{"id":25259,"date":"2025-10-16T23:54:30","date_gmt":"2025-10-16T23:54:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/?p=25259"},"modified":"2025-12-15T01:29:48","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T01:29:48","slug":"recycling-myths","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/recycling-myths\/","title":{"rendered":"Haunted by Recycling Myths? Let\u2019s Bury Them for Good!\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em><em>Don\u2019t let misinformation spook your good recycling habits\u2014habits that are critical to protecting our natural resources and climate. This Halloween season, let\u2019s illuminate the truth and lay these recycling myths to rest once and for all.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"500\" data-src=\"https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/October-blog-headers.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23491 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/October-blog-headers.png 1000w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/October-blog-headers-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/October-blog-headers-768x384.png 768w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/October-blog-headers-200x100.png 200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1000px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1000\/500;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s that time of year when scary stories and myths creep up\u2014including about Zero Waste!&nbsp;Read on to learn the most common urban legends about recycling, composting, and reuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 30%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">MYTH: Recycling is broken\u2014it all ends up in the landfill anyway.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>FALSE! <\/strong>This undead rumor just won\u2019t die, but here are the facts: recycling works when we recycle right. If you live in Boulder County, your curbside recyclables are processed locally at the <a href=\"https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/services-and-facilities\/bcrc\/\">Boulder County Recycling Center (BCRC)<\/a>, operated by Eco-Cycle, where materials are sorted, baled, and sold to domestic and North American markets with whom we have developed partnerships since 1976. As a nonprofit mission-based recycler, it&#8217;s not in the realm of our business model to landfill materials.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Myths_Landfilled-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25265 size-full lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Myths_Landfilled-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Myths_Landfilled-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Myths_Landfilled-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Myths_Landfilled-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Myths_Landfilled-125x125.png 125w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Myths_Landfilled.png 1080w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/1024;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The real problem isn\u2019t recycling\u2014it\u2019s contamination and confusion. Stick to our <a href=\"https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/resources\/recycling-guidelines\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Recycling Guidelines for Boulder County<\/a>, and your recyclables will live to see another life! Still not convinced? <a href=\"https:\/\/bouldercounty.gov\/environment\/recycle\/recycling-center\/tours\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Come see for yourself<\/a>! Or <a href=\"https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/resources\/video-recycling-at-the-boulder-county-recycling-center\/\">watch a video showing processing<\/a> at the BCRC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths2-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23505 size-full lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths2-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths2-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths2-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths2-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths2-125x125.png 125w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths2.png 1080w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/1024;\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">MYTH: Recycling uses so much energy it\u2019s bad for the environment.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>FALSE!<\/strong> Don\u2019t let this myth suck the life out of your recycling efforts! Recycling actually saves tons of energy compared to making products from virgin natural resources. For example:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Recycling aluminum<\/strong> saves 95% of the energy used to make new cans from raw materials. Recycling just one aluminum can saves enough energy to power your favorite spooky movie marathon for three hours!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Recycling 10 plastic bottles<\/strong> saves enough energy to power a laptop for over 25 hours\u2014long enough for a full day and night of Halloween chills!&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Recycling also conserves natural resources, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and supports local jobs. Now that\u2019s a treat, not a trick!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 30%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">MYTH: Rinsing recyclables wastes water, so it\u2019s not worth it.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>FALSE!<\/strong> The water used for rinsing is just a tiny fraction of what\u2019s used in making new items from extracted natural resources. Recycling helps save much more water in the long run than what goes down the drain dishwashing!<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths3-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23510 size-full lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths3-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths3-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths3-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths3-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths3-125x125.png 125w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths3.png 1080w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/1024;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>You don\u2019t need to give your recyclables a deep clean! Just make sure food and drink containers are empty and mostly free of residue. A quick scrape, rinse, or shake with a little water will do the trick. For those sticky containers (like peanut butter jars), scraping out the food thoroughly is good enough\u2014or let your dog take care of it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Myths_Biodegradable-1-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25266 size-full lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Myths_Biodegradable-1-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Myths_Biodegradable-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Myths_Biodegradable-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Myths_Biodegradable-1-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Myths_Biodegradable-1-125x125.png 125w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Myths_Biodegradable-1.png 1080w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/1024;\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">MYTH: Packaging labeled \u201cbiodegradable\u201d is automatically green or compostable.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>FALSE!<\/strong> Terms like <em>\u201cbiodegradable,\u201d \u201ceco-friendly,\u201d<\/em> or <em>\u201cplant-based\u201d<\/em> may sound good for the planet\u2014but these labels are <strong>not regulated<\/strong> in the US for packaging and often mislead well-intentioned consumers.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>When used to refer to packaging, \u201cbiodegradable\u201d simply means the material can break down into smaller components through natural processes over time. But here\u2019s the catch: many so-called \u201cbiodegradable\u201d packages are made from both plant-based AND plastic materials. When they do break down, they can produce microplastics\u2014tiny pollutants that harm ecosystems.<em> <\/em>These items aren\u2019t specifically designed to decompose safely in municipal compost systems, nor are they necessarily safer or made from \u201cgreener\u201d materials.<br><br><em>REMINDER: Even products labeled \u201ccertified compostable\u201d are not generally accepted in most Front Range curbside compost programs. Please use your curbside compost bin for food scraps and yard trimmings only, and check our <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/resources\/curbside-compost-guidelines\/\"><em>compost guidelines<\/em><\/a><em> to be sure of what goes where.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 30%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">MYTH: A recycling \u201cchasing arrows\u201d symbol on a package means it can go in the recycling bin.&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>FALSE!<\/strong> That little \u201cchasing arrows\u201d symbol can be misleading! It is a largely unregulated symbol and doesn\u2019t guarantee recyclability. Plastic manufacturing companies, in particular, put this symbol on nearly all their products despite the fact that many plastics are not recyclable.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths1-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23492 size-full lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths1-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths1-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths1-125x125.png 125w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths1.png 1080w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/1024;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The best way to know whether something is recyclable isn\u2019t by the labeling on the package, but by looking at your local recycling guidelines. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/resources\/recycling-guidelines\/\">Recycling Guidelines for Boulder County<\/a> include plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars, which are most commonly labeled with a #1, #2, or #5 inside the arrow. Beware the \u201cwanna-be recyclable\u201d materials like styrofoam cups and meat trays that have a #6 inside the chasing arrows symbol. They are a recycling nightmare, and should stay out of your curbside bin!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths4-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23511 size-full lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths4-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths4-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths4-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths4-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths4-125x125.png 125w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths4.png 1080w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/1024;\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">MYTH: Food scraps and yard clippings decompose the same in a landfill as they do in a compost pile.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>FALSE! <\/strong>Organic materials like food scraps and yard clippings need oxygen to break down. In a compost pile\u2014with plenty of air flow\u2014microbes help them decompose quickly, creating a nutrient-rich humus. When applied to landscapes, finished compost nourishes plants, improves water retention, and boosts the soil\u2019s ability to store carbon. It\u2019s a win all around!&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>On the flip side, landfills are designed to be airtight. Without oxygen, organics break down anaerobically, producing methane, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ipcc.ch\/assessment-report\/ar5\/\">an extremely powerful greenhouse gas that traps 84 times more heat than carbon dioxide<\/a>. Don\u2019t let your food scraps or fallen leaves and grass clippings rot in the landfill\u2019s crypt\u2014compost it instead!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 30%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">MYTH: All paper products are recyclable.&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>FALSE!<\/strong> While most paper items like office paper, mail, newspapers, and cardboard are recyclable, there are some ghoulish exceptions that should steer clear of your recycling bin! Beware of paper towels, plastic-coated paper, and paper that is soiled with food or grease. Here\u2019s why:<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths5-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23513 size-full lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths5-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths5-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths5-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths5-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths5-125x125.png 125w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths5.png 1080w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/1024;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Paper towels and napkins<\/strong>\u2014 The fibers in paper towels and napkins are too short to be recycled. These items can easily be avoided with reusable alternatives. If you do have single-use towels or napkins and reside in Colorado\u2019s Front Range, including Boulder County, these items also cannot go in your curbside composting bin, but <a href=\"https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/eco-living\/composting-101\/how-to-compost-in-your-backyard\/\">can be included as a carbon source in your backyard compost pile<\/a>. Some programs in the state do allow these items in curbside compost collection, so check with your hauler\u2019s guidelines before putting them in the compost cart&#8230;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Plastic-coated paper<\/strong>\u2014like frozen food boxes, ice cream cartons, and to-go cups\u2014have a sneaky plastic layer that makes them non-recyclable in most areas. The exception is paper cartons for products like milk, juice, and non-dairy milks and soups; these items ARE widely recyclable. Check your local recycling rules to know what\u2019s recyclable at your local recycling facility.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Paper and cardboard with food debris and grease<\/strong> are also cursed for recycling because they will start to biodegrade the fibers. Tear off the clean sections (like the unsoiled top of a pizza box) and recycle that\u2014banish the rest to the trash!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths6-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23515 size-full lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths6-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths6-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths6-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths6-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths6-125x125.png 125w, https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Myths6.png 1080w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/1024;\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">MYTH: All glass is recyclable in your curbside recycling bin.&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>FALSE!<\/strong> While glass bottles and jars are recyclable and can be turned into new glass infinitely, not all types of glass are recyclable.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>PUT IN YOUR CURBSIDE RECYCLING BINS: Glass bottles, jugs, and jars<\/strong>. But beware\u2014leave the lids off, and check local guidelines to see if the lids are recyclable separately! In Boulder County, metal and plastic lids larger than 2 inches can be recycled, while smaller metal ones should be added to your scrap metal collection and brought to a special recycling facility that accepts scrap metal, such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/services-and-facilities\/charm\/\">Eco-Cycle\/City of Boulder Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials (CHaRM)<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/longmontcolorado.gov\/waste-services-trash-recycling-composting\/longmont-recycling-center\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Longmont Recycling Center<\/a>. Plastic caps and lids smaller than 2 inches in diameter should be put in the trash.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Other glass (drinking glasses, vases, plates, and cups, etc.)<\/strong>: These glass houseware items have different melting points and can\u2019t be recycled with food and beverage glass bottles and jars. Eco-Cycle\u2019s CHaRM facility accepts them for drop-off, but your curbside recycling bin cannot!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can&#8217;t get enough myth-busting?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/ecocycle.org\/guides-and-resources\/guides-for-boulder-county\/recycling-guide-boulder-county\/frequently-asked-questions\/\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a> for recycling in Boulder County.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on the_content --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on the_content -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Don\u2019t let misinformation spook your good recycling habits\u2014habits that are critical to protecting our natural resources and climate. This Halloween season, let\u2019s illuminate the truth and lay these recycling myths to rest once and for all. It\u2019s that time of year when scary stories and myths creep up\u2014including about Zero Waste!&nbsp;Read on to learn the [&hellip;]<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":23491,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[151,297,275],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-25259","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog-homepage","category-reuse-recycling-and-composting","category-sustainable-living"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Haunted by Recycling Myths? Let\u2019s Bury Them for Good!\u00a0 - Eco-Cycle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Haunted by Recycling Myths? 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