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Top Things That Aren't Recyclable We've all probably been guilty of this recycling no-no at least once — discarding a disposable coffee cup or food takeout container in our bin. While you may be thinking you're doing your part to help, your optimistic recycling may actually be hurting the process. Depending on where you live, there are some items that simply aren't recyclable, including varieties of paper, glass and plastic. Check with your city service provider to know specifics, but here's a list of items that generally are not recyclable, along with suggestions on how you can dispose or reuse them. Aerosol Cans Sure, they're metal. But since spray cans also contain propellants and chemicals, most municipal systems treat them as hazardous material. Batteries These are generally handled separately from both regular trash and curbside recycling. Brightly Dyed Paper Strong paper dyes work just like that red sock in your white laundry. Ceramics and Pottery This in

Scientists Create 100% Biodegradable Paper Straws That Don’t Get Soggy The strong paper straws are easy to make and degrade to nothing. Eco enthusiasts who've already eschewed straws may wonder what the point is in developing new ones. But for anyone unable or unwilling to abide by a soggy paper straw, a strong yet fully biodegradable one has been invented by scientists at the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT). The discovery comes from the joint research team of Dr. Oh Dongyeop and Dr. Kwak Hojung of KRICT and Professor Park Jeyoung of Sogang University. The new straws are easy to mass-produce and could fill the gap between consumers wanting a rigid straw and regulations on plastic straws in restaurants and cafés. Changing consumer habits and weaning the world off straws would be the best-case scenario (with an exception for those who rely on straws for health and other reasons). But in the meantime, a truly biodegradable straw that can stand up to the complai

Can Paper Plates Be Recycled? Composting and Other Eco-Friendly Alternatives The short answer is yes and no. While some paper plates can be recycled, the vast majority usually can’t. Rather than throw them away after one use, consider more eco-friendly alternatives. Nearly 220 million Americans use paper plates and cups, and this figure is expected to continue rising. As of 2018, the U.S. paper plate and cup market was worth $20.7 billion, making the country one of the largest consumers of these items worldwide. Why (Most) Paper Plates Can’t Be Recycled  There are two main reasons why the majority of paper plates can’t be recycled: They’re Coated in Wax, Plastic, or Clay This coating offers a smooth surface and prevents the paper plate from soaking up liquids or grease. Usually, the coating can’t be separated from the paper in a recycling facility, so paper plates can’t be recycled like regular paper. Some municipalities may accept clean coated paper plates along with to-go food contai