Contamination is basically any non-approved material that ends up in your recycling. Often, these items are things that people think (or hope) are recyclable like plastic bags.
Unfortunately, non-accepted recyclables cause big problems. They cause safety issues because our processing machinery is not designed to sort them. Others sneak their way into various other material streams like paper and cardboard – when this happens, the value of those recyclable materials is diminished.
We created downloadable recycling resources that can help your business avoid contamination. Our website, RORR, has downloadable recycling posters, container labels, videos, and guidelines for setting up a successful business recycling program.
All of these resources can be shared with your staff and janitorial team – the more they know the better. Placing recycling posters in high traffic areas and near every collection, station help too.