Hey, it’s Dan

In Today’s Issue:

• I tried to recycle something with a big “Recycle Me” on it

• Turns out… it lied

• This week, I’m decoding the worst offenders—the stuff that looks recyclable but isn’t

• And yes, some of it’s technically legal. Just not remotely helpful

🌎 Our Mission

Eco Hustle is about helping people get paid to save the planet—one plastic project at a time.
We’re building small wins, testing messy experiments, and proving that reuse can be powerful (and surprisingly profitable).

The Trash That Says "Recycle Me" But Means "Good Luck"

I finish off a container. Flip it over.
There it is—“Please Recycle.”

But when I go to actually do it?
The bin doesn’t want it.
The store drop-off doesn’t want it.
Even the city says nope.

Welcome to the world of performative packaging.

🚫 What Says Recyclable but Isn’t:

• Plastic with #5 or #7 → looks innocent, but most facilities won’t touch it

• Colored or dyed containers → usually rejected

• Compostable-looking plastics → industrial facilities only (if you even have one)

• Film packaging with mixed materials → no one’s separating those—not even you

• Styrofoam with the triangle → it’s lying and it knows it

✅ What Actually Gets Recycled:

• Clear #1 PET (like water bottles)

• #2 HDPE jugs (milk, detergent)

• Clean, flattened cardboard

• Paper (not greasy, not coated)

• Aluminum cans

  • My personal favorite—because using the crusher is objectively fun.
    (See photo below. It’s stupid satisfying.)

Why This Happens:

• Companies can slap “Recycle Me” on nearly anything

• They’re banking on the “wish-cycling” effect

• It shifts the burden from brands → to you

• And most of us don’t have time to Google every lid

TL;DR: If it confuses you, it’s working as intended.

Money Breadcrumb

Thinking about turning this into a printable fridge guide:
“Actually Recyclable vs. Not Worth It.”

Could save you 3 Google searches a week—and your last ounce of patience.

Speaking of revenue... 1440 is still sponsoring this newsletter.

They’ll probably keep doing it until at least one of you clicks. So please check them out—if only to make room for a fresh new sponsor next week. 😅

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💡Pro Tip (From a Beginner)

Recycling rules are hyperlocal.
What’s accepted in one zip code might get flagged as eco-crime two blocks away.

One Last Tangle

It haunts lunchboxes. It mocks me from the drawer.
Next week: cling wrap gets what’s coming.

You Pick, I Plarn

P.S. I Read Every Reply

Got a piece of packaging that straight-up lied to your face?
Send it. Bonus points if it made you feel personally betrayed.