Seven Tips for Recycling Right

1. Skip the bags. Plastic bags, plastic wrap and other flimsy plastics jam recycling machinery. Take them to designated store drop-off locations when accepted. Never bag your recyclables. Place items loose in your bin.
2. Keep small items out. Anything smaller than a credit card, such as straws, bottle caps and plastic cutlery, can jam sorting equipment.
3. Keep it clean, empty and dry. Food and grease contaminate recyclable materials. Rinse containers and recycle only clean portions of pizza boxes.
4. Avoid mixed materials. Items made of inseparable materials, such as plastic-coated cups and laminated paper, generally can’t be recycled curbside.
5. Know your plastics. Not all plastics are recyclable, even if they have a resin code. Please recycle containers marked #1 through #7.
6. Don’t wishcycle. Putting non-recyclable items in the bin can contaminate entire loads and send otherwise recyclable materials to the landfill. When in doubt, check first!
7. Learn your local rules. Batteries, electronics, paint, clothing and other items may require special drop-off locations or handling. Visit our recycling webpage for guidance.

Go Beyond Recycling

The best way to reduce waste is to reduce, reuse and then recycle. Choose reusable bags and containers and avoid unnecessary single-use products. Questions regarding proper recycling? Please contact the Division of Public Utilities at (440) 490-2049.