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recyclables. Containers don’t have to be difficult to
perfectly clean, but they should be rinsed recycle. The
and washed with soap if they’re greasy. plastic lid might be
recyclable, but it will
7. Broken Crockery: We’re all prone to depend on what type
breaking things. Unfortunately, broken of plastic is accepted by
plates, ceramics, porcelain, mirrors, your local municipality.
light bulbs, cups, wine glasses and The paper heat sleeve
Pyrex have different melting points and that goes around the cup
chemical compositions compared to to protect your hand is really own reusable coffee cup with you when
recyclable glass and belong in the trash. the only part of a takeaway you’re on the go.
coffee cup that is likely recyclable or
8. Nappies: Yuck, and no! Hopefully, compostable. 11. Frozen Food Packaging: Freezer food
it’s no surprise that dirty diapers and boxes and ice cream cartons contain a
sanitary products have no place in the What about polystyrene? Many plastic polymer to prevent freezer burn.
recycling bin. Whether they are clean people believe that polystyrene is Unfortunately, this plastic coating prevents
or dirty, they go in the trash. There are non-recyclable. But that’s actually not the box or carton from breaking down
some compostable nappies, but most true. Unlike most single-use, coated in the recycling process and, as stated
municipalities do not accept them in paperboard foodservice packaging before, the coatings and board cannot be
municipal compost bins. materials that are not recycled because separated economically. Gable-topped
the coating and paper cannot be milk and juice cartons are also made
9. Shredded Paper: This one may seem separated economically, polystyrene from a paper/plastic hybrid to prevent
surprising. Shredded documents and materials can be reprocessed leaks and shelf-stable cartons (sold in
small bits of paper are too small to be and moulded into new packaging a rectangular box) contain additional
valuable to recyclers and fall through products. The recycling of polystyrene plastic and aluminium layers, making
the cracks or can even clog equipment. is within everyone’s reach and can them even more difficult to recycle. While
The good news is that shredded paper be done easily with the help of the some recycling companies/municipalities
can be composted! If composting isn’t an Polystyrene Packaging Council. Visit accept cartons for recycling, many do
option, you can collect shreds in a paper their website and click on their link: not, so it is best to check.
bag, staple it closed and place it into the www.polystyrenepackaging.co.za/
recycling bin. polystyrenerecycling.htm for more Hopefully, this list has provided some clarity
information. about what does and does not belong in your
10. Coffee Cups: Most takeaway coffee recycling bins. Refusing over-packaged items
cups are lined with a plastic film that Either way, a better option is to say at source, in the stores, is also a good
makes them liquid-proof and, therefore, “no” to disposable cups and bring your way to reduce your carbon footprint.
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DPL