Why Can’t I Recycle This?
Some people may ask, why is the WWRA so “picky” on what is recyclable? Materials Recovery Facilities like the WWRA have specific requirements for what can be recycled. Items that cannot be recycled, called contaminates, can enter our system through illegal dumping or lack of knowledge. When contaminants enter our system, it can cause costly repairs to equipment, injure our workers, and contaminate truly recyclable materials. When we clarify the recyclability of specific items, we prevent these issues! Here are some common examples:
Thin plastics like trash bags or grocery bags tangle in our equipment and cost money for repairs and wasted time.
Bagged recyclables pose a danger to our workers and thin plastics can tangle in our equipment.
Food or product residue left in packaging makes the container unrecyclable and can contaminate other recyclables.
Do you ever wonder why we have a specific requirement? Send us a message and ask why! Keep recycling!