What Happens When “Tanglers” Get in the Recycling (Video) January 19, 2020 Email What happens when “tanglers” get into the recycling? They bring equipment at the recycling facility to a full stop. “Tanglers” are long or stretchy items, including plastic bags, clothing & textiles, bedding, bungee cords, garden hoses, electrical cords & cables, and Christmas lights. Watch this video to see what happens when everything gets “Tangled Up.”