A Recyclable Materials List. See if a fabric, material or textile is recyclable or non recyclable. See the status of materials like glass, plastic, paper, and more. Reduce, reuse, recycle!
Recyclable Materials
- Aluminum is RECYCLABLE.
- Batteries are RECYCLABLE.
- Beer Bottles are RECYCLABLE.
- Biodegradable Waste is RECYCLABLE *for composting only.
- Bottles are RECYCLABLE.
- Cans are RECYCLABLE.
- Cardboard is RECYCLABLE.
- Cardboard Boxes are RECYCLABLE.
- Cereal/Snack Boxes are RECYCLABLE.
- Cleaning Products may be RECYCLABLE. Be sure to check the packaging label.
- Electronics are RECYCLABLE.
- Egg Cartons made from cardboard are RECYCLABLE.
- Food Waste is RECYCLABLE. However, this includes composting only.
- Food Containers are RECYCLABLE.
- Garden Waste is RECYCLABLE. However, this includes composting only.
- Glass is RECYCLABLE.
- Jars are RECYCLABLE.
- Liquor Bottles are RECYCLABLE.
- Mail is RECYCLABLE.
- Magazines are RECYCLABLE.
- Newspapers are RECYCLABLE.
- Office Paper is RECYCLABLE.
- Paper is RECYCLABLE.
- Phonebooks are RECYCLABLE.
- Plastic Bottles are RECYCLABLE. Nevertheless, you should avoid consuming whenever possible.
- Plastic Containers are RECYCLABLE. Nevertheless, you should avoid consuming whenever possible.
- Soft Drink Bottles are RECYCLABLE. Nevertheless, you should avoid consuming whenever possible.
- Steel Cans are RECYCLABLE.
- Textiles are RECYCLABLE.
- Tins are RECYCLABLE.
- Tires are RECYCLABLE.
- Wine Bottles are RECYCLABLE.
Non-Recyclable Materials
-Known as the German ‘Pfand’ System
- Aerosol Cans are NOT RECYCLABLE. Avoid buying whenever possible.
- Broken Glass is NOT RECYCLABLE.
- Bubble Wrap is NOT RECYCLABLE. Avoid buying whenever possible.
- Cardboard that is grease or oil soaked (like pizza boxes) are NOT RECYCLABLE.
- Ceramic or Oven-Safe Serving Pieces are NOT RECYCLABLE.
- Cleaning Products may be NOT RECYCLABLE. Be sure to check packaging labels.
- Clothes Hangers (plastic, wood or metal) are NOT RECYCLABLE.
- Disposable Straws are NOT RECYCLABLE. Avoid buying whenever possible.
- Drinking Cups made from styrofoam are NOT RECYCLABLE. Avoid buying whenever possible.
- Egg Cartons made from styrofoam are NOT RECYCLABLE.
- Eyeglasses are NOT RECYCLABLE.
- Fast Food packaging is NOT RECYCLABLE.
- Fluorescent Light Tubes are NOT RECYCLABLE.
- Glass that is broken or sharp is NOT RECYCLABLE.
- Hard Cover Books are NOT RECYCLABLE.
- Lightbulbs are NOT RECYCLABLE.
- Mattresses are NOT RECYCLABLE.
- Medical Waste is NOT RECYCLABLE.
- Mirrors are NOT RECYCLABLE.
- Needles are NOT RECYCLABLE since they are classified as biohazards.
- Packaging Peanuts are NOT RECYCLABLE.
- Prescription Containers are NOT RECYCLABLE since they are classified as biohazards.
- Plastic Bags are NOT RECYCLABLE. Avoid buying whenever possible.
- Plastic Grocery Bags are NOT RECYCLABLE. Avoid buying whenever possible.
- Plastic Shopping Bags are NOT RECYCLABLE. Avoid buying whenever possible.
- Plastic Shower Curtains are NOT RECYCLABLE. Avoid buying whenever possible.
- Plastic Shower Liners are NOT RECYCLABLE. Avoid buying whenever possible.
Reduce, reuse, recycle!
–National Geographic
- Plastic Stretch Wrap is NOT RECYCLABLE. Avoid buying whenever possible.
- Plastic Straws are NOT RECYCLABLE. Avoid buying whenever possible.
- Plastic Syringes (since they are classified as biohazards) are NOT RECYCLABLE. Avoid buying whenever possible.
- Plastic Utensils are NOT RECYCLABLE. Avoid buying whenever possible.
- Plastic #5 is NOT RECYCLABLE. Avoid buying whenever possible.
- Plastic #6 is NOT RECYCLABLE. Avoid buying whenever possible.
- Polypropylene is NOT RECYCLABLE. Avoid buying whenever possible.
- Polystyrene Containers are NOT RECYCLABLE. Avoid buying whenever possible.
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is NOT RECYCLABLE. Avoid buying whenever possible.
- Saran Wrap is NOT RECYCLABLE. Avoid buying whenever possible.
- Soiled Paper products are NOT RECYCLABLE. Avoid buying whenever possible.
- Straws are NOT RECYCLABLE. Avoid buying whenever possible.
- Styrofoam is NOT RECYCLABLE. Avoid buying whenever possible.
- Take-Out containers (or any food soiled containers) are NOT RECYCLABLE. Avoid buying whenever possible.
- Treated Wood is NOT RECYCLABLE. Avoid buying whenever possible.
- Vases are NOT RECYCLABLE. Avoid buying whenever possible.
- Wax Boxes are NOT RECYCLABLE. Avoid buying whenever possible.
- Waxed Paper is NOT RECYCLABLE. Avoid buying whenever possible.
- Wax Cartons are NOT RECYCLABLE. Avoid buying whenever possible.
- Windows are NOT RECYCLABLE. Avoid buying whenever possible.
- Wood treated with any kind of finish is NOT RECYCLABLE. Avoid buying whenever possible.
Sources:
What Is Recycling & What to Recycle | Waste Management
What Do Your Recyclables Become? – Maine.gov
Recycling Basics | US EPA
What Can and Can’t be Recycled – NetWaste
