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I made this because I was confused, sharing it in case it helps you too.

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Recycling always felt like a mystery to me and it seems like I’m not the only one. I’d stand over the bin wondering, ‘Does this yogurt cup go in or not?’ And honestly… half the time I was just guessing.

So I started digging. This page is just me pulling together what I learned, so it’s easier for anyone else who’s also tired of the guilt + confusion.

✅ Quick-reference cheat sheet

✅ Simple hacks you can use today

✅ Tools & sites to learn more

The Big Recycling Myth

• Thought: “If I toss it in the blue bin, it gets recycled.”
• Reality: Only ~9% of plastic ever gets recycled. Most items end up in landfills or get shipped overseas.
• BS to watch for: Greenwashing symbols that don’t mean what you think.

What Actually Gets Recycled (Quick Cheat Sheet)

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Note: rules vary by city. Always double-check your local recycling guide. You can find your local recycling rules (use a site like Earth911.com or your city’s gov site).

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• Aluminum cans
• Cardboard/paper (clean + dry)
• #1 PET plastics. Examples: water bottles, soda bottles, some food packaging (like clear clamshells for berries).
• #2 HDPE plastics. Examples: milk jugs, detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, cleaning supply bottles.
• #3 plastics PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). Examples: piping, shower curtains, cling wrap, some bottles.
• #4 plastics LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene). Examples: grocery bags, bread bags, plastic film, squeezable bottles.