Episode 163: Hey Charlotte, Can This Be Recycled?

In our latest episode of NothingWasted!, we are revisiting one of our favorite (and most popular) episodes of “Unpacking Recycling with Charlotte.” Have a listen to hear Charlotte tackle 15 of the top Twitter questions she receives—on topics from composting and recycling to waste reduction and packaging choices.

Question: Can I recycle thick, glossy junk mail and brochures?

Charlotte: Yes! Paper mills can process junk mail no problem. The glossy coatings and lamination is no trouble to process. It is different than the plastic linings on ice cream tubs and coffee cups that can sometimes be difficult for paper mill’s processes. So junk mail is good to go. You also don’t have to worry about the plastic windows on envelopes, or staples. One thing to be cautious of is to pull off any sample credit cards you might receive and the gummy adhesive sticking them to the mailer.

Question: Are hangers recyclable?

Charlotte: Unfortunately hangers are in the category of items that we call “tanglers.” They get caught up and jam equipment, no matter what they’re made of. There are a couple exceptions where some communities accept metal hangers, often in communities with dual-stream recycling. But most cannot accept them. Metal hangers can go to scrap metal drop-offs if you have one near you.

Question: What can I do with old pillows?

Charlotte: Pillows are tough, as are mattresses and bedding as a whole. A lot of donation and reuse programs unfortunately do not take these types of things due to sanitary concerns. Animal shelters were a place a lot of people could donate pillows before the pandemic, but a lot of these places have stopped that practice. There has been a lot of progress in mattress recycling nationwide, and hopefully that will expand to include pillows before long.

Question: Are HVAC and HEPA filters recyclable?

Charlotte: These are one of the most common contaminants we see in recycling bins. Filters are not made of materials that can be processed and recycled in the curbside system. Best to put them in the trash, unfortunately.

Question: Is it better to buy a big plastic jug of soap, or the multi-laminate refill pouches?

Charlotte: This question so artfully highlights two of the biggest tradeoffs in sustainable packaging and recycling. We think of sustainable packaging from both a carbon footprint and circularity lens, and the tradeoffs between the two. It’s rare that a packaging material performs best on both of these. Of course the refill pouch is best on the carbon front, but it wouldn’t be accepted in recycling programs. The jug will use a lot more carbon and plastic, but it will be accepted in the vast majority of places. So this is a tough one and reasonable minds could really differ.

Check out the full episode to get the answers to other top questions about what is and is not recyclable, and what to do with challenging packaging once it reaches its end of life.

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