Misconceptions and Recycling Myths

Junk-mail.org is a bit overenthusiastic at times, but addresses some paper-making related myths and has some useful information on the process of making and recycling paper.
Grn.com has its top five most dangerous recycling myths. In depth and informative.
Aol.com has a page of link to environmental related myths addressing a range of environmental issues, including recycling Click and learn.
Unc.edu addresses some general myths about recycling. Although it is sometimes university-specific, it still has good points that apply to most places anyway.
Snopes.com debunks the myth that aluminum pulltabs have any special redeeming value, usually as money for charities. They don't, but you can always collect the whole aluminum can and the pulltab and turn in the money you get for that to charities.

What can't be recycled

No matter how many times you tell people these things, they still can't seem to get this right. This is filed under "myths" because of the amount of people that seem to think some of these things are recyclable.
•Paperish products such as napkins, tissues, waxy paper, laminated paper, stickers, juice containers, oil soaked paper, fast food wrappers, and (depends on your area) milk cartons
•Anything with a significant amount of food on it. Don't throw your yogurt container into the recycling bin before you've washed it out. If you can't get the food out, you probably can't recycle it.
•Um, PIZZA BOXES! These are greasy, greasy boxes aren't good. •In most areas styrofoam can't be recycled, and even when it is it's not easier thing to recycle (usually burned.) This is one of the least biodegradable substances out there. It's best just to avoid its use, and bring other dishes (mugs and containers) to use instead.
•Some things similar to metal/ glass etc. like spray cans, ceramics, broken glass, windows, lightbulbs
•Seriously guys, empty out your cans and bottles before you throw them in the recycling bin. Every time you do that, someone has to empty them. I organized recycling for the Arts and Wine Festival last summer, and had to empty out about a third of the bottles and cans. Plus, it gets the container and everything else in it sticky. It's not fun.
•Trash. If I didn't see it so frequently in recycling bins I wouldn't mention it, but I do. There's a reason it has the that little recycling symbol on it, and there's a reason there's usually a trash can next to every recycling bin. Use it.
And at MVHS, the janitors have to sort through this stuff and deal with the sticky mess of bottles and cans people couldn't bother to pour out. Let's make all of our lives easier and clean up after ourselves. This includes actually throwing away your trash too.