Have you ever stood over your recycling bin, pizza box in hand, wondering if it's too greasy to recycle? The simple answer is both yes and no. Confusing, right? But that's because some parts of the box might be okay, while others might not. But before we get into the details of how clean our recycling should be, let's talk about why it's worth spending a couple extra seconds to get it right.
Here's our top 3 reasons why you should clean your recycling.
You're probably wondering, "do I need to wash my recyclables at all?" Well, for packaging which has come into contact with food or liquids AND the packaging is recyclable, a quick rinse usually does the trick. There’s no need to go overboard, expending an unsustainable excess of energy to make it so sparkling clean that someone would eat out of it. Just ensure there's no significant residue left to reduce the risk of contamination and pests.
The first step is always to know your local rules. Just because an item can be recycled doesn't mean it's accepted where you live. Use the Scrapp App (download here) to scan the barcode and check the recyclability (UK or USA). Or, take the traditional route and check your local authority's website.
Non-recyclable parts go in the trash. For pizza boxes, tear off the greasy parts and recycle the clean bits. Most lids and labels are okay to leave on. Collect plastic films for soft plastic drop-off points.
Make sure to empty your containers. Pour water and other liquids (not oil), down the drain. Use up leftovers or shake, scoop or scrape any unwanted food or sauce into your food waste caddy or rubbish bin.
Rinse empty containers under the tap. For stubborn leftovers such as sauces, spreads and oils in jars or containers, a quick rinse works wonders. Fill, shake, empty, and you're good to go!
Once your recyclable items are clean and empty, put them in your recycling bin to be collected.
The most common time you'll need to rinse packaging is when looking to recycle takeaway containers. So here's our quick guide on how to recycle takeaway food containers.
For more office tips, check out our full list in our previous article here.
Are you embarking on your own recycling journey? Our sustainability experts are here to guide you. So, if you need further guidance, personalized strategies, or more details about our digital recycling tools, don't hesitate to reach out. We're committed to helping you achieve your sustainability goals.
You can book a free 15-minute chat with our team here.