Entry 10 : What you should NOT recycle

Here is a list of items that most curbside recycling centers will not take:

1. Styrofoam and Packaging Supplies - It is best to reuse or donate these items.

2. Gift Wrapping Paper - This type of paper is of such poor quality that it is not accepted by recycling centers. Most paper that is coated in wax, aluminum, or plastic is not accepted because the recycling process is too expensive to be profitable.

3. Pizza Boxes and Take-Out Food Boxes - Whether it is cardboard, Styrofoam or plastic, these items are not accepted by recycling centers because the food can contaminate the recyclable materials. Also, wet or greasy cardboard can jam recycling machines so it is best to let the cardboard dry out before recycling and to protect it from rainfall while waiting for curbside pick-up (Source: RiverWired).

4. Plastic Credit Cards - Fake or real, these cannot be recycled due to the type of plastic the card is made out of.

5. Plastic Hangers - Not enough plastic hangers are being recycled for it to be profitable. It is best to reuse or donate any unwanted hangers (Source: Real Simple).

6. Mirrors - The chemicals in this type of glass cannot be mixed with glass bottles and jars. It is best to donate unused mirrors to your local thrift shop.

7. Mustard-Colored Envelopes - The dye in these envelopes is too difficult to remove for it to be recycled. This is an item that I had recycled for many months until I was notified at work that these envelopes are not accepted. Don't worry if you have recycled these though, the recycling centers can filter these of their system.

8. Shower Curtains and Liners - Most shower curtains and liners are made of PVC which is not accepted by recycling centers because when it is melted down it can contaminate the chemical makeup of the recycled material (Source: Real Simple).

9. Deodorant Sticks - The plastic dial on the bottom of the stick is not recyclable therefore recycling centers will not accept these items (Source: Real Simple).

10. Plastic Lids - These items are made of a different plastic than the rest of the bottle so they can not be recycled. Make sure to remove all lids from soda bottles, juice containers, milk cartons, and other food products and toss them.

11. Wipes and Sponges - Any type of cleaning cloth cannot be recycled because of the cleaning chemicals in the cloth.

12. Batteries and Car Parts - Even though your curbside recycling center might not accept these items; many other places will properly recycle or discard of them.

13. Broken Glass - There are obvious dangers for workers handling broken glass so it is not accepted.

14. Mobile Phones - Curbside recycling won't accept cell phones, but you always have the option of mailing the phone back to your cell phone company with the prepaid envelops the offer when you purchase a new phone.

15. Ink Cartridges - It is best to have these refilled; it not only saves the earth but saves you money.