recycling garbage collector truck loading removable container waste and trash

What Materials Are Non-Recyclable?

One of the main components of recycling is reusing non-biodegradable materials and objects. But, what about all those non-recyclables we use every day?

Here are some of the non-recyclable products we regularly dispose of in our dumpsters:

Plastic bags and food wraps

Styrofoam and take out containers such as Big Mac boxes

Non-returnable beverage bottles

Oil and gas cans

Paint Cans

Household bleach bottles such as Clorox or Pine Sol

Batteries such as AA, AAA, D batteries

Electronics like microwaves and computer parts (also non-returnable) Light bulbs (even fluorescent one)

Aluminum pies tins and aluminum foil wrappers for sandwiches, etc.

Grass clippings

So why are non-recyclables non-recyclable? This is because they are made of multiple plastics or chemicals that do not break down naturally in the environment over time. For example, Styrofoam is created from non-renewable resources such as oil and natural gas which aren’t easily recyclable either. Or take the non-biodegradable plastics used to create single use grocery bags or plastic food wraps. It takes many years before these materials break down into recycled material again! Yes, it does take a very long time for non-recyclables to decompose in a landfill and that is why it’s important not to produce more waste than necessary.

The best way to avoid non-recyclable materials is to reuse them as much as possible. For example, use an old plastic bag to store your vegetables instead of using a new one each time from the grocery store. Or, if you have any extra Styrofoam peanuts, save them and use them again when you need to ship something. There are many creative ways to reuse everyday objects instead of throwing them away!

But what if we can’t reuse something? That’s where dumpster rental comes in. A dumpster rental company will come pick up your non-recyclables and dispose of them in an eco-friendly way that does not contribute to non-biodegradable waste.

Dumpster rentals are great for nonrecyclables, but it’s also important not to overproduce nonrecyclables in the first place! The less waste produced, the less non recyclable trash will be spread throughout our landfills.

If you would like more information on how dumpsters can help with your waste disposal needs contact Midwest Companies at (847) 426-6354.