The recycling process is relatively simple, but there are a number of misconceptions that are very present in the collective imagination that can make it difficult. In addition, other less common residues can also lead to errors or problems. These are the most typical.
Plastics in the yellow container
Although plastic containers can be deposited in the yellow container, this does not extend to other waste of this material.
Thus, toys -which, in any case, can be donated-, laminated paper (like the one used in butchers), tupperware, thermos, CD or DVD boxes (or even VHS tapes or cassettes, if we travel a few decades back) or pots would not go in the yellow container, as explained in Ecoembes.
Coffee capsules in the yellow container
The coffee capsules, whether made of aluminum or plastic, are not recycled in the yellow container. However, they can be recycled: manufacturers generally have collection points that they can be taken to.
Tetrabriks are not cardboard
Although the briks are partly made of cardboard, they also have plastic and aluminum, so they must be placed in the yellow container.
Wash the containers (or do not empty them)
It is a lie that it is necessary to wash the containers (in fact, it causes an unnecessary waste of water), but it is important that they do not contain product inside. Therefore, if it is already in poor condition or simply not finished, it is necessary to dispose of the contents (which, if it is a food, will generally go with the organic waste) before recycling it.
Do not recycle electronics
Electric products, which also include telephones and computers, must be recycled in the spaces provided at the clean points. Besides the plastic components they have heavy materials that can have an environmental impact. Also, batteries can swell and explode after a while -although it is not common-, so it is better not to forget these devices for years in a drawer.
Pour the oil down the drain
The oil that has been used for cooking must be stored and recycled at the clean point, where there are containers set up for it. These only store the oil, so later the container will have to be taken back or recycled at the point itself, if possible.
Containers as collection points
Recycling bins should not be used as mobile clean points. Nor should cardboard, paper or glass be left around them when they are full, since the operators cannot collect them and, in any case, it is not hygienic.
Recycle ashtray cans
Plastic, glass or aluminum containers that have waste such as cigarette butts, napkins or food scraps inside cannot be recycled. As far as possible, this practice should be avoided.
Mix dirty napkins with paper
Waste such as kitchen napkins, dirty papers or tissues should be deposited in the organic container (but not in the waste container). Cardboard food boxes such as pizza should be recycled as paper unless they are stained with grease, as this would make the recycling process difficult. If that’s the case, they’ll go with the organic matter. The diapers, meanwhile, are deposited in the waste container.
Confusing glass with glass
The green container is for glass only, not for crystals. Thus, you can receive the bottles and containers that so indicate, but not other glass items such as mirrors, pictures, ashtrays, glasses, light bulbs or tableware. All of them have to be deposited in a clean point or collection center.
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