You can recycle a wide variety of materials commonly found in households and businesses. Key recyclable items include:
- Paper and Cardboard : Newspapers, mail, office paper, paper packaging, cardboard boxes, food boxes, pizza boxes (if clean), and paper cups
- Plastic : Plastic bottles and containers such as water bottles, detergent jugs, food tubs, yogurt pots, plastic jars, plastic trays, clamshells, plastic bags (in some programs), plastic plant pots, and plastic packaging like straws and utensils. The most widely recycled plastics are HDPE (#2), PET (#1), and increasingly PP (#5)
- Glass : Glass bottles and jars, both clear and colored, are recyclable. However, glass cookware, drinking glasses, mirrors, and light bulbs generally are not accepted in curbside recycling
- Metals : Aluminum and steel cans, lids, foil, pie plates, baking trays, spray containers, and metal tins. Appliances, pots, pans, and scrap metal can also be recycled but often require special handling
- Cartons and Paper Cups : Beverage cartons, milk cartons, juice boxes, and paper cups for hot and cold drinks
- Other Items : Batteries, electronics (computers, laptops, tablets), textiles, furniture, paint tins, aerosols, and some types of plastic film and flexible plastics (depending on local programs)
Recyclables should generally be clean and dry, with food residue removed, and sometimes lids need to be removed or replaced depending on the material and local recycling rules
. Always check your local recycling guidelines, as accepted items and preparation requirements can vary by location.
