Flush Out Recyclables, People
Can recyclables be left dirty? Yes a little. But don’t leave them dirty, says a recycling specialist to MEL Magazine . While recycling plants end up washing all the materials they recycle, many of them stay in the first place. Excess food waste can attract rats and make recycling more costly. Therefore, if you throw dirty containers in the trash can, you can do more harm than if you just throw them in the trash can.
This means you can dispose of slightly greasy pizza boxes, but not those covered in cheese and sauce. You can dispose of an unwashed beer bottle or can, but rinsing is best. And if you throw away glass containers with a lot of food waste, the recycling center will most likely just throw them away.
In its article, MEL explores the economics of recycling plants, and what is cleaned up and what is thrown away. And check out our more in-depth guide on what household items should and shouldn’t be scrapped .
Yes, you have to wash recyclables | MEL Magazine