How to Recycle Properly, with Recycle Coach

You're probably recycling completely wrong. Find out how you can fix it.

You know the deal. We all have to recycle for the sake of the planet and our trash bins. But what if I told you all this time you've been recycling wrong?

Even simply tossing in a coated paper receipt or #5 plastic bottle, a dirty aluminum can, or a handful of broken glass into your recycling bin can end up contaminating entire batches of recycling.

Here are three ways you might be recycling wrong:

  • Plastic #4, or low-density polyethylene, can be found in squeezable bottles used for products like ketchup and mustard. These products are hard to recycle because the demand for these plastics is low, and if they are not cleaned properly, they can contaminate recycling batches.  

  • Plastic #5 or polypropylene (PP) is difficult to recycle. This includes medicine bottles, bottle caps, and other kinds of squeezable bottles. Leftover liquids, such as cough medicine, can also contaminate other recyclables.

  • Soft plastics, such as Ziploc sandwich bags or Bread wrappers, need to be sorted separately from other recyclables. You actually need to take these to drop-off locations where you can drop off your soft plastics. 

In short, cleaning out your plastic containers or sorting them properly gives them a much better chance of being recycled into something else.

That was a lot to remember. Luckily, we have a better solution that can help you keep track of how to recycle. 

What is Recycle Coach?

Recycle Coach is a platform you can use to help you manage your waste and recycling in a way that's better for the planet. Since its founding in 2001, Recycle Coach has transformed how municipalities engage their residents in planet-friendly waste practices, moving from traditional methods like wall calendars to launching the first-ever waste and recycling app. With over 1,700 municipal partners, Recycle Coach is helping millions of people become better recyclers.

What environmental issues does Recycle Coach solve?

Recycle Coach offers a solution as there are not that many resources available for people to learn about waste management and proper disposal practices. Recycle Coach's accessible educational tools help communities reduce contamination in recycling streams, improve waste sorting, and divert more waste from landfills.

Does Recycle Coach's goods serve human or planetary needs?

Recycle Coach's services are designed to meet both human and planetary needs by educating individuals on how to properly recycle and dispose of waste. By making the recycling process easier, Recycle Coach effectively helps communities reduce waste. 

Human Needs:

The platform helps empower you with easy-to-understand, localized information on recycling, helping you make more informed decisions about waste management. The best part? You can search by your location, which gives you detailed information on the rules and regulations for your neighborhood. 

Planetary Needs:

Recycle Coach meets planetary needs by reducing contamination in recycling systems; this contributes to lower carbon footprints and supports the circular economy by helping provide materials that can be reused and reintegrated.

Recycle Coach is a great way to help you keep your recycling habits on point.

Here are other reasons why we are vetting Recycle Coach as a planet-friendly company:

  • Recycle Coach's platform reduces waste by helping residents sort and dispose of materials properly, diverting more waste from landfills.

  • The company provides ongoing updates to municipalities, ensuring that residents always have access to the most current and accurate waste disposal information.

  • Recycle Coach's mission aligns with global sustainability goals by reducing waste contamination and encouraging responsible consumption and disposal.


When you choose Recycle Coach, you support:

  • A company that helps municipalities reduce waste contamination and improve recycling rates

  • A digital platform that empowers residents to become active participants in their community's sustainability efforts

  • A circular economy that encourages recycling, resource conservation, and environmental stewardship

Explore Recycle Coach on our Living Economy marketplace

Recycle Coach is featured on our Living Economy marketplace, where you can find more planet-friendly companies that you can support. When you support businesses like Recycle Coach, you actively invest in a better, more environmentally friendly future.

Key Takeaways:

  • Recycle Coach's digital platform helps communities educate residents on how to recycle properly, reducing contamination and waste.

  • Over 1,700 municipalities trust Recycle Coach to enhance their waste management systems and promote environmental stewardship.

  • Choosing Recycle Coach means supporting a platform that aligns with global sustainability goals, making recycling easier and more effective.

We Need Your Help

We are building a living economy that can safeguard the Earth. Your support is crucial in helping us reach this goal. With a well-developed living economy, we can leave behind companies that prioritize profit over our planet. With your contribution, we can continue to create an economy where people and nature thrive together.

Your contribution, no matter how small, has a lasting impact. 

Make a contribution

Discover our Planet-Friendly Marketplace

Our online marketplace proudly showcases other vetted planet-friendly businesses similar to Recycle Coach that contribute to the circular economy. Each company featured in our marketplace undergoes a rigorous evaluation process, ensuring products adhere to our four-step methodology. When you choose to support these businesses, you're not just making a purchase; you're investing in a thriving economy that prioritizes environmental preservation. 

Click here to learn more about our mission.

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