13 Items That Are BANNED From Recycling Bins In Utah!

In Utah, we have designated recycling bins—typically green or blue—that make it easy to contribute to environmental efforts. However, while the intention to recycle is commendable, it's important to note that not all household items are suitable for recycling. Placing non-recyclable items in these bins can inadvertently create extra work for recycling facility staff and hinder the overall process.

These are 13 items that are BANNED from being recycled in Utah:

1. Batteries

Reason: Batteries contain chemicals like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which are hazardous. They require special disposal at hazardous waste collection centers, not typical recycling bins.

2. Bedding

Reason: Bedding can’t be recycled due to its mixed materials (fabric, stuffing) and potential contamination from stains or bed bugs. It’s better suited for donation or textile-specific recycling programs.

3. Car Parts

Reason: Car parts are typically made from mixed materials (metal, plastic, rubber) and often contain hazardous fluids. They need to be disposed of at auto part recyclers or scrap yards.

4. Clothes

Reason: Clothing is not accepted in standard recycling programs because of its fabric materials. Donating, reusing, or textile-specific recycling is better suited for these items.

5. Electronics

Reason: Electronics contain hazardous materials such as lead and mercury. They need to be taken to e-waste recycling facilities where the components can be safely handled and recycled.

6. Food

Reason: Food waste is organic and can’t be recycled in traditional recycling bins. Composting is a better option for food scraps rather than sending them to landfills.

7. Gasoline Cans

Reason: Containers that have held gasoline or other flammable substances pose a hazard and can’t be recycled. Special disposal at hazardous waste facilities is required.

8. Golf Clubs

Reason: Golf clubs are typically made of mixed materials like metal and rubber, and their odd shape makes them unsuitable for normal recycling processes. They can be taken to scrap metal yards instead.

9. Lightbulbs

Reason: Lightbulbs, especially fluorescent and LED types, contain small amounts of hazardous materials (like mercury) and require special handling. They can’t go in regular recycling but should be taken to a hazardous waste center.

10. Paint

Reason: Paint contains chemicals that are hazardous and shouldn’t be placed in regular recycling. Leftover paint can be disposed of at hazardous waste collection centers.

11. Plastic Bags

Reason: Plastic bags can jam recycling machinery. Many grocery stores have special drop-off bins for plastic bags, or they can be reused at home.

12. Plastic Lawn Furniture

Reason: Large plastic items, like lawn furniture, often aren’t accepted by curbside recycling because they can’t be processed by recycling equipment. Specialized facilities or upcycling are better solutions.

13. Wire Hangers

Reason: Wire hangers can get tangled in recycling machines. They should be returned to dry cleaners, donated, or taken to scrap metal recycling centers.

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