to the National Wildlife Foundation, about 640,000 tons of books go to landfills each year. That is roughly 320 million books not being recycled every single year!

The recycling process can be a little more complicated than tossing in your newspaper or magazine. Hardcover books often have bindings, glues, or even leather covers that need to be removed first before the paper pages can be recycled.

Alternatively, if your books are still in good condition, consider donating them to local Goodwill, schools, or libraries. This gives someone else the chance to enjoy them while you keeping them out of landfills.

Summary: Recycling books helps save trees, water, and energy while reducing many pollutions associated with paper manufacturing. Whether through recycling, donation, or creative reuse, if you have old books you no longer need, please consider giving them a second life.

Photo: © y-studio via Getty Images

5. Cardboard Box

Cardboard boxes are everywhere in today's society, from products packaging to shipping, moving, and storage container. Cardboard boxes play a significant role in our daily live.

And the good news is that these boxes are one of the largest categories of materials recycled every year, with the U.S. recovering almost 90% of them.

Fun Fact: According to the Town of Weston, Massachusetts's Cardboard & Paper Recycling guide, recycling one ton of cardboard saves about 46 gallons of oil, 3 tons of trees, and 9 cubic yards of landfill space!

Better yet, you can also reuse them before sending them off for recycling. They are sturdy and can often be reused for storage, moving, or shipping containers.

Actionable Tip: Be sure to always flatten your boxes before placing them in the recycling bin. This not only saves space but also ¥makes the collection process more manageable.

Summary: Cardboard boxes are designed to be recyclable, and recycling them conserves trees, energy, and landfill space. To recycle effectively, always flatten your boxes to save storage space and make the collector's job easier.

Photo: © nobtis via Getty Images

6. Glass Containers And Jars

Unlike plastic or paper, which may degrade with each recycling cycle, glass is an infinitely recyclable material that can be melted, reformed, and made into new products over and over again without degrading in quality.

This means that recycled glass is just as safe and reliable as newly produced glass, making them a sustainable and eco-friendly choice for food and beverage packaging, storage, and even window.

Fun Fact: According to The Recycling Partnership, 2.4 million tons of recycled glass are used to make new bottles and jars yearly. And for every 6 tons of recycled container glass used in manufacturing, we can reduce 1 ton of carbon dioxide emissions.

Actionable Tip: Before recycling, always empty and rinse glass containers to prevent contamination. Lids may be left on, however, check with your local recycling guidelines first just in case.

Summary: Glass containers and jars are 100% recyclable and you can recycle them endlessly because they don't lose their quality after the recycling process. So please don't throw them in your trash can.

Photo: © SchulteProductions via Getty Images

7. Aluminum And Steel Can

Fun Fact: According to the American Institute of Steel Construction, steel is the most recycled material in the world, with domestic mills recycling more than 70 million tons of scrap each year. Currently, structural steel includes 92% recycled content!

All metal cans used for beverages like soda and beer can be recycled infinitely, which means they don't lose their value after the recycling process, saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

However, before throwning them into your recycling bin, it's recommended to do these first:

• Rinse Before Recycling: Quickly clean them with water to remove food or liquid residue. This prevents contamination in the recycling stream.
• Remove Labels (If Possible): Most facilities can handle labels, but peeling them off helps streamline the process.

Another Fun Fact: Aluminum and steel cans are among the easiest materials to recycle. According to CVWMA, recycling just one aluminum can saves enough energy to power a television for three hours!

Summary: Both aluminum and steel cans, whether from soda, beer, or soup, are 100% recyclable and can be recycled infinitely without losing quality. So don't hesitate to toss them into your recycling bin. Just remember to clean them first!

Photo: © onurdongel via Getty Images

8. Electronic Devices

Fun Fact: According to the Global E-Waste Monitor, the world generated a record 62 million tonnes of electronic waste in 2022 (up 82% since 2010), yet only 22.3 percent of it was formally collected and recycled. Leaving over 48 million tonnes of toxic metals to leach into our soil and groundwater.

Most common electronic devices are recyclable, and should be recycled to recover valuable materials (such as metals, plastics, and glass) to prevent hazardous waste from entering the environment. However, not in your regular recycling bin.

Electronic devices often contain hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which not only harm the environment but can also pose serious fire risks if not disposed of properly. (And should never be thrown in your regular trash!)

Instead, look for local e-waste recycling centers, manufacturer take-back programs, or community collection events. Proper e-waste recycling ensures that these materials are safely recovered, reducing the environmental impact and conserving valuable resources.

Summary: Electronic devices have revolutionized our lives, but their growing presence also means an increase in e-waste. Luckily, electronic devices are recyclable, and recycling them not only conserves valuable resources but also protects the environment from hazardous substances.

Photo: © Maria Korneeva via Getty Images

9. Clothing

Fun Fact: According to Earth.Org, the average American throws away about 81 pounds of clothing each year. Adding up to approximately 11.3 million tons of textile waste annually in the United States alone.

Clothing is an essential part of our daily lives, reflecting our style, personality, and even culture. However, fashion trends change and garments wear out, many items are just no longer fit or suit our taste.

Luckily, most clothing is made from a variety of recyclable materials, including cotton, wool, polyester, and nylon. They can also be recycled and reused to create new products.

Note: All types of cloth textiles, even if torn or worn, can be recycled. However, just like electronic devices, textiles must be taken to specialized drop-off sites, donation centers like Goodwill, or textile recycling facilities.

Many local nonprofit clothing stores even go beyond and sort your old clothing for you, dividing it into what's reusable and what needs to go to a recycling plant. But yes, clothing is recyclable and can be converted into fiber and used to manufacture all sorts of products.

Summary: Clothing is recyclable, but I think it's better to just donate your no longer needed clothes to your local Goodwill or anyone who needs them. Another good idea is to resell your old clothes to make some extra money.

Photo: © Ellie Burgin via Pexels

10. Tire

Fun Fact: According to ScienceDirect, about 3 billion new tires are being produced each year and around 800 million tires become waste annually.

As you can tell, I kinda ran out of ideas to put on this list, but car tires are recyclable and often end up burned off as fuel or turned into playground equipment.

However, they cannot be put in your regular curbside recycling bin and require professional handling at auto shops, recycling centers, or government-sponsored collection events.

Why tire recycling matters:

• Prevents Pollution: Tires take hundreds of years to decompose and can leach toxic chemicals into the environment if left in landfills.
• Conserves Resources: It takes about 7 gallons of oil to produce a single new tire. Recycling reduces the need for new raw materials and fossil fuels.
• Protects Public Health: In some countries, discarded tires collect rainwater, creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes that spread diseases.

Summary: Used tires can be taken to a local recycling facility or tire retailer to recycle, but in most cases, when you buy a new set of tires, the dealer will usually recycle your old tires for you. If not, then at least you can use it to make a swing out of it.

Quick Takeaway

As always, check with your local recycling program to make sure all of these items can be placed in your curbside recycling bin. Curbside recycling programs are vary from city to city. This blog is intended to be a general guide only.

Here Are 10 Items That Are Usually Recyclable:

1. Plastic Bottles
2. Brown Paper Bags
3. Newspaper And Old Document
4. Books
5. Cardboard Box
6. Glass Container And Jars
7. Aluminum And Steel Can
   
8. Electronic Device
9. Clothing
10. Tire

Again, for the most accurate information, please check with your local recycling program, and if you have any questionable items that need to be recycled, use this search to find a local recycler.

Frequently Asked Questions Relate To This Blog:

Question #1: What are the benefits of recycling?

Answer: Recycling has many benefits, it conserves natural resources, saves energy, and reduces pollution, but the most important benefit is to help reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills, which can also help to protect the environment.

Question #2: How do I know if an item is recyclable?

Answer: You can simply identify recyclable items by looking for the recycling symbol—a triangle made up of three arrows pointing in a clockwise direction. However, it's always a good idea to check your local recycling guidelines, as some materials may not be accepted despite the symbol.

Question #3: How can I recycle more items?

Answer: To recycle more, you can simply check with your local recycling program to see if there are more items that you don't know they accept. Or take your unrecyclable items like plastic bags to a drop-off center if necessary.

Question #4: What are some common recycling mistakes to avoid?

Answer: Some common recycling mistakes to avoid include: Putting contaminated items (like food-soiled containers) in recycling bins, not sorting properly and putting incorrect items in the bin, or throwing away your recyclable items.