Recyclable and non-recyclable waste: find out which is which
Find out which types of waste are recyclable or non-recyclable and learn how to dispose of them correctly.
There are several types of waste and it is not always easy to separate one from the other. However, recyclable and non-recyclable waste must be separated correctly. This is to make it possible to use the waste and ensure that the waste is disposed of properly. All recyclable materials must be disposed of clean and dry, while waste (known as common waste ) must be sent to controlled landfills.
What is recyclable waste?
We have selected some items below to help you understand the difference between recyclable and non-recyclable waste . Check them out and dispose of them correctly.
Paper
Recyclable
- For writing: notebooks, office paper in general
- Printing papers: newspapers, magazines, pamphlets
- For packaging: wrapping paper, tissue paper
- Papers for sanitary purposes: paper towels, toilet paper, napkins, tissues
- Cards and cardboard: cardboard boxes and cardboard in general
- Special papers: kraft paper, heliographic paper, filter paper, drawing paper.
Non-recyclable
- Vegetal paper
- Cellophane
- Papers waxed or impregnated with waterproof substances
- Carbon paper
- Paper that is dirty, greasy or contaminated with substances that are harmful to health
- Paper coated with some type of paraffin or silicone
- Photographs
- Used toilet paper
- Adhesive tapes and labels, such as stickers, labels and masking tape
- Bank statement papers
Plastic
Recyclable
- All types of packaging for shampoo, detergents, PET bottles and other household products
- Plastic lids for containers and other materials
- Plastic packaging for eggs, fruits and vegetables
- Plastic utensils such as ballpoint pens, toothbrushes, buckets, kitchen items, cups, etc.
- Bags
- Polystyrene
Non-recyclable
- Plastics (technically known as thermosets), used in the electronics industry and in the production of some computers, telephones and household appliances
- Metallized plastic packaging*, such as biscuit and snack packaging
- Cellophane type plastic
- Acrylic
- Read more about “Non-recyclable plastics: what they are and what to do about them”
- *Made from a material called BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene film), there is controversy regarding its recycling. Although research has shown that the material is recyclable, in São Paulo this type of waste is considered non-recyclable.
- Pan handle
- Foam
- Disposable and absorbent diapers
Glass
Recyclable
- Bottles of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Bottles in general (sauces, condiments, medicines, perfumes, cleaning products)
- Food product jars
- Shards of any of the above products
Non-recyclable
- Mirrors
- Window glass
- Lamps
- Car windows
- Television tubes and valves
- Medicine ampoules
- Crystal
- Flat tempered glass or household utensil glass
Metal
Recyclable
- Tinplate (tin coated steel): oil cans, sardines, cream, etc.
- Aluminum : cans of soft drinks, beer, teas, yogurt lids, aluminum foil, coffee capsules.
- Hardware
- Wire
- Copper wire
- Pan without handle
Non-recyclable
- Aerosol can
- Steel sponge
- Can of paint and varnish
Organic waste
Recyclable
- Organic waste can be recycled through composting . Learn more in the video below:
Liquids and chemicals
Non-recyclable
- Medicines
- Nail polishes
- Acetone
- Paints
- Solvents
How is recyclable waste disposed of?
Selective collection is an important step in the recycling process. However, by separating non-recyclable waste from that which can be reused, we contribute individually and collectively to the correct disposal of recyclable waste.
Furthermore, recycling is essential for preserving the environment and promoting sustainability. Various types of materials have the potential to be transformed into raw materials for the creation of new products.
Some other items do not have specific bins, but can be recycled when taken to specific collection points . See below for the correct disposal of this type of waste:
Home appliances
- TV Antennas
- Vacuum cleaners
- Showers
- Air conditioners
- Freezers
- Water filters
- Stoves
- Microwave oven
- Refrigerators
- Grills, steamers and others
- Blenders
- Dishwashers
- Hair dryers
- Clothes drying machines
Furniture
- Wood
- Metal
- Plastic
- Glass
Clothes
- Clothes
Cells and Batteries
- Cells and Batteries
Vehicles
- Tire
- Automotive oils
- Car players
- Scraps
Construction and Demolition
- Brick
- Wood
- Debris
- Asbestos
- Electrical Wires and Cables
- Ceramics
Several
- Mattresses
- Shaving device
- Makeup
- Glasses
- Home accessories
- Jewelry
- Scholarships
- Toys
- X-ray plate
- Cosmetics
- Typewriter
- School supplies
- Photo negative
- Line filters
- Ceramic objects
- Bed linen
- Rugs and carpets
- Led lamps
The importance of recycling
One way to solve problems related to waste is indicated by the Principle of the Three Rs (3Rs) – reduce, reuse and recycle. Factors associated with these principles should be considered as the ideal of prevention and non-generation of waste, combined with the adoption of sustainable consumption patterns, aiming to save natural resources and contain waste.
Recycling is one of the most advantageous alternatives for treating solid waste, both from an environmental and social perspective. It reduces the consumption of natural resources, saves energy and water, and also reduces the volume of waste and pollution. Furthermore, when there is a well-structured selective collection system, recycling can be a profitable economic activity. It can generate employment and income for families of recyclable material collectors, who should be the priority partners in selective collection.
In some cities in the country, such as São Paulo and Belo Horizonte, the Solidarity Selective Collection was implemented as a result of a partnership between the local government and waste picker associations or cooperatives. In order to attract more investment to the sector, the government, the private sector and society must join forces to develop appropriate policies and dispel prejudices regarding the economic aspects and reliability of recycled products.
