13 Household Items NOW BANNED From Recycling Bins In California, Utah, & Nevada

In Utah, California, and Nevada, you’ve likely spotted those bright green or blue recycling bins, just waiting to help you save the planet. Tossing in your recyclables feels great—like you’re doing your part! But here’s the kicker: not everything belongs in there. Some household items sneak their way into recycling bins, but they can actually cause more harm than good. Spoiler alert: it’s not all recyclable! When non-recyclable stuff ends up in the bin, it just makes life harder for the recycling center workers and slows down the process.

So, what exactly should not go in there?

Here are 13 things banned from recycling bins in Utah, California, and Nevada:

Batteries

Why? Batteries contain fun, toxic friends like lead, mercury, and cadmium. They need to go to a hazardous waste center—not your curbside bin.

Bedding

Why? Mixed materials like fabric and stuffing, plus the lovely possibility of stains or bed bugs, make bedding a no-go. Better to donate it or use a textile recycling program.

Car Parts

Why? Car parts are a Frankenstein mix of metals, plastics, and fluids. Drop them off at an auto recycler or scrap yard instead of recycling.

Clothes

Why? Fabrics don’t belong in your regular recycling. Donating or using a textile recycling program is the way to go.

Electronics

Why? Electronics are packed with hazardous stuff like lead and mercury. E-waste recycling centers are the safe place for your old gadgets.

Food

Why? Food waste isn’t recyclable—it’s organic! Send those food scraps to a compost bin instead of letting them rot in the landfill.

Gasoline Cans

Why? Containers that held gasoline or other flammables are a hazard. They need special disposal at hazardous waste facilities.

Golf Clubs

Why? Golf clubs are made of mixed materials and their shape just confuses the recycling machines. Take them to a scrap metal yard instead.

Lightbulbs

Why? Lightbulbs, especially LEDs and fluorescents, contain tiny amounts of hazardous materials like mercury. These need special disposal at a hazardous waste center.

Paint
Why? Paint contains chemicals that don’t belong in regular recycling bins. Take leftover paint to a hazardous waste collection site.

Plastic Bags
Why? Plastic bags love to jam recycling machines. Some stores have special drop-off bins, or you can reuse them at home.

Plastic Lawn Furniture
Why? Big plastic items like lawn furniture are a headache for recycling centers. They’re too large for the machines. Try upcycling or taking them to a specialty facility.

Wire Hangers
Why? Wire hangers get all tangled up in recycling equipment. Return them to your dry cleaner, donate, or drop them at a scrap metal center.

Remember: when in doubt, keep it out (of the bin, that is)!