Recycling got you confused?
Whether you’re a recycling expert, or someone who wants to do better, we all need a little help sometimes. We’re here to help answer any of your recycling questions. Check out these commonly asked recycling questions.
How clean is clean enough?
You can skip the suds and save your dishwasher drain from the cat food cans. A simple rinse or wipe will do just fine.
It’s metal so it’s recyclable, right?
Actually, only metal cans (think soda or soup cans) are often accepted for recycling. That means your aluminum foil, metal pots and pans, and decorative tins should be left out of your cart unless specifically listed as accepted materials by your local recycling program.
Is all plastic recyclable?
I get it. Plastic recycling feels confusing and it isn’t as simple as 1, 2, 3... Even if a piece of plastic has the recycling symbol on it, it may not be accepted in your cart. The best way to identify if a material is accepted locally is to check with your local recycling program.
Certain plastic materials like plastic bags can get caught in recycling machines. Leave these out of your recycling and find a nearby drop-off location for them.
Should I bag my recycling?
No, recyclables should not be bagged. Materials in plastic bags will not be sorted at the recycling center.
If you carry your recyclables to the curb in a plastic bag, make sure to empty your recyclables out of it rather than putting the bag in the recycling as well.
Leave these plastic bags out of your recycling bin and take them to a store drop-off location.
Does recycling really work?
Yes! Recycling is a complex and highly effective way to turn old products into raw materials for manufacturing. Manufacturing products out of recycled content typically uses less energy, water, and creates less pollution than manufacturing products from virgin materials.
What about my batteries and electronics?
Batteries aren’t accepted in curbside recycling or drop-off containers because they can cause fires in collection trucks and recycling facilities. Yikes!
I have Styrofoam™ containers, can I stick them in my cart?
Foam food containers such as to-go boxes, cups, and packing peanuts are not widely recyclable and should be put in the trash instead.
I’ve got some old tires and paint. What do I do with those?
Tires, used motor oil, oil-based paints, and other household hazardous waste items do not belong in recycling. Check locally to see the best way to dispose of these items.