11 common recycling myths and what to do about them

Recycling can seem complicated. Part of the problem is we can think it accomplishes more or less than it really does. Let’s tackle some recycling myths.

The recycling process: how a materials recovery facility works

Humans and machines sort recyclables at a materials recovery facility, which sells them. What are the steps involved in the recycling process?

Extended producer responsibility and the recycling crisis

Who should pay for recycling? Extended producer responsibility laws send manufacturers the bill in response to our recycling crisis.

Plastic bag recycling: what gets made from all those bags?

Plastic bag recycling can result in new plastic bags, but that’s not the best use. Composite lumber contains recycled plastic bags plus additional waste.

Recycle, then buy recycled products

Recycling matters, but it’s only finished when we close the loop and buy recycled products. It raises the value of recyclables.

What can we do with dead batteries?

Dead batteries are harmful to the environment. Recycling batteries is easier said than done. But we can’t just put them in the trash, can we?

The perils of plastic pollution

Plastic doesn’t degrade or decompose. It will outlive us in the environment. Here are some plastic pollution facts and suggestions for what to do.

Aspirational recycling: what can’t be recycled

Aspirational recycling sends junk to the landfill indirectly through the recycling center. What should never be put in your recycling container?

The recycling process: what happens to recycling?

The recycling process isn’t finished after the truck hauls your contribution away. It needs to be sorted and sold. Learn what really happens to recycling.

How to recycle in the current recycling crisis

We have a recycling crisis in America, and it’s partly because we don’t know how to recycle. Will the crisis finally forcing us to learn to do it right?