8 things you can’t just toss in the recycling bin
4. Packing materials
Take foam peanuts and other packing materials to a local shipping store or small business that ships items often and can reuse them.
5. Plastic bags, wrap, or packaging film
Some grocery stores will let you return plastic bags (including shopping bags, zip-top bags, bread bags, and dry cleaning bags) to be recycled by a special handler, notes Sarah Womer, founder of Zero to Go.
6. Shredded paper
Once paper has been shredded, it’s too small for most recyclers to handle. Check with your municipality about how to package it for pickup or ask if there is a local drop-off location that will accept it.
7. Takeout food containers
If you can tear a cardboard container, it is typically safe to put in your curbside compost bin. Otherwise it goes in the trash. Wash and reuse plastic ones — they aren’t safe for long-term food storage but can be put to good use organizing odds and ends in your junk drawer or basement.
8. Water filters
These are made from composite materials that municipal recycling centers aren’t able to handle. Check with your filter manufacturer for a takeback program.
(Real Simple magazine provides smart, realistic solutions to everyday challenges. Online at www.realsimple.com.)
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