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How do I recycle my common household items?
Summary
We want to make recycling less complicated. Follow these three rules to simplify recycling:
- Recycle empty bottles, cans, paper, and cardboard
- Keep foods and liquids out of the recycling
- Keep plastic bags out of the recycling bin and don't bag recyclables
For more details on how to become a recycling expert, visit Recycle Right®.
Here are a few common household items and the best ways to dispose of them.
Household Item | Is it recyclable? | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
Plastic toys, lawn furniture and kiddy pools | No, these types of ridged plastic items are not accepted in curbside recycling programs. | Although not reyclable, these items are often reusable or able to be donated to local charities. |
Bagged items | No. Due to health and safety concerns, many of these plastic bags will not be opened, and the materials inside will be disposed of. | Commercial customers, please speak with your janitorial team about this topic. Often, they will stop using liners in your recycling containers if asked. |
Plastic bags | Plastic bags are NOT accepted as part of our curbside recycling collection program. | Clean and dry plastic bags can be recycled at many local retailers. Visit plasticfilmrecycling.org to find a take-back location near you. |
Garden hose | No, please dispose of this in the trash. | In the recycling world, garden hoses are what are known as "tanglers." Tanglers include hoses, along with ropes, chains, and cords. |
Polystyrene foam plastic | No. | Before discarding items like foam packing peanuts in the trash, consider taking them to your local mail and packaging store for reuse, typically without charge. |
Shredded paper | Generally, shredded paper is not accepted in curbside recycling programs, whether it is bagged or not, due to litter and contamination issues. | Shredded paper is a great addition to your compost pile as long as it does not contain cellulose material like window envelopes. |
Automotive parts | Yes, car parts like: seats, engines, antifreeze, batteries, brake fluid, gasoline, motor oil, and tires can be recycled but not by placing in your recycle container. | To find recycling locations near you, visit Earth 911. Vehicles can also be donated to nonprofit groups and sold to automotive recyclers. |
Electronics | Desktop and laptop computers, monitors, printers, copiers, hard drives, batteries, tablets, televisions, cell phones, digital cameras, cords, keyboards and ink and toner cartridges are all recyclable. |
|
Aluminum | Yes, aluminum beverage cans, pet food cans, aerosol cans, aluminum foil, and cookware can be recycled. | Look for curbside, school, work, or public space recycling bins, or bring aluminum to local recycling drop-off or buy-back centers. |
Steel | Steel food cans and aerosol cans are recyclable. | Recovered steel can be re-melted and used again and again to produce new steel products. |
Glass | Glass recycling rules vary. Some communities have curbside pickup of glass or drop-off locations to recycle glass. | Please check your local program guidelines for options available for you to recycle glass. |
Note: Recycling rules vary by location due to area regulations, municipal requirements and recycling facility capabilities.
Information in this article may be inapplicable to customers who receive service pursuant to a WM agreement with a municipality, association or other entity, or where applicable law requires differing terms of service.
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