28 Things You Can’t Recycle – And What to Do Instead (2025)

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Not everything can go in your recycling bin – and tossing in the wrong items can ruin entire batches. Here’s a list of what you should not toss in there – and what to do with them instead. The items are grouped by material, with quick tips on what to do instead. Let’s begin!

Paper Products You Can’t Recycle

1. Paper Towels, Tissues & Napkins

Why they can’t be recycled: These paper products are often used to clean up food, spills, or, let’s be honest, your nose. Once they’re dirty, they’re considered contaminated and can’t be processed by recycling facilities. Also, many of them are made from low-quality recycled fibers that can’t go through the cycle again.

What to do instead: Compost them if they’re free of harsh chemicals (like cleaning sprays). Otherwise, toss them in the trash. To reduce waste long-term, consider switching to reusable clothes for everyday messes.

2. Pizza Boxes

Why they can’t be recycled: The cardboard part? Technically recyclable. The greasy, cheesy mess clinging to it? Not so much. Oil and food residue ruin the paper pulp process, and one oily box can mess up an entire batch.

What to do instead: Tear off any clean parts and recycle those. Compost the greasy bits if you can — they’ll break down just fine in a compost pile.

Related post: Can you compost pizza boxes?

3. Shredded Paper

Why it can’t be recycled: Once shredded, paper fibers are too short to be useful in recycling. Plus, loose shreds get blown around and jam up machines.

What to do instead: Compost it if it’s plain (no glossy ink or plastic). You can also use it for pet bedding, packaging filler, or as brown material in your compost bin.

4. Wet Paper

Why it can’t be recycled: When paper gets wet, the fibers weaken and break down, making it tough to recycle. It can also clump and clog up machines at sorting facilities.

What to do instead: Compost it (as long as it’s not glossy or full of ink). If it’s really soaked and moldy, it’s best to trash it.

5. Waxed or Coated Paper

Why it can’t be recycled: This includes things like waxed sandwich wrappers or bakery boxes. The wax or plastic coating keeps food grease from soaking through — and also keeps the paper from breaking down in the recycling process.

What to do instead: Some waxed papers are compostable (check the label). If it’s plastic-coated, though, it’s landfill-bound. Try to avoid these when possible by bringing your own containers or bags.

6. Receipts

Why they can’t be recycled: Most receipts are printed on thermal paper, which contains BPA or BPS — not great for health, and definitely not great for recycling. They don’t break down well and can contaminate the paper recycling stream.

What to do instead: Toss them in the trash (not recycling), or better yet — opt for digital receipts when possible. They’re easier to track and gentler on the planet.

Related post: Issues with recycling receipts

7. Stickers

Why they can’t be recycled: That sticky backing? A recycling nightmare. The adhesive gums up machines and can’t be separated from the paper or plastic.

What to do instead: Reuse sticker sheets as craft material or donate them to schools/kids’ programs. Otherwise, they sadly go in the trash.

8. Books (Especially Hardcover)

Why they can’t be recycled: While paper pages are recyclable, hardcovers are often glued, laminated, or even mixed with cloth or leather — making them tricky to process.

What to do instead: Donate books in decent condition to libraries, shelters, or community book swaps. If they’re beyond saving, tear out the pages for recycling and toss the cover.

Plastic & Packaging You Can’t Recycle

9. Bubble Wrap

Why it can’t be recycled curbside: Bubble wrap is often a type of plastic #4 (low-density polyethylene – LDPE film), and it tangles in sorting machines.

What to do instead: Reuse for packing or crafts. Some grocery stores have drop-off bins for plastic films and wraps — check near the entrance!

10. Plastic Bags

Why they can’t be recycled curbside: Like bubble wrap, they jam recycling equipment and are generally a headache for processing centers.

What to do instead: Collect them and drop them off at plastic bag recycling points (many grocery stores have them). Or switch to reusable bags and ditch the plastic habit altogether.

Related post: 11 Ways To Reduce The Use Of Plastic Bags

11. Plastic Hangers

Why they can’t be recycled curbside: The shape and mixed materials make them a nightmare to sort — plus, they tangle in machinery.

What to do instead: Reuse them, or bring them to dry cleaners (many accept them). If they’re broken beyond use, check if your local facility has a special recycling program.

12. Plastic Straws and Utensils

Why they can’t be recycled: Most times, plastic straws contain plastic #5 (polypropylene), and single-use utensils – plastic #6 (polystyrene). They’re too small and light to be sorted properly. They slip through the cracks (literally) in the machines and often end up contaminating other recyclables.

What to do instead: Swap disposables for reusables — metal straws, bamboo cutlery, etc. If you do use disposables, sadly, they go in the trash.

13. Packing Peanuts

Why they can’t be recycled curbside: Packing peanuts are made of expanded plastic, which means air is injected into plastic #6 (polystyrene). They’re super lightweight, which makes them hard to process and even harder to justify transporting to recycling centers.

What to do instead: Reuse them for shipping or donate to local shipping stores. Cornstarch-based ones can usually be dissolved in water and composted (double-check yours first!).

14. Plastic Bottle Caps

Why they can’t be recycled (sometimes): Caps are often made from a different type of plastic than the bottle, and some recycling programs can’t handle both together. Plus, loose caps can jam machines.

What to do instead: Check your local recycling rules — some places want caps on bottles, others want them off. When in doubt, screw them back on (so they don’t get lost), or collect them for drop-off at TerraCycle or specialty programs.

15. Styrofoam (a.k.a. Polystyrene)

Why it can’t be recycled easily: It’s lightweight, breaks into little bits, and is usually contaminated with food. Only a few places have the ability to recycle it.

What to do instead: Avoid it when you can — bring your own containers and cups, and choose products with recyclable or compostable packaging. Some drop-off locations take clean Styrofoam (check Earth911.com).

16. Bioplastics

Why they can’t be recycled: Even though they sound eco-friendly, bioplastics require special composting facilities (not curbside compost bins) — and they can mess up the plastic recycling stream if mixed in.

What to do instead: Look for industrial composting facilities near you (search “commercial composting + your city”). When in doubt, trash it — and opt for truly compostable or reusable alternatives next time.

Related post: Bioplastics: All you need to know 

Household Waste & Other Items

17. Medical Waste

Why it can’t be recycled: Medical needles, plastic syringes, and prescription containers are classified as biohazards. They can’t be recycled for safety reasons, so you should dispose of such items in a hazardous waste box. For safety reasons, that type of waste can’t be recycled, so it is often burned in special incinerators.  

What to do instead: You can find collecting places at a doctor’s office, pharmacy, hospitals, and sometimes collection boxes inside government buildings. 

18. Diapers

Why they can’t be recycled: Diapers are made from a combo of plastic, paper, and mystery absorbent gel — plus, they’re, well… dirty. That combo is a hard no for recycling centers.

What to do instead: Trash them if you must, but if you’re up for it, consider reusable cloth diapers. There are also a few emerging diaper recycling services — check if there’s one in your area.

19. Hazardous Chemical Containers

Why they can’t be recycled: Think bleach, antifreeze, and motor oil — these containers often carry toxic substances that make them unsafe to recycle in the standard curbside bins. Plus, they’re tricky to clean and separate.

What to do instead: Look for special disposal sites for hazardous waste — these can usually be found at your local recycling center or city waste management office. If you’re not sure where to go, give them a call for guidance.

20. Treated or Scrap Wood

Why it can’t be recycled: When wood’s been treated with chemicals or finishes, like paint or varnish, it’s not safe to recycle. Plus, it’s often not suitable for burning, either.

What to do instead: You can usually reuse untreated wood in DIY projects — like building garden boxes, shelves, or frames. If you’re not into DIY, check out local salvage yards or community groups that might take it off your hands.

21. Household Glass (Mugs, Mirrors, Dishes)

Why it can’t be recycled: Glass for windows, mirrors, or certain ceramics is often treated or tempered to be heat resistant, which makes it unsuitable for regular glass recycling. These types of glass don’t melt at the right temperature and can ruin the recycling batch.

What to do instead: If it’s in good condition, donate it! If it’s broken, use it for DIY projects, or dispose of it in your regular trash, wrapped safely to avoid injury.

22. Broken Glass

Why it can’t be recycled: Broken glass is a safety hazard — handling and sorting it is risky for workers, and it can damage machines at recycling facilities.

What to do instead: If it’s not salvageable, wrap it carefully (in old newspaper or thick cloth) and toss it in the trash. For any usable glassware, donate it! Or, give crafting a shot and repurpose the broken bits.

23. Mattress

Why they can’t be recycled easily: Mattresses are bulky and made of mixed materials, including fabric, foam, and metal — which makes recycling them complicated and expensive. Most places don’t have the right facilities to deal with them.

What to do instead: Check for mattress recycling programs in your area. Some furniture stores will take your old mattress when you buy a new one, or you can try reselling or donating it if it’s still in decent shape. Repurposing the materials into cushions or pet beds is also an option.

24. Aluminum Laminates (Pouches)

Why they can’t be recycled: These are typically made from a combo of plastic and aluminum, making them nearly impossible to separate for recycling, so you cannot recycle laminated pouches in your local council’s kerbside recycling bin.

What to do instead: Most of these should go in the trash, but some specialized programs might take them (check out TerraCycle). Going forward, try to choose products with recyclable or compostable packaging when possible.

25. Electronics

Why they can’t be recycled with regular materials: Electronics contain hazardous materials like mercury, lead, and cadmium. They require specialized recycling to safely recover components and dispose of harmful substances.

What to do instead: Donate or recycle working electronics — many places (like Best Buy or local e-waste centers) offer free drop-offs. If they’re truly unusable, research certified e-waste recycling programs near you to keep them out of landfills.

26. Containers Contaminated with Food

Why they can’t be recycled: Containers that are still coated with grease, food particles, or sticky sauces can contaminate the whole batch of recyclables, causing everything to be rejected.

What to do instead: Clean out containers before recycling — a quick rinse is usually enough. If you can’t clean them easily, it’s better to toss them in the trash. You can also try composting food-soiled paper products like pizza boxes or napkins.

27. Old Clothing

Why it can’t be recycled (at least not easily): While fabrics are technically recyclable, most textile recycling facilities are overwhelmed and can’t handle all the mixed fibers used in modern clothes. Plus, it takes a lot of energy and time to sort through fabrics, especially those that aren’t made of natural fibers.

What to do instead: Donate clothing that’s still wearable to a thrift store or shelter. For clothes that are too worn out, look for textile recycling bins (Patagonia and H&M have great programs for recycling old clothes). Find more recycling spots here. You can also repurpose fabric for cleaning rags or arts and crafts.

28. Plastic Toys

Why they can’t be recycled easily: Like clothing, plastic toys are often made from mixed materials, which makes them difficult to sort at recycling centers. Even if they are made from one material, they can be too small or complicated to process.

What to do instead: Donate gently used toys to local charities, shelters, or secondhand stores. For broken toys, repurpose them for crafts or create a unique art project. If they’re beyond saving, they’ll likely need to go in the trash.

Final Tips

• Go for reusables: Invest in reusable items like water bottles, bags, and containers. They’re more eco-friendly and help reduce the amount of waste you create in the first place.
• Know your local rules: Recycling guidelines can vary a lot by location. Make sure you check with your local waste provider to see what they accept and how they want things sorted.
• When in doubt, leave it out: If you’re unsure whether something can be recycled, it’s better to leave it out of the bin. One wrong item can contaminate an entire recycling batch, meaning more waste ends up in landfills.

Wrap Up

While it’s frustrating that not everything is recyclable, we can still do our part to minimize waste and make smarter choices. By reusing what we can, donating items that are still useful, and following local recycling guidelines, we can make a real difference.

It’s all about reducing our impact on the environment, one small decision at a time. Keep learning about what can and can’t be recycled, and let’s work together to create a more sustainable future.