Recycling

Services

It’s easy to recycle with the new no-sort system called "single-stream recycling." All recycling items can be placed in the same container.

Recycling service is provided once a week. Recycling items will be collected on one of your regularly scheduled household garbage collection days. Here is the Recycle Collection Map (PDF) which shows recycling pickup days.

Prepare

To prepare your items for recycling, please empty, rinse and remove lids from all containers.

Help reduce contamination of single-stream recycling material! View an educational video to learn more! When recycling materials are contaminated, they are disposed of like garbage and trash.

Learn More

To learn more information regarding what items can and cannot be recycled, view this educational video or visit the Waste Management website

Plan Smart. Recycle More. Waste Less.

Let's take trash and recycling beyond the curb. Take a look at our PLAN!

Recyclables

NEW - WM has upgraded its facilities, and now accepts paper and plastic cups. That includes hot and cold beverage paper cups (e.g. coffee cups with sleeves, and soda cups, AND plastic cups made from polypropylene (e.g. cold drink cups used for soda and iced coffee.) Be sure cups are emptied and to remove straws and stoppers. Foam cups (Styrofoam), lids, straws, and stoppers are NOT accepted.

Must be dry, loose (not bagged) and include only the following:

Plastic bags and bagged materials (even if containing Recyclables.
Mirrors
Light Bulbs
Porcelain and ceramics
Expanded polystyrene
Glass and metal cookware/bakeware
Hoses, cords, wires
Flexible plastics or film packaging and multi- laminated materials
Food waste and liquids, containers containing such items, including foam cups (Styrofoam), lids, straws, and stoppers
Excluded Materials or containers which contained Excluded Materials
Any Recyclable materials or pieces of Recyclables less than 4" in size in any

Please DO NOT place plastic bags in any City recycling container. Do not use plastic bags to hold recyclables, or to line your recycling cart.

Did you know that plastic bags must be separated from the general recycling stream in order to be processed? Due to their light weight, flexibility, and fragility, there is no way to automate this separation. It is labor-intensive when the bags are mixed with other recyclables, which makes it cost prohibitive for the processor. The plastic bags get stuck inside the automated beltways used in recycling facilities. This slows or stops intake completely, and leads to costly repairs. Therefore, in a general recycling materials recovery facility, plastic bags are considered contamination.

How can plastic bags be recycled?

There are several ways to reduce the waste associated with plastic bags and similar items.

The best way to reduce this waste is to eliminate it. Bring your own bags when you shop. Pack waste free lunches. Choose products distributed in minimal or recyclable packaging.
Re-use bags. The beauty of plastic is that with quick removal or a light rinse it stays relatively clean. Try to re-use bags many times over.
Recycle when you can. Most supermarkets and big box stores participate in bulk recycling programs for plastic bags. Simply bundle your baggies and gabs of any size, bring them back to the store, and deposit in specially marked containers which are usually just outside or inside the store entrance.
Donate your bags.
1. Animal rescues will often accept small bags (such as those from newspapers and produce) to be used for pet clean-up.
2. Consignment shops and charity stores will often accept bags. Your donation cuts their operating expenses.

To learn more, visit Earth 911 to explore fact sheets on plastic bag, file and wrap recycling. Scroll to the bottom of the page to find drop locations and recycling centers for all types of bags.

Your waste has value

We can all do something to reduce the amount of waste we create every day. Here are some helpful resources to help you repurpose household items.