Let’s Talk Trash: Recycling Smarter
Published on April 24, 2025
By Savannah Bunch, Environmental Specialist 1
Recycling is often seen as a simple solution to reduce our waste and protect the environment. However, the process is much more complex. And while recycling can work wonders for the environment, some common misconceptions — like that universally recognized chasing arrows symbol — are giving people the run-around. Let's take a closer look at how to cut through the confusion and recycle smarter.
The Chasing Arrows Symbol – Not a Golden Ticket
Okay, here’s the thing: That symbol that looks like a little triangle made of arrows, indicating the “endless cycle of recycling”? It doesn’t actually mean the item can be recycled. Surprised?
The chasing arrows symbol, formally known as the “mobius loop,” is not regulated. Meaning, companies can slap it on anything – even products that aren’t recyclable at all! While the symbol was originally designed to show that a product was made with recycled material or could itself be recycled, it’s now a greenwashing tactic used by manufacturers to boost sales by convincing eco-conscious consumers that their product is “green”. Several studies have found that people are more likely to pay a premium for products they believe are environmentally friendly. So why not slap on a symbol that tells you “I’m saving the Earth” – even if it’s not true?
So, you guessed it: Many of those “recyclable” items with that symbol were always destined for the landfill. Or worse they’re creating contamination nightmares at recycling facilities. Contaminated recycling loads could send actual recyclable goods to the landfill too.
The fact is, the chasing arrows symbol is often just a marketing tool. So next time you spot that symbol, make sure you double-check the item and its actual recyclability – because “green” marketing doesn’t always mean “green” practice.
Recycling: Effective When Done Right
There is good news: Recycling can make a huge difference – if done correctly! Think of it like a group project. If everyone does their part, you get an A and maybe even some extra credit. But if one person just throws in nonsense (we’re looking at you, guy who ‘helped’ by adding his name to the slide), the whole thing falls apart. Recycling works the same way — if we all follow the rules, we help the planet. If not, well… nobody likes a group project disaster.
When we recycle right, we cut down on the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, the amount of new materials manufacturers need to produce, and the strain of our natural resources. That translates to fewer greenhouse gas emissions, less resource extraction, and a cleaner, greener planet
But—and here's the important part—recycling is only effective if the materials are clean and free of contamination. When we toss items that aren’t recyclable into the bin (we see those greasy pizza boxes!), we undermine the entire process. In fact, in 2020 Pinellas County found that the average contamination rate for all recyclable loads in the County was roughly 17%, which resulted in some recyclable goods having to go to landfill. Dunedin’s contamination rate was right in line at 17.4%.
So, let’s make recycling a success! Stick to the basics, like plastic bottles, tubs, and jugs, soda cans, food-grade glass (wine bottles, salsa jars, etc.), and paper and un-soiled cardboard. Check out our Dunedin Recycling Guide for reference. These are the types of materials that can be effectively recycled.
“When in Doubt, Throw It Out”
I get it: you really want to recycle everything. I’ve been there. You’ve got a million plastic bags from the grocery store, and you really hope they’re recyclable. Or maybe it’s an old mattress (Yes- someone has tried that in Dunedin), or twigs and leaves left over from pruning. I wish it could be recycled, but let’s face it — it can’t. At least, not in your curbside bin.
That’s where the “when in doubt, throw it out” mantra comes in. If you’re unsure whether something belongs in the recycling bin, it’s better to toss it in the trash than risk contaminating an entire load of recyclables. Chances are, if you’re hesitating about it, it’s a no-go for the recycling bin. When materials get contaminated, they make the whole batch less valuable — and more expensive to process.
And another thing: some recyclables — like plastic bags, clothing, or yard waste — can clog up the machinery at recycling facilities, causing accidents, delays, and even endangering sanitation workers. In fact, refuse collection and processing is ranked as one of the top four most dangerous jobs in the U.S. due to these hazards. So, the best way to protect our sanitation workers and make sure we’re helping — not hurting — the environment is to be mindful about what goes in the recycling bin.
This is a sorting screen at a Materials Recovery Facility. Screens like this help sort the mixed materials for processing.
In Conclusion…
Recycling is absolutely a vital part of our waste reduction efforts, but it’s time we stop blindly trusting the chasing arrows symbol. While recycling can be an effective way to reduce waste, doing it the right way is what makes all the difference. Next time you see an item with that familiar symbol, don’t automatically assume it’s good to go. Stick to the basics, and when in doubt, throw it out.
Remember: recycling isn’t a quick fix — it’s a mindful practice that requires careful sorting. We’re in this together, so let’s keep Dunedin Delightful — and recycle right.
Sources:
- The Aluminum Association, https://www.aluminum.org/Recycling#:~:text=95%25,needed%20to%20make%20new%20aluminum.
- Pinellas County. 2020 Municipal Recyclables Composition Study. https://pinellas.gov/2020-municipal-recyclables-composition-study/
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Civilian Occupations with High Fatal Work Injury Rates https://www.bls.gov/charts/census-of-fatal-occupational-injuries/civilian-occupations-with-high-fatal-work-injury-rates.htm