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If your community recycles, chances are paper bags are fair game. But not all paper bags are as they seem. In fact, some aren't even completely made from paper. Product packaging has gotten complicated. So complicated, that figuring out what's recyclable and what isn't can be difficult. Plastic-lined paper bags and their foil-lined cousins are no exception.

Lined paper bags are everywhere, yet there's a good chance you haven't noticed them. That's how inconspicuous they are. They're on the shelves of most food stores, department stores, hardware stores, even in your local garden centre. You've likely got some in your house, too. If figuring out exactly what they are has you scratching your head, here are some popular examples to set you straight:

• Foil-lined hot food bags (like the ones your hotdog comes in at a sporting event)
• Poly-lined paper bags (food bags, airplane sickness bags, some shopping bags)
• Multiwall bags (cement bags, pet food bags, flour and sugar bags)

These bags are often used for products that need to stay dry. That's because on top of being durable, they're also water resistant. While there's no doubting their effectiveness, they're almost always unrecyclable. Obviously, this isn't ideal. Especially if you're consciously trying to reduce your waste output.

It might come as a surprise to learn that lined paper bags aren't recyclable. After all, they're mostly made of paper, a recyclable material. And their liners, materials like foil and polypropylene, are recyclable, too. While this is certainly true, it's not the materials that make lined paper bags a recycling bin no-no. It's how they're assembled. For lack of a better word, the layers are fused together. As a result, they can't be separated and sorted into their proper streams. That's why they belong in the garbage.

Not all paper bags are lined with foil and plastic, though. Some sugar and flour bags contain multiple paper layers. They might be accepted in your community's recycling or organics program. To find out, try ripping the bag. If it's a clean rip, chances are you don't have to throw it in the garbage.

To maintain freshness and account for storing conditions, today's packaging is becoming less sustainable. The industry is shifting toward composite packaging, which contains a variety of materials. As mentioned, this type of product packaging is difficult to recycle. That's why, if it's something you can afford to do, try to purchase products that are sustainably packed.

E-waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams on the planet. Already, we produce something like 50 million tonnes of it each year. And that number's only set to increase as electronics become more accessible worldwide.

So, what is e-waste?

E-waste, or electronic waste, encompasses electrical and electronic equipment that's outdated, unwanted, or broken. That means everything from smartphones to end-of-life refrigerators. Basically, anything that runs on electricity that you've decided to get rid of. Globally, we only recycle 10% of our e-waste, a number that's as shocking as it is depressing. As for the 90% we don't recycle, it ends up getting landfilled, incinerated, or illegally traded.

What makes e-waste so bad?

E-waste contains a laundry list of chemicals that are harmful to people and the environment, like: mercury, lead, beryllium, brominated flame retardants, and cadmium, i.e. stuff that sounds as bad as it is. When electronics are mishandled during disposal, these chemicals end up in our soil, water, and air.

To make matters worse, electronic waste is sometimes illegally exported to countries that don't have laws on handling and disposing of it. Once there, it's dumped. Sometimes, valuable materials are recovered, but often in unsafe working conditions.

What can we do?

Thankfully, lots. By being more mindful about where your e-waste ends up, you can limit how much you produce and the impact it has on the environment.

Reduce: The easiest way to solve the e-waste crisis is to produce less e-waste. I know, easier said than done. Companies are constantly rolling out new products like Apple, for instance, with its iPhone. Newer products look and function better than their predecessors, but novelty comes at a price. Instead of buying that flashy new gadget, stick to what you've got. Also, by taking care of your electronics you can ensure that they last longer. When you don't have to replace them as often, you end up saving money.

Reuse: Instead of tossing out that old television set or gaming console, consider regifting, selling, or donating it. You could also hold on to it. Who knows, it might end up being worth something someday.  Look at the Original Apple 1. It's sold at auction for upwards of $905,000.

Repair: People often throw out and replace broken electronics instead of getting them repaired. True, repairs can be expensive, but for those who aren't afraid of a DIY project, it's a cheap fix. Online resources like iFixit, a website that boasts free repair guides for everything, provide reliable information that'll help you get your tech back in working order. Always remember to be safe, though.

Recycle: As a last resort, you can always recycle your e-waste just make sure you're doing it correctly! Many communities have e-waste recycling events and drop-off depots that handle these materials. If your city is currently a member of our network, download the Recycle Coach app to find out how. Organizations like TerraCycle accept e-waste in the U.S. and Canada. So do some manufactures and retailers, like Apple and Best Buy.

These days, paper cups have a bad rap. That's because they're designed to be used only once before getting tossed out.

We go through something like half a trillion disposable cups each year, or about seventy cups for every person on the planet. And to meet hygiene requirements, most of them are made out of virgin materials, i.e. real trees. Not recycled paper. Doesn't sound very sustainable, does it? Well, that's because it isn't.

Unlike most paper items, paper cups can't be recycled because they're actually coated in plastic as little as five percent per cup. That's why they're able to hold liquid without leaking all over the place. It's also why they don't get broken down into pulp and turned into recycled paper. While some communities do recycle materials like paper coffee cups, they're very rare. And only getting rarer. Unfortunately, there's just not much of a market for them, which means soda fountain cups, coffee cups, and those little sippy cups your dentist gives you all end up getting landfilled.

Not all paper cups are coated in plastic, though the vast majority are. Less frequently, some are actually lined in wax. Determining which is which can be difficult, though, which is why we advise treating them the same way. If, however, you're certain that your cup is coated in wax, you might be able to compost it, either at home or through your community's organics program, should they have one. You can check to confirm whether they're accepted using our app.

Though you probably can't recycle paper cups in your community, plastic lids and the corrugated sleeves your coffee comes in are probably fair game. You could also reduce the seventy cups or so you contribute to the global share by exploring alternatives that are more sustainable. There are plenty of places where you can buy reusable cups, including your local coffee shop.

In the meantime, some of the best and brightest are looking at tackling the single-use paper cup problem. Freiburg, a city in Germany, has an interesting solution: the Freiburg Cup. It's a hard-plastic reusable cup that's supplied to participating businesses by the city and it only costs customers a Ǩ1 deposit. Even Starbuck's is getting in on the action. Recently, they partnered up with Closed Loop to develop a recyclable, compostable cup.

Until that happens, remember: though they're paper, in most municipalities, paper cups go in the trash!

There are so many products that use lithium-ion on batteries on the market today: vape pens, phones, laptops, power tools, and much more. Are there any battery recycling programs? Are batteries hazardous waste? Is it ok to throw batteries in the garbage? As a consumer, it is important to know how to dispose of lithium-ion batteries properly.

Lithium-ion batteries: disposal hazard

There has been a 26% increase in fires at waste facilities across the U.S. and Canada in recent years. It is estimated that 40% of waste and recycling facilities in the U.S. have been affected by fires in a given year.

These fires can often devastate the system of recycling goods even close down an entire recycling plant for good. It is often thought that hazardous waste such as lithium-ion batteries can be the cause. So how do we dispose of lithium-ion batteries safely?

Are lithium-ion batteries actually hazardous waste?

Absolutely! Lithium-Ion Batteries are definitely hazardous waste. After a battery is no longer usable because it seems that it will no longer hold a charge, it's time to get rid of it.

But when we might believe a battery is dead because it stops working, there is actually still plenty of hazardous material left behind.

For example a lithium-ion battery can still hold 80% of it's thermal capacity after it is done. So things like phone batteries and even small vape pen batteries, are potentially ready to combust.

Not only do batteries carry an immediate risk of fire if disposed improperly, they also hold many long term risks because they carry many toxic substances that when crushed will leak into the ground and contaminate our water.

What happens if you throw away lithium-ion batteries?

Every battery carries the potential of fire or combustion. Once items are put on the truck, no matter what it is, it is most likely about to be compacted.

Imagine a few batteries being smashed and leaking fluid. How harmful could a tiny bit of battery acid be, you say? Well, when the insulation layer of a lithium-ion battery is damaged, it can cause the temperature to increase drastically to around 500C (932F) which brings a high risk of fire or explosion. Imagine that combination mixing next to items that could have oil or some other fire igniter.

Throwing lithium-ion batteries in the garbage or recycling bins can be like a candle next to a curtain. So it is important to know how we can dispose of lithium-ion batteries.

What can we do about the hazards of lithium-ion battery disposal?

Some cities have taken to spreading the word about this hazard. Many electronics stores offer battery return programs, so it is worth the trouble to ask when you purchase anything with a lithium-ion battery.

It's good to know there is hope in recycling batteries! But don't just drop them in your home recycling bin! There are many drop off programs to recycle your batteries depending on your location.

It's also nice to hear battery drop off bins can be used as a school or community fundraiser in some areas!

There are so many types of batteries that it is difficult to know how to properly dispose of lithium-ion batteries. One thing is for sure, be cautious and always double check!

Find a drop-off center for your lithium-ion batteries

Batteries are considered household hazardous waste and should be disposed of properly at a hazardous waste facility drop off if you do not have any store return programs or community battery recycling programs near you.

Call2Recycle is a battery recycling program with drop-off centers across North America. All you have to do is gather up your batteries and cell phones, bag them or tape the terminals, then drop them off. Find a location in the US or Canada.

Check the What Goes Where search engine or download the Recycle Coach app to see exactly what to do in your area with every type of battery.

There is a safe way to dispose of aerosol cans for metal recycling through recycling or household hazardous waste programs where available.

Have you ever wondered what to do with spray cans after they're done? It can be confusing how to dispose of spray paint cans, spray deodorant, shaving cream cans, and disinfectant spray cans. There are specific procedures to make sure they can be disposed of or recycled safely. It also depends on who does the recycling. Is it your local recycling program or your household hazardous waste program, and does either of them have the capability to handle these types of products?

Aerosol cans are made with either aluminum or steel, which makes them suitable as a recyclable material. The fact that they contain pressurized air, and sometimes harmful materials makes the preparation for aerosol can recycling critical. Here are some of the common mistakes to avoid.

1. Leaving the cap on

Most aerosol cans come with a plastic cap while the can itself is metal. Obviously metal and plastic don't get recycled in the same way, so it is important to remove the plastic cap from the metal can. Most (but not all) of these plastic caps are made from polypropylene which is a #5 plastic. Check to see if your local program accepts #5 plastics before placing the cap in your recycling bin.

If you are using a spray can that includes a small plastic straw for targeted spray, please discard the straw into the trash.

2. Not making sure the can is empty 

If there is any substance still left in an aerosol can, it must be discarded through your household hazardous waste program, no matter what. Aerosol cans that still have substances left inside are still pressurized, meaning they could explode or combust if punctured or crushed, making a dangerous situation for a trash compactor or recycling sorter.

Keep waste and recycling workers safe and make sure aerosol cans are completely empty if your local waste or recycling program accepts them. To ensure you've completely emptied a can, hold it close to a rag and spray until nothing else comes out. This is a great way to double check that it is empty.

3. Trying to depressurize the can yourself

Even if the can is empty, never try to puncture, crush, or flatten the can yourself. This could be very dangerous if pressure is still in the can. There are also government regulations in place for the safe depressurization of cans due to the risk of harmful chemicals or air pollutants. There are many ways in which a recycling facility or household hazardous waste program can safely depressurize the can and recycle it properly. They never would require residents to depressurize a can themselves.

4. Attempting to remove the nozzle

Even though the nozzle is plastic and may have some other materials, such as rubber, attached to the spray mechanism, you should not remove it. If you were thinking it should be separated to go with plastic recycling, that wouldn't work anyway because the piece is too small to make it through a recycling sorter anyway.

If you try to remove the nozzle yourself, you are unnecessarily putting yourself at risk of the can exploding. Removing the nozzle may depressurize the can and cause it to burst. Once again, household hazard waste programs are able to depressurize aerosol cans safely for proper recycling.

5. Assuming which bin it goes in

This is the most confusing part, and the part you need to know. Every location is different, so it is important you look up exactly where your municipality accepts aerosol cans. There is one clear rule though in any location, if there is still any substance left in the can, you must dispose of it through your household hazardous waste program.

When the aerosol can is empty, it could be accepted in your recycling program, your household hazardous waste program, or your municipality may ask you to dispose of it in the trash. Don't assume it will go one place or the other. You have to look it up. A great way to look it up is with the What Goes Where search tool on the Recycle Coach app on your mobile phone. Otherwise, you should contact your local household hazardous waste program to find out where you should bring your aerosol cans for safe recycling or disposal.

Shredded paper is recyclable, but it's not as simple as just tossing it in the bin.

Due to its size, most municipalities have very specific processes in place to collect shredded paper in an efficient and effective manner. Let's take a look at some common ways to properly recycle your shredded paper.

Why is the process different?

Shredded paper is very lightweight, which can cause even the lightest breeze to blow it out of your bin or the truck as the recycling load makes its way to a recycling facility, leading to litter. On top of that, once at the facility, the same situation can occur where little strips of paper can make their way into bales of other recycled content even with the slightest breeze or air blown by fans.

The size of the paper strips is also too small for machinery to sort, again posing the threat of contamination to other materials. These papers often become clingy and attach to other items along the way too.

Keep it contained

To avoid contamination, keep your shredded paper contained.

How to do this varies from city to city. Some require it to be placed in a transparent plastic bag, while others may require it to be put in a closed cardboard box.

Make sure to check with your municipality on how they require shredded paper to be collected. This type of item may also require drop-off instead of curbside collection due to its specialized sorting.

Shredding events

At these events, all residents are welcome to bring their sensitive papers to be shredded on the spot so they can be recycled with other paper products. These events also tend to accept pre-shredded paper as long as you bring it contained in the same way as stated above.

Compost it

In some cities with organic waste collection or composting programs, shredded paper may be accepted with food scraps. Please check your program's requirements before adding this item to your organic waste.

If you keep a home compost, you can add shredded paper to your compost bin as a portion of your brown carbon-rich materials. Shredded paper is perfect for a home compost because it is already broken into small pieces that can decompose quickly in the right conditions.

Reuse it

If you have items to ship or are moving, using your shredded paper makes for a safe way to secure your items. It's a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to Styrofoam peanuts and plastic bubble wrap.

Other ways to reuse shredded paper include lining the cages of small pets that require paper or wood bedding, or you can use it for crafts like papier máché.

Proper disposal

To properly dispose of shredded paper, it is essential to verify the specific requirements of your municipality or recycling facility. Adhering to local guidelines will help prevent unnecessary waste and ensure that your shredded paper is processed in an environmentally responsible manner. By staying informed and following best practices, you contribute to a more efficient and effective recycling system.

Recycling paper towels might seem like common sense, but they are not the same as recycling paper. This guide will explain to you exactly why you shouldn't put paper towels in your recycling, some great alternatives to paper towels, and what to do with the paper towels you do need to use.

Are paper towels bad for the environment?

In short, yes, the manufacturing of paper towels is a big problem for the environment. The production of paper products, including paper towels, is the third largest source of industrial pollution in North America, and the industry is the fifth largest energy consumer worldwide.

The Word Green Organization in Hong Kong estimates that 17 trees must be cut down and 20,000 gallons of water are polluted in the production of just one ton of paper towels. To put that in perspective, the EPA estimates that approximately 3,790 thousand tons of soft paper product waste, such as tissue paper and paper towels, was generated in the US alone in 2018. That figure has been steadily increasing year after year. Unfortunately, the majority of that ends up in landfill.

But aren't paper towels biodegradable?

Yes, of course. They break down since they are made from natural wood pulp, but that process is not ideal when paper towel waste is sealed in plastic bags that don't biodegrade in a landfill. The right conditions to break down paper towels and biodegrade them back into the soil would not be accessible inside a garbage bag.

Do not put paper towels in your recycling bin

The biggest reason paper towels are not accepted in recycling is that if they've served their purpose of cleaning something up, that means they are soiled. Whatever they've been used to clean has made them dirty and a potential contaminant to any other clean recyclable materials. Always avoid recycling used paper towels in your general recycling bin.

Additionally, paper towels are not recycled because they are made from fibers that are too small to be useful during the recycling process. There are also resins and adhesives used in the production of paper towels that are not ideal for recycling. For these reasons, even clean paper towels should not go in your normal recycling.

Use washable towels as an alternative

Using regular dish towels and rags is an easy alternative to disposable paper towels. The fact that fabric towels can be washed again and again makes them the most suitable alternative.

There are also many eco-friendly alternatives on the market such as Swedish dishcloths. One of these cloths replaces approximately 17 paper towel rolls. They are also biodegradable and of course one costs much less than 17 rolls of paper towels!

Just like the Swedish dishcloths, there are a ton of paper towel alternatives on the market that tout their effectiveness and earth-friendly attributes. If you can reuse it many times instead of disposing after one use, they are a good alternative to single-use paper towels.

If needed, buy recycled paper towels

Some occasions may call for paper towels. Since you can't recycle paper towels, try buying paper towels that are made from recycled materials. There are several companies with recycled paper towels on the market now. It will say on the packaging if they use recycled material.

Although these are still getting used as single-use items, at least the production of these paper towels uses less energy and less water because they are not extracting virgin materials, but rather recycling materials. Buying anything that uses recycled materials gives an overall lower carbon emission rate than if the materials need to be harvested.

The only right way for recycling paper towels

If your municipality has an organics program, it most likely accepts used paper towels that do not have grease, oil, or cleaning solutions on them. Although you should not put used paper towels in your regular recycling bin, recycling paper towels in your organics bin is a great alternative. Since the fibers are broken down so small and originate as all natural wood fibers, they can be safely disposed of in organics.

Can paper towels be composted?

Yes! If you don't have an organics program in your area, your own compost will also work. Again, the same rule applies that you should not add any used paper towels that have grease, oils, fats, or chemicals on them to your compost. These materials will not break down properly with your all-natural compost. Otherwise, paper towels are fine to add. Of course, it's even better if you're buying paper towels made from recycled materials, as mentioned above.

If you don't compost, you can still compost

Composting is a wonderful method for recycling paper towels with your organic waste and keeping it out of landfills, but realistically, not everyone will start their own compost. In that case, if you have paper towels that you'd like to keep out of the garbage, but don't have a compost, try ripping them up into little bits and scattering them in with your gardening. If you mix them into the dirt, they will decompose naturally.

Don't forget to recycle the roll

The cardboard tube inside of your paper towels is a completely different material and 100% recyclable. Make sure you add that to your normal recycling bin.

Recycling paper towels can lead to recycling contamination. So, if you have any questions about how your local program handles paper towels, please check on the Recycle Coach mobile app by searching the 'What Goes Where' search tool. Can you think of any other ways to use soiled paper towels and avoid waste? Let us know below.

Finding different uses for old yoga mats is a great way to get around the problem that yoga mats are generally not accepted for recycling at most recycling facilities. Below you'll find many ways to upcycle or reuse those old yoga mats instead of throwing them away. First, let's find out why yoga mats cause such a problem in the waste and recycling stream.

Why are old yoga mats a problem?

Yoga mats are made from a plastic called PVC. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) plastic is so versatile you can find it in flooring, shower curtains, pipes, some shampoo and cosmetic bottles, garden hoses, and it's even in packaging.

This type of plastic is very commonly used, yet it is arguably the most dangerous plastic for the environment. The two main components used in making PVC are dioxins and chlorine.

Chlorine combined with other chemicals is one of the toxins that contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer through Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). While dioxins are a toxic environmental pollutant that affects human health.

Since PVC production and products negatively impact the environment and overall health, it is safe to say that the disposal of this type of plastic also comes at a cost. PVC does not biodegrade; it will stay in landfills indefinitely.

As for recycling, there are currently two methods to recycle this type of plastic, neither of which are widely used due to the cost, the difficulty in separating chemicals within the plastics, and the low output of recoverable materials.

Recycling facilities do not accept PVC plastic like the kind found in old yoga mats. There is hope that with the many advancing technological developments in the field of plastic recycling, someday in the not-too-distant-future, PVC will gain mainstream recyclability.

Ways to keep old yoga mats out of landfills

Here are some helpful new uses for old yoga mats in your own home. Always make sure to wash, sanitize, then dry your yoga mat before repurposing it or donating it.

1. Make use of the cushion

The easiest upcycling is when you don't have to do much of anything to reuse something. Because of their cushion, the uses for old yoga mats are nearly infinite.

• Use it as a soft mat for your feet when in front of your laundry machines or kitchen sink.
• Lay it down as a non-slip mat under your rug.
• Place it in your car windshield as a sun visor to keep the heat out.
• Keep it under a puzzle you're working on to roll the puzzle up for storage.
• Put it under your sleeping bag while camping for some extra cushion or at the beach under your towel to sunbathe.

2. Cut it up

This yoga mat trick requires a low skill level. Just a few snips for size and shape and you can have a completely new use for that old yoga mat.

• Carve it to fit as floor mats for your car.
• Use a large rectangle and frame it (with no glass) to create a cork board.
• Section it into puzzle pieces to create a giant floor puzzle for your toddler.
• Slice out a crescent shape and add an elastic band to make a sun visor.
• Cut a square to fit on top of your refrigerator so that items you store up there don't slide off.

3. Decorate it

Here's where a bit of skill is needed depending on what you're going for. If you want to keep it simple you can, but you can also get very detailed with your decorations. Painting, embellishing, stenciling, glittering, you name it! You can really get creative with these uses for old yoga mats.

• Spray-paint and stencil a new welcome mat from your old yoga mat.
• Create kitchen art by cutting out shapes such as a rooster, a teapot, a coffee cup, a giant fork/knife/spoon set, etc. then paint them a solid color and stencil a pattern over part or all of the shape.
• Carve, paint, and glitter an intricate mandala to hang on your front door.
• Cut your used yoga mat long-ways into thin strips until you reach 2 before the end. String beads on the strips then hang it in a door frame for a funky room entry.
• Cut out Happy Birthday letters, paint and decorate them, then string them together to create a birthday banner (add the person's name too!).

4. Build something new

Sometimes all you need is to cut a few shapes then use a bit of glue and you have a whole new item. Most of these ideas are about layering to get a bigger padded object. A hot glue gun will work for most yoga mats.

• Add cushion to your kitchen chairs by cutting out 3-5 layers of the old yoga mat to the shape of the seat of the chair. Glue one layer at a time to your chair. Use a box cutter or blade to shave a bit of a rounded edge around the top of the stack. Cut fabric to wrap around the padding then use a staple gun to tightly attach the fabric to the underside of the seat of the chair.
• Cut 5 or more rectangles about 18x8" then glue them together one layer at a time to create a kneepad for gardening.
• Make a reusable grocery bag by cutting two 15x15" squares, three 15x6" rectangles, and two 26x2" strips. Glue rectangles to three sides of one of the squares as if you were constructing a box, then glue the other square to the corresponding sides of the rectangles making sure to glue all seams. Glue strip to the open side of the bag as straps, then repeat for the other strap. Secure all seams with yarn or string using a blanket stitch and a leather needle.
• Cut out two rectangles that are about an inch wider than your laptop then glue three edges together to create a new laptop protective sleeve. While not necessary, a blanket stitch would look nice for this as well.
• Make a picture frame by cutting out two rectangles larger than a photo, one for the backing and one for the frame. On the frame layer, cut out the dimensions to hold the picture, then glue three edges of the backing layer and adhere the frame layer so that you can slide a photo into the frame. You can cut out additional decorative shapes or letters and glue them on the outside of the frame.

5. Donate it

Someone else may have a great use for your old yoga mat in mind! There are so many wonderful places you can consider donating these mats to. Just call ahead to see if they are in need of old yoga mats first.

• Give it to animal shelters for pet beds.
• Donate yoga mats to homeless shelters as sleeping pads.
• See if your local school will take it for their gym classes.
• Check with nursing homes to see if the residents could use it for exercise.
• Bring it wherever you normally donate your used home goods (Salvation Army, Goodwill, thrift stores)

Buy a different kind of yoga mat

Now that we have shown you ways to keep that PVC plastic yoga mat out of the landfill, let us give you an idea of what to look for when you buy your new one. Some companies currently have yoga mats on the market made of more sustainable materials. Keep your eyes out for mats made from natural cork, natural rubber, or recycled materials.

What other uses for old yoga mats have you tried?