7 Things You're Recycling That Are Actually Making Things Worse

Several common takeout and food-service items are often misrecycled, including foam containers, black plastic, greasy pizza boxes, plastic bags, plastic utensils, and soiled paper products.

Experts say these items can contaminate recycling streams, reduce the value of recyclables, and make sorting at recycling facilities more difficult.

The guidance is to check local rules, rinse clean containers, and avoid “wish-cycling” items that are not accepted locally.