Whether or not aluminum foil is recyclable sometimes has to do with preparing it properly for recycling.
Do you throw it in the trash?
Or do you recycle it?
Credit: Getty/ImagePixel
However, inHoustonand El Paso it is encouraged to put aluminum trays and foil in the recycling bin.
Luckily, it’s easy to check thanks to Earth911’sRecycling Locator.
Just key in in your zip code and it will tell you what can and cannot be recycled.
So rinse it clean of any food debris before putting it in the recycling bin.
If you could get it clean (maybe try chucking itin the dishwasher?
), you might as well reuse it and put off that decision about recycling as long as possible.
What About Foil That Is Part Of Packaging?
Let’s say you want to try and recycle aluminum foil is part of a package.
This could be yogurt containers, drink containers or other miscellaneous grocery items.
These items cannot be processed at a recycling facility.
If the materials can be separated, ensure it is all clean.
Anything that is viable for recycling can be put in your recycling bin or taken to a recycling center.
If foil cannot be separated from other materials, into the garbage it goes.
If sheets ofaluminum foilcatch a breeze, they can blow away easily.
As you get more recyclable aluminum, add it to your ball.
The folks at RecycleNation advise that it needs to be a minimum of 2 inches in diameter.
Single, small balls of aluminum foil can tear and get caught in the machinery at the processing center.
