Recycling Myth Busters
Ever wonder whether something can be recycled or if it should go into the landfill? Our friends at Lincoln Transportation and Utilities have some myths they want to clear up when it comes to recycling!
All my recycling goes to the landfill anyway.
MYTH!
Fact: Maybe you have heard of – or even seen – a hauler toss both bins into the same hopper. One thing to consider is they may have a truck that is split in the back to accept two different types of waste. Recycling companies typically put in the effort to haul, sort, and bale your recyclables. That’s a lot of work! If you have a concern, reach out to the hauling company or Lincoln and Lancaster County Health Department.
Only 9% of plastics are recycled.
MYTH!
Fact: This myth has been spread by a variety of online sources. While this is an eye-catching headline, it is quite misleading. Let’s clarify: Out of ALL plastics created across the globe, including plastic parts on vehicles and plastics used in hospitals, an estimated 9% are able to be recycled and turned into something new. This means watch what you buy and minimize your plastic purchases when you can. Got questions about which plastics you can give a new life to? Visit lincoln.ne.gov/recycle and search if your plastic is recyclable today.
All U.S. recyclables are shipped overseas anyway.
MYTH!
Fact: In 2018, China enacted a “national sword” policy which banned contaminated recyclables from being imported into the country. Since then, more recycling mill facilities that break down recycling material, like paper, plastic, and aluminum and turn it into new products, have been constructed to keep up with
U.S. consumer recycling efforts.
If I’m not positive it can be recycled, I should go ahead and throw it in the recycle bin, just in case.
MYTH!
Fact: Please don’t do this. This is called “wish-cycling” and, unfortunately, it leads to waste contamination at recycling facilities and can raise the cost of recycling to remove unwanted items. Although well-intentioned, items such as plastic bags, electronics, or other hard-to-recycle plastics can tangle machines and put workers at risk. Visit What Bin Does It Go In? to learn how to recycle right.
Even if I don’t recycle, stuff will eventually decompose in the landfill.
MYTH!
Fact: Landfills are made to store waste forever, not decompose it. Organic material, such as food waste or plants, will decompose over several years while also creating a potent greenhouse gas called methane. Inorganic waste, like plastic water bottles, aluminum cans, or anything else that can be recycled, will remain buried in the landfill forever, instead of being remade into something new. We all produce waste. Together, we can work to manage our waste by recycling right and managing what waste we create.
Recycling is the solution to waste.
MYTH!
Fact: While recycling is an important part of the solution to slow the volume of waste entering our landfills, it is not the only solution. We all need to do our part in finding ways to reduce overconsumption. Consider what you buy, reusing items before buying new, and repairing items to use longer. These simple tips will help increase sustainability and the earth’s resources for all of us and our planet.