Recycling Reminder...

When in Doubt...Throw It Out!

Many items should never be put into the recycling container as they are not recyclable by the local processors. If you find yourself questioning if something is recyclable or not, follow the guidance, "When in doubt...throw it out." The wrong items, such as a dirty diaper, or a contaminated item, such as a half empty jar of peanut butter, could – or more than likely will – ruin an entire batch or truckload of clean recyclables, such as mail, cardboard or newspapers.

The Most Common Recycling Contaminants
The most common contaminants that Republic Services sees in the everyday recycling stream are:

• Diapers
• Yard waste
• Old clothes or shoes
• Food
• Plastic grocery bags

None of these items are recyclable. Trying to recycle unclean or unrecyclable materials increases sorting time and slows down the recycling process, damages the recycling facility's equipment and causes contaminants in the bales of clean recyclables that decreases the value of the items.

What Should NEVER Be Placed in the Curbside Recycling Bin:

• Disposable diapers and puppy pads
• Tissue, paper towels or paper napkins
• Clothing, shoes and other textiles
• Yard waste, plants, grass clippings, hoses and garden accessories
• Styrofoam, fiberglass and other foam packing material
• Hardcover books
• Ropes, chains and cords
• Plastic grocery bags and photographic film
• Food waste
• Window glass, mirrors, light bulbs, batteries, and cookware
• Soil or dirt, furniture, mattresses and insulation
• Treated or contaminated wood, sheetrock or drywall

Plastic Grocery Bags
Did you know that plastic grocery bags cannot be recycled with other curbside materials? Plastic bags jam the recycling equipment and contaminate the bales. Try reusing or repurposing your grocery bags or, when ready to discard them, put plastic bags in the trash or return them to your local grocery store to be recycled through a separate commercial recycling process. You may also consider the use of reusable grocery bags for trips to the pharmacy or the grocery store.

Is Yard Waste Recyclable?
Yard waste, including tree trimmings and grass or dead plants, cannot be put into the recycling container. Yard waste is collected on Wednesdays during the spring, summer, and fall.

"Reuse, Repurpose or Recycle" Does Not Mean Everything Goes Together
You've heard the phrase, "reuse, repurpose or recycle." That doesn't actually mean that everything goes into one container to be sorted or separated out. Items that can be reused or repurposed, such as a pair of shoes or article of clothing, do not belong in the recycling container. If you have items you would like to repurpose or donate, please do so directly. The recycling facility does not separate and collect items to be sent to secondhand stores or charity organizations. Items such as clothing and shoes will end up in the landfill.

Empty, Clean & Dry
Not everything we put into the recycling container is recyclable or it might be, but it's not ready to be recycled. Sometimes a perfectly good item like newspaper is ruined because other items are wet or dirty.  So, what is the proper way to prepare your recyclables for the recycling container? It's easy – just remember: Empty, Clean and Dry.

Always make sure recyclables are:

• EMPTY of their contents;
• CLEAN of any residue; and
• DRY before placing them in a recycling container.

And remember – when in doubt, throw it out!