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How do I recycle my common household items?
Summary
Learn which common household items can be recycled and how to recycle them.
We want to make recycling less complicated.
Follow these three rules to make recycling simple:
Recycle empty bottles, cans, paper, and cardboard
Keep foods and liquids out of the recycling
Keep plastic bags out of the recycling bin. No bagged 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. |
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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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