Think You're Helping by Crushing Cans? You Could Be Dooming Them Instead

The article discusses the importance of proper recycling practices, particularly when it comes to crushing cans. While crushing cans may seem like a helpful way to save space, it can actually do more harm than good in the recycling process. The article explains that when cans are crushed, they become more difficult for automated sorting machines to identify and properly sort. This can lead to the cans being mistaken for other materials, causing them to be routed to the wrong recycling stream or even ending up in landfills. The article suggests several easy ways to improve your recycling efforts, such as keeping cans intact, ensuring all items are clean and dry, and separating different materials into their respective bins. These simple steps can help ensure that your recyclables are processed correctly and have the best chance of being reused. The key message is that while recycling is important, it's crucial to understand and follow the proper guidelines to maximize the effectiveness of the recycling process.