This story focused on how nuanced recycling is — and whether or not it’s worth it. I was responsible for writing and producing the main audio piece. I also collaborated with my team members to edit the social media video and photo gallery, as well co-created the quiz at the bottom of this page.

Chris Hutchen, a trash collector, grabs bags in front of a Columbia, Missouri home, Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018 in Columbia, Missouri. Sixty eight percent of solid waste that was sent to the Columbia landfill last year could have been diverted to a recycling or composting facility.

Chris Hutchen takes two trash bags to the truck that will be taken to the landfill on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018 in Columbia, Missouri. The Columbia landfill took in about 190,000 tons of waste in 2017, averaging to about 520 tons per day, according to Ben Kreitner, waste minimization coordinator for Columbia, Missouri.

Chris Hutchen throws a cardboard box that was on the curb into the trash truck, Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018 in Columbia, Missouri. Of all the waste sent to the Columbia landfill, compostable paper and corrugated cardboard are the second and third most common materials. Both of these are recyclable.

A busted trash bag shows its contents of food containers and waste in the bottom of the trash truck on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018 in Columbia, Missouri. About 40 percent of waste sent to the Columbia landfill is compostable. According to a 2017 study on Missouri landfills, composting is one of the biggest ways to divert waste away from landfills.

After completing its route, a trash truck drops its load off at the Columbia landfill, Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018 in Columbia, Missouri. Fifty two percent of materials used in the state of Missouri are not widely recyclable, according to a 2017 Missouri waste audit. The most effective way to reduce waste is through change of products and increased use of post-consumer materials, according to the Ben Kreitner, waste minimization coordinator for Columbia, Missouri.

Do You Know How To Recycle?

Recycling is an important way to reuse materials. But if done incorrectly, it can make the process time consuming, expensive and can leave materials unusable. Many people don't realize that some items they recycle aren't actually recyclable. Do you know if you are recycling correctly? All recycling information is from the city of Columbia.

Do you know if you are recycling correctly? Take our quiz and find out! All information is from the city of Columbia.