🌍 Earth Day Beyond the Basics: 5 Recycling Myths That Still Trip People Up

Earth Day is a great reminder to care for our planet, but recycling myths persist year-round. Let’s clear up a few common misunderstandings that can actually hurt recycling efforts.

❌ Myth #1: If It’s Plastic, It’s Recyclable

Plastic can be especially confusing because it’s everywhere and all of it looks recyclable.

The reality:
Plastic items accepted in most curbside programs are bottles, buckets, jugs and tubs. Items like plastic bags, wrappers, film packaging, utensils and foam are not accepted curbside.

These materials can:

• Get tangled in sorting equipment
• Slow down processing
• Increase worker safety risks
• And prevent other items from being recycled

What to do instead:
Stick to plastics you know are accepted and take plastic bags and film to designated drop-off locations – like grocery stores and RecycleOn Centers .

❌ Myth #2: Recycling Symbol ♻️ Mean an Item Is Recyclable

Seeing the chasing arrows symbol on packaging can feel like a green light, but that symbol doesn’t always mean what people think it does.

The reality:
The symbol identifies the type of material, not whether it can be recycled in your local system. Many items are labeled as recyclable even when local facilities can’t process them. It can be confusing!

What to do instead:
Always check local recycling guidelines. In Oregon, visit RecycleOn.org/Oregon to see what materials are accepted and how to recycle them properly.

❌ Myth #3: Dirty Items Are Fine — They’ll Get Cleaned

It’s a common assumption that recycling facilities wash everything after collection.

The reality:
Recycling sorting facilities do not wash materials. Food residue can:

• Contaminate paper and cardboard
• Attract pests
• Lower the quality of recyclable materials

What to do instead:
Containers should be empty, clean and dry. A quick rinse is enough, no need to scrub or use hot water.

❌ Myth #4: Small Metal Items Can Go Loose in the Bin

Items like jar lids or small metal pieces seem harmless, but size matters in recycling.

The reality:
Small metal items can fall through sorting equipment and end up in the wrong place or be lost entirely.

What to do instead:
Place small metal lids inside a larger metal can and crimp the lid shut. This helps ensure the metal is captured and recycled correctly.

❌ Myth #5: One Wrong Item Doesn’t Matter

It’s easy to think that one questionable item won’t make a difference.

The reality:
Even a small amount of contamination can:

• Reduce the value of recyclable materials
• Prevent other recyclable from being recycled
• Increase processing costs for communities

Recycling systems work best when everyone follows the same rules.

What to do instead:
When in doubt, leave it out or take a moment to look it up.

🌱 The Earth Day Takeaway

Recycling isn’t about perfection; it’s about participation with good information. This Earth Day, focus on recycling right, not just recycling more.

For clear, Oregon-specific guidance you can trust, visit RecycleOn.org/Oregon to learn what’s accepted in your area and how to recycle with confidence all year long.