Because you asked us…

 At the Recycling District, we get a lot of questions about what is and what isn’t recyclable. Here is our latest:

Paper recycling:

1. Make sure your paper is one of the following: Newspaper, magazines, telephone books, mail, printed or copier paper and chipped board (e.g.: cereal boxes).
2. Paper should be loose when placed in the bin. No glossy paper or foil wrapping paper. Christmas wrapping paper can be recycled as long as there is no glitter.
3. Paper should not be stained by waste.
4. NO SHREDDED PAPER!

Paper that is recyclable…

• Cereal box
• Office paper
• Newspaper including inserts
• Catalogs
• Telephone book
• Tablet paper
• Mail
• Soft Back Books
• Magazines
• Tissue boxes

Non-recyclable materials…

• Feminine products
• Paper towels
• Dirty pizza boxes
• Napkins
• Shredded paper
• Sticks
• Grass clippings
• No leaves or yard waste
• No lumber
• Pringle can

Cardboard Recycling:

1) Corrugated Cardboard only.

2) Cardboard should be broken down to be placed inside of the recycling bin. Tape does not need to be removed but helps if you do.

3) Cardboard should be clean and dry. All materials should be removed from inside the cardboard and thrown away. No styrofoam, bubble wrap, or any other packaging material should remain inside the flattened boxes.

4) Pizza boxes with grease on them should be thrown away. They are considered a contaminant.

5) Cereal boxes should be placed in the paper bin since they are paperboard.

Cardboard that is recyclable…

• Corrugated cardboard 
• Shipping boxes

Non-recyclable material in the fiber bins…

• Feminine products
• Paper towels
• Dirty pizza boxes
• Napkins
• Shredded paper
• Sticks
• Grass clippings
• No leaves or yard waste
• No lumber
• Pringle can

Metal and Aluminum Cans:

1) All metal and aluminum cans should be clean, dry, and empty.

2) Only metal and aluminum food and beverage cans are accepted. No other metal or aluminum items will be accepted.

3) All metal and aluminum cans should be placed loosely (not in any bag or any other container) in the recycling bin.

Cans that are recyclable…

• Aerosol cans
• Soup cans
• Veggie cans
• Soda cans

Non-recyclable materials…

• Scrap metal
• Propane Tanks
• Pots/pans
• Bikes
• Machines
• Toys
• Electronics
• Appliances
• Televisions
• Ovenware
• Metal Clothes Hanger

Glass Bottles and Jars:

1) All glass bottles and jars should be clean, dry, and empty. Unclean material may result in a contaminated load that is placed in the landfill. Rinsing out your glass will keep bees and other critters away.

2) Lids and caps may be kept on the glass bottle or jar. This is not a requirement.

3) Glass may be any color and should be placed loosely in the bin (No bags or containers).

4) No window panes, glassware, mirrors, or lightbulbs may be placed in this bin. These items should be thrown away in your trash.

Glass Bottles and Jars that are recyclable…

• Wine bottles
• Beer bottles
• Spaghetti jar
• Pickle jar
• Food jars

Non-recyclable materials…

• Light bulbs
• Windows
• Drinking Glassware

Plastic Bottles and Jugs:

1) Plastic bottles and jugs should be clean, dry, and empty. A quick rinse usually satisfies most containers if addressed right away.

2) All plastics should have a “neck and shoulders” to be recycled. 

3) Do not use plastic numbers (Plastics #1-7) to determine if something is recyclable or not.

4) Keep your lids on the plastic bottle or jug.

5) Plastic bottles and jugs should be placed loosely

Some examples of recyclable plastics…

• Water bottles, any size. I.e. gallon, liter, 16 oz
• Soda bottles, any size
• Any plastic soft drink bottle , any size
• Plastic peanut butter jar
• Laundry detergent jugs any size
• Milk jugs
• Small plastic milk bottles
• Colored plastic soda bottles
• Mustard bottle
• Mayonnaise jar
• Shampoo bottles
• Hand soap bottles
• Dish soap bottles
• Creamer bottle
• Bleach bottles
• Household cleaner bottles

Plastics that are not recyclable…

• Juice pouches
• Yogurt cups
• Sauce cups
• Cottage cheese cups
• Styrofoam of any kind
• Milk cartons
• Plastic straws
• Wrappers
• Cups lids
• Plastic shopping bags and film
• Bread bags
• Toys
• Garbage bags
• Takeout containers
• Clear clamshell packaging
• Berry containers
• Fast food cups
• Coffee cups
• Gardening pots
• Water hose
• Cat litter bucket
• Bucket
• Bubble wrap
• Oil/antifreeze containers
• Clothes hangers
• Plastic utensils