It’s 2023 – can’t we put everything in the recycling bin?? Unfortunately, no! Here are some tips on what goes in the recycling bin and what must still go in the trash bin to be dumped into a landfill.
Tips for What Can be Recycled & What goes into the Trash Bin
RECYCLABLES – Place in “Recyclables Only” or “Recycling Only” bin:
- Clean paper & flattened cardboard
- Glass bottles & jars
- Aluminum, steel, and tin cans
- Plastic containers (Numbers 1 – 7 in the recycle symbol)
- Aerosol cans (empty)
- Foam packing blocks (such as the foam blocks that protect new televisions or computers)
- NO PLASTIC BAGS
- Only items free of food and liquid
TRASH – Place in “Trash Only” bin:
- Plastic bags, food packaging, wrap, Styrofoam
- Coated or plastic takeout containers
- Plastic straws & plastic rings (cut into small pieces before disposing)
- Foil, wire, or tape
- Twist ties, rubber bands
- Cooking grease, oil & other liquids
Note: Re-use these items as much as you can before placing them in the trash.
Why cut up straws and plastic rings? Why reduce use of straws and plastic rings?
They end up in our oceans where they can cause serious damage to ocean life. Many marine wildlife mistake plastic waste for prey and then die of starvation as their stomachs become filled with plastic. They also suffer from lacerations, infections, reduced ability to swim, and internal injuries. (IUCN – International Union for Conservation of Nature) And this can happen:
For more tips on recycling, check out our Waste Recycling Guide on our Trash Collection page at https://www.scshca.com/trash/