Recycling is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to contribute to a more sustainable planet.

However, even well-intentioned recyclers can make mistakes that reduce the effectiveness of recycling efforts. In Ireland, recycling contamination is a major issue that can lead to entire batches of recyclable material being sent to landfill instead of being reused. By identifying and avoiding common recycling mistakes, we can significantly improve recycling outcomes both at home and at work. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the most common recycling mistakes and provide tips on how to avoid them.

1. Placing Non-Recyclable Items in the Recycling Bin

One of the most common mistakes people make is assuming that everything can be recycled. Items such as soiled or dirty plastic bags, disposable coffee cups, and greasy pizza boxes are often mistakenly placed in recycling bins. These items can contaminate recyclable materials, making the whole batch unrecyclable.

Tip: Always check your local council’s guidelines on what can and cannot be recycled. In Ireland, the key recyclable items are clean plastic bottles and containers, paper, cardboard, and cans. Items like soiled and dirty plastic bags, soft plastics, and food-soiled packaging should not be placed in the recycling bin​ (Home).

2. Not Cleaning Recyclables Properly

Food residues and liquids left in containers can contaminate other recyclable materials, rendering them unfit for recycling. For example, a jar of peanut butter that hasn’t been rinsed can ruin an entire batch of paper or cardboard that comes into contact with it.

Tip: Take a few moments to rinse out bottles, jars, and containers before placing them in the recycling bin. This helps ensure that the materials can be properly processed without contamination.

3. Recycling Plastic Bags and Soft Plastics

In Ireland, plastic bags and soft plastics are a common source of recycling contamination. While many people assume they are recyclable, these items can cause issues in recycling plants by jamming machinery. Soft plastics like cling film, crisp packets, and shopping bags should not be placed in household recycling bins.

Statistic: According to Repak, an organisation dedicated to recycling packaging in Ireland, only 32.7% of plastic packaging was recycled in 2022​ (Repak). Properly segregating soft plastics from recyclable materials is crucial to improving this rate.

Tip: Many supermarkets and large retailers offer dedicated bins for recycling soft plastics. Use these collection points for items like plastic bags and plastic film instead of your household recycling bin.

4. Recycling Coffee Cups and Takeaway Containers

Disposable coffee cups and certain takeaway containers are another common mistake. While they may seem like recyclable materials, most disposable coffee cups are lined with plastic, which makes them difficult to recycle. Similarly, many takeaway containers are contaminated with food, making them unsuitable for recycling.

Tip: Instead of recycling, look for dedicated composting solutions for food-contaminated containers or switch to reusable coffee cups and food containers. Many cafes now offer discounts if you bring your own cup.

5. Ignoring the “Check Locally” Label on Plastics

Some plastic items, especially those labelled with a recycling symbol and a number, might not be recyclable through your local system. These items often require specialised recycling facilities that are not available in all regions. The label "check locally" means that while the material might be technically recyclable, it isn’t accepted by all recycling programs.

Tip: Before recycling plastic items with unfamiliar symbols, visit your local council’s website to check what types of plastics are accepted in your area.

6. Not Flattening Cardboard Boxes

Large, unflattened cardboard boxes take up a lot of space in recycling bins and can cause inefficiencies in the collection process. If not properly flattened, they may also not be picked up for recycling.

Tip: Always flatten cardboard boxes before placing them in the recycling bin to save space and make collection easier.

7. Recycling Electronics in the General Recycling Bin

Old batteries, mobile phones, and other electronic devices should never be thrown into general recycling bins. Not only can they cause fires in waste facilities due to the batteries inside, but they also contain materials that need to be processed separately from standard recyclables.

Statistic: In 2022, Ireland collected 10.35 kg of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) per capita, surpassing the EU minimum collection target​ (Central Statistics Office). However, many electronics still end up in general waste streams.

Tip: Always bring old electronics to a dedicated WEEE collection point. These are available at recycling centres, electronic stores, and even some supermarkets.

8. Throwing Out Reusable Items

Finally, one of the most wasteful mistakes is throwing out items that can be reused. Many items, such as furniture, clothing, and appliances, can be repaired, donated, or repurposed instead of being discarded.

Tip: Before throwing something away, consider whether it can be donated, repurposed, or repaired. Many communities have “freecycling” groups where people can give away or pick up used items.

Conclusion

Improving recycling efforts at home and at work starts with avoiding common recycling mistakes. By being more mindful of what can and cannot be recycled, cleaning recyclables, and using the appropriate disposal methods for items like electronics and soft plastics, we can significantly reduce waste contamination and improve Ireland’s recycling rates.

Statistic: In 2021, Ireland’s overall recycling rate was 41% for municipal waste, with more progress needed to meet the 50% target set for 2025​ (Home). By reducing mistakes, we can help reach these goals and support a more sustainable future.

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Let’s all take a moment to rethink how we recycle and help Ireland move towards a more sustainable and circular economy.