On the surface, recycling seems simple and clear. For the most part, you can recycle glass, paper, aluminum and plastic bottles. Things get a little fuzzy when you discover that some glass and paper, and lots of plastic, can't be recycled. Recycling regulations vary depending on where you live and what kind of facilities are in your community. Some general rules apply about products that you cannot recycle, no matter where you live.
Paint
While most latex paints are remade into new latex paint, check with your local authority to see if your community offers this type of recycling. Old paint often contains lead or mercury, and cannot be recycled. The same goes for oil and acrylic paints for arts and crafts. You can't recycle painted building materials or wood fencing.
Polystyrene
A common trade name for polystyrene, a petroleum-based product, is Styrofoam. Products made from polystyrene cannot be recycled. These include packing materials, ice coolers and food containers.
Batteries
Alkaline batteries contain small amounts of mercury. The Washington State Department of Ecology points out that batteries turned in for recycling often are treated as hazardous waste. Nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries in common sizes like AA are recycled, but not all rechargeable batteries can be. Most cell phone batteries cannot be recycled.
Paper Products
Coated paper products generally cannot be recycled. For example, paper coffee cups are lined with polyethylene, which acts as an insulator. Polyethylene can't be recycled. Milk cartons and juice boxes can't be recycled because other non-recyclable materials are mixed in with the paper. Any cardboard or paper products that have grease or food remnants cannot be recycled, such as pizza boxes and take-out cartons.
Glass
Glass bottles and jars can be recycled, but only if they are whole and do not have significant damage. Broken glass cannot be recycled because it is hard to tell what the source of the glass is when it's broken. The glass mixture used for bottles is different than that used for jars, according to Washington State Department of Ecology. The two can't be mixed. Window panes and mirrors also can't be recycled.
Plastics
Generally, only plastic bottles and jugs with the numbers 1 or 2 on the bottom can be recycled. Plastic products made from polyvinyl chloride, such as shower curtains, piping, window frames and some toys, can't be recycled. Don't put the lids of recyclable water bottles in your recycling bin. While you generally can't put plastic bags out on the curb for recycling, many supermarkets have bins for them.
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