Many community recycling programs encourage you to wash out your recyclables. But there is some debate about whether it's necessary to rinse out recyclables. And, many communities have varying rules on whether rinsing out recyclables is a required step. There are advantages to both rinsing materials and skipping the sink on the way to the recycle bin, but it's important to double check with your local recycling facility or trash hauler for specific rules in your area. Some municipalities have strict rules for rinsing out recyclables, while others leave it up to you to decide.
If you do not have to separate your metal, plastic and paper products in your recycling bin, your provider offers single-stream recycling. In single-stream recycling, all of the materials collected are separated out at the material recovery facility. Because materials come into contact with one another in these streams, it's more likely that liquids and foods will spill onto paper products. This can contaminate paper and force the recycling facility to divert the product to the landfill. Rinsing out bottles and cans reduces the likelihood that your recycled materials will be sent to the trash.
Even if your recycling bins are separated into glass, metal and paper, rinsing out the materials can help prevent foul odors from developing. As food residue sits inside used containers, it rots just as if the jar of mayonnaise were left out on the counter for too long. Over the course of several days, the rotted food particles can develop mold that produces a strong odor. Rinsing out food containers means the material can sit between pick-up days without developing a problem with odors.
While there are benefits of rinsing out recyclable materials, some people prefer not to rinse because the recycling facility will wash the items anyway. Even washing out one 12-ounce bottle every day on its way to the recycle bin can add up to about 34 gallons per person, per year (see References 4). Containers the hold sticky substances, such as peanut butter or honey, require larger amounts of water to get totally clean. Not rinsing out recyclables can help save water in addition to reusing materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill. Still, some recycling facilities prefer that you wash out your items to reduce odors and contamination at the center.
Food particles that are left inside bottles and other contains can attract insects and other animals. This can lead to an unwanted ants, racoons or even bears. Bees and other insects that sting can also travel inside empty soda bottles and other containers to the recycling center and sting workers at the facility. Rinsing out recyclables will help keep unwanted pests out of your containers and your house until they're ready to become new products.
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