Contamination – The Importance of Recycling Right

It is important to recycle right.   Recycling incorrectly or putting the incorrect things in the recycle bin is a real problem not just for the University in increased disposal costs but also at the recycling sorting locations.  Recycling incorrectly can result in safety issues at the recycling sorting locations. A simple thing such as leaving lids on recyclable plastic bottles can cause accidents by exploding under the pressure of baling the bottles.    Many of the lids are also not recyclable.

Facts about contamination

When we put the wrong items in a recycling bin, we contaminate the entire contents of the bin and reduce the effectiveness of the whole recycling process.

Did you know?

1. A single plastic bag can shut down an entire material recovery facility if it gets caught in its machinery!

2. Just 5 grams of drink ware, glass or Pyrex in a recycling bin can contaminate a tonne of bottle and jar glass because it melts at a different temperature!

3. Paper rotting in landfill produces methane. Recycling paper avoids these emissions. Soiled paper that can’t be recycled can be composted.

(Facts courtesy of Cooper, A. 2008, “The Little Things Diary 2009”, The Text Publishing Company, Australia)