Curbside Recycling Tips
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All curbside recycling programs follow some general rules. However, each program also establishes it own set of promulgated rules. Here are some general tips to insure your compliance with local practices.
- Confirm Your Recyclables - Make the effort to discover which materials are included in your local program. Some programs, for example, take only newspapers. Other programs may collect, paper, plastic, glass (lids or no lids) aluminum and various other items.
- Follow Sorting Guidelines - Some programs, for example, require you separate newspapers from office paper. Some programs only take plastic milk jugs versus all types of plastic materials.
- Keep it Clean - Most programs ask that participants rinse bottles, cans and other materials prior to placing them at the curbside. One extra benefit from rinsing is that it deters pests from making a home in your recycling bin.
- Know Your Recycling Day - Many curbside recycling programs schedule pickup concurrent with an area's garbage collection schedule. It is best not to assume that your program follows that pattern. Check to make sure.
- Know Your Recycling Bins - Most curbside recycling programs designate specific official recycing bins. Use them and remeber to place them in the specified curbside location on pick-up day.
- In Doubt, Leave it Out - If you are unsure of the recyclability of an item, do not put it in the recycling bin. It could potentially contaminate your recycling pile.