Foil paper, ribbons, bows, and bags...Ooh my! NO, NO, NO!
One of the most common mistakes is tossing garbage bags full of wrapping paper into the recycle bin. While most wrapping paper is recyclable, placing it all in a bag removes it from the stream. Remember, everything that goes into your recycle bin MUST BE LOOSE - NO BAGS!
Think twice when purchasing wrapping paper. In order to qualify for recycling, it must be 100% paper. So, the rolls that sparkle, or have shiny foil mixed in are NOT eligible for the recycle bin.
We also need to watch out for the ribbon and bows that comes along with the wrapping paper, as those are tanglers. They get caught up in the mechanics, bog down the system, and can shut down the entire sorting line.
All paper has the best chance of being sorted properly if it is folded, not crumpled into a ball.
So, when recycling wrapping paper, remember:
- No foil or sparkly paper in recycling
- No ribbons, string, or bows in recycling
- No bags - loose material only in recycling
- Flatten, don't crumble the paper
Boxes, boxes, boxes...Everything we buy, or order, seems to be packaged in boxes!
The good news is that cardboard and paper boxes can be recycled. While you can leave tape and labels on the box, it is important that boxes are CLEAN, DRY....AND FLATTENED!
It’s important to keep your cardboard boxes clean and dry because contaminated or wet items will affect the integrity of the material and may end up thrown away since saturated cardboard is difficult to recycle.
Why do we flatten boxes and not other items?
In single stream recycling, the burden of mechanically sorting accurately is on the materials recovery facility (MRF) and is determined by the composition of each material. Containers should be kept in their original shape for the best chance of proper mechanical sorting. For example, if a container is in an unfamiliar shape, like a crushed can or water bottle, then it may be mistaken as something different, sorted incorrectly, and contaminate other materials.
Cardboard & corrugated boxes not only take up valuable space when not flattened, but they too are identified by their shape and the only consistent shape for boxes of all kinds is FLAT. So, if you care enough to recycle those boxes in the first place, then take the time to flatten them and keep them dry by closing the lid on your cart.
This is a very common question, and a good one to ask! After all, shredded paper is still paper, and paper can be recycled - right?
Let's look at it this way...Have you ever thrown confetti or done an art project with glitter? If so, then you have experienced first-hand how it gets everywhere, into everything, and you find it hiding away months later!
In a Materials Recovery Facility, shredded paper acts much the same way. The tiny shreds can't be captured in the sorting process, they cling to other objects and flutter around the facility. This causes contamination of other materials. In addition, the small shreddings become embedded in machinery and clog up the sorting equipment.
So, shred at home if needed, but avoid contamination in the recycle stream. Be sure to put shredded paper into the trash, NOT the recycle cart!
Expired fire extinguishers cannot be put in garbage or recycling carts.
Depending on the type of fire extinguisher, most portable fire extinguishers contain powdered CO2 and other chemicals. Here are the best disposal options:
- Some local fire departments accept fire extinguishers. Call your local firehouse to get details.
- If your local fire department is not accepting drop-offs, you can take the extinguisher to a hazardous waste disposal facility. This option is only for residents of Illinois – not businesses, schools, or institutions.
Chicago Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility
1150 N North Branch St
Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 744-3060
Naperville Household Hazardous Waste Facility
156 Fort Hill Dr
Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 420-6095
3. Contact a company that sells and manages fire extinguishers for a drop-off option. Call for details.
Henrichsen's Fire & Safety Equipment Co.
563 North Wolf Road
Wheeling, Illinois 60090
(847) 459-7877
U.S. Fire & Safety Equipment Company
2412 Millennium Dr
Elgin, IL 60124
(773) 763-4422
Propane Tanks
Propane tanks, also called propane cylinders, are commonly used to fuel stoves, grills, and water heaters. Propane tanks are made of recyclable steel and copper. But due to the gas and pressure inside, these tanks cannot be recycled with your other curbside recycling or thrown in the garbage. If any gas is left in the tank, it could cause a fire or explosion at the landfill. You should not open a tank to let the rest of the gas leak out because it’s highly flammable. These pressurized containers are not welcomed in the trash because they create a potential hazard of explosions or fires in compactor trucks – and definitely not recyclable in the curbside cart.
So, what are your options?
- Get your tank refilled at the point of purchase.
- If the tank is no longer needed, take it back where you got it.
- Many Walgreens, Walmart, and Ace Hardware locations offer trade-in or disposal/recycling programs.
- Take smaller propane tanks to a household hazardous waste facility – visit websites for details.
Chicago HHW
1150 N. North Branch Street
Tues: 7 am to noon
Thurs: 2 pm to 7 pm
First Sat. of each month: 8am to 3 pm
Naperville HHW
156 Fort Hill Drive
Sat: 9 am to 2 pm
Sun: 9 am to 2 pm
- Contact a local propane specialized recycler, such as AmeriGas.
AmeriGas
522 South Vermont St
Palatine, IL 60067
(847) 359-6450
For a large, bulk propane tank at a home or business, contact a licensed propane company, such as your propane supplier for removal. They’ll be able to safely purge any remaining propane from the tank. They’ll also have the specialized tools to remove the tank safely.
Helium Tanks
Helium tanks can be dangerous if not properly prepared for recycling. Helium tanks, much like propane tanks or fire extinguishers, contain pressurized gas that can explode if handled incorrectly. This is unlikely to happen around your house, but if a full helium tank goes into the back of a compactor truck it can blow up, hurting or even killing sanitation workers.
Steps to Take:
- Ask yourself, “Are balloons really necessary for my gathering?” Balloons, especially helium, can float long distances and pose a threat to animals and eco systems if released into the outdoors.
- Buy prefilled balloons at the store.
- Many party stores rent helium tanks that you can return when you are finished.
- You can also purchase a large empty tank and have it filled at a party store or industry supply company when needed.
- Balloon Time has instructions and a video that takes you step by step through the process of depressurizing helium tanks. The key is to make sure the tank is completely empty, remove the valve, then punch a hole in the tank so it is safe for recycling.
The metal that makes up your old helium tank is very easy for a metal recycler to turn into something else. There is no reason to throw this valuable resource in the trash when it can have a second life as a useful product. Check with a HHW facility or find a local metal scrap yard for a recycling option.