Can I recycle this?

Did you know that seeing the ♻ symbol on a plastic item does not always mean it's recyclable? The more important thing about that little symbol is the number inside it. This number indicates the grade of the plastic, which is what determines its recyclability. BUT....it's still not that simple. Unfortunately, the question "can I recycle this?" is not always easy to answer because the rules differ from city to city, and not all cities use the number system. Some cities do a great job informing their residents what can and cannot be recycled, but in other cities, it's just not so clear. We hope this post provides you with the resources you need to start recycling properly instead of just hoping for the best when you aren't 100% sure if something can go in the ♻ bin!

General recycling rules:

1. Never put anything dirty and/or food-soiled in the recycling bin. Always rinse the container out first so that it's empty and clean. This rule applies to shampoo, laundry detergent, and other household plastic containers as well.

2. When in doubt, check your cities recycling guidelines. Never assume that it's recyclable because if it's not, then you risk ruining an entire truckload of completely good recycling...all of that will go to the landfill instead. Some cities also might issue fines or refuse to collect your bin if there's un-recyclable material in it.

3. Plastic bags are pretty much never recyclable. This includes thin grocery bags, thicker shopping bags, and Ziploc baggies.

4. Other items like electronics, household appliances, motor oil, and batteries usually have to be taken to a separate location. Check your cities website to find out where. Or donate them to your local thrift store!

We selected a few cities of varying sizes and geographic locations to illustrate how multi-faceted the business of recycling can be. See the list below ↓

Seattle, WA

There's seriously no explanation for how someone could recycle incorrectly in Seattle. Their website is soooo extremely detailed and the guidelines are very specific. Don't see an item on this list? The city of Seattle actually has a "where does it go?"database where you can search the name of an item and it'll tell you exactly which bin to toss it in!

NOPE

Plastic bags - includes chip, newspaper, produce, bread, and grocery bags

Plastic utensils

Styrofoam

Any paper products with a shiny coating (ex: paper cups)

Lids less than 3 inches in diameter

Packing peanuts...see if you can take these to a local post office to be re-used

Plastic prescription medicine vials

Plastic straws

Blister packages (the type of plastic that batteries come in)

Plastic liners, bags, and trays from food boxes (ex: plastic cracker sleeves or cookie trays)

YEP

Plastic drink bottles & their caps if still screwed on

Aluminum cans

Glass bottles - even if they're broken

Milk jugs

Yogurt containers & lids if larger than 3 inches in diameter

Tupperware

Vitamin & over the counter pill bottles (ex: aspirin)

Plastic clamshell containers (ex: for salad greens mixes, cherry tomatoes, etc.)

Laundry detergent jugs

Empty shampoo and conditioner bottles & their caps if still screwed on

Clean cardboard...if it's food-soiled, it goes in the yard waste bin

All milk, juice, and ice cream cartons

Pullman, WA

Pullman's recycling guidelines are a bit more general than Seattle. Pullman uses the numbering system for plastic recycling. When trying to figure out if a plastic item is recyclable, all you'll have to do is find the ♻ symbol, and look at the number printed inside the symbol. If the number is #1-7, it's recyclable!

NOPE

Glass - of any kind

Styrofoam

Lids/caps - of any kind

Un-numbered plastic

Aluminum foil

Plastic cups & clamshell containers

Plastic bags, wrap, and film

Egg & berry cartons

Milk & juice cartons with a plastic mouth

Wax or glossy coated paper

YEP

Plastic numbered 1-7

Aluminum cans

Non-coated paper

Cardboard

Bend, OR

Cascade Disposal pretty much only lists what IS recyclable. So if it's not on the list, don't recycle it!

NOPE

Milk cartons

Lids of any kind

Frozen food boxes

YEP

Plastic bottles and jugs - without the cap

Plastic tubs larger than 6 oz. - without the lid

Rigid plastic containers (ex: for yogurt and margarine) - without the lid

Aluminum cans, foil, and trays

Paper

Unwaxed cardboard (ex: frozen food boxes are not recyclable because they are wax lined)

Glass bottles & jars - will have a separate collection bin

Atlanta, GA

Atlanta is a prime example of how bigger cities tend to have better recycling programs. Like Seattle, nearly everything is recyclable here and their website is again, sooo helpful! The city of Atlanta allows so many recyclable items, that their website pretty much indicates that all plastics, paper, metal, and glass are allowed in the bin. However, ya better get it right, because Atlanta has implemented the "oops!" program where they will tag your recycling bin and refuse to collect it if there are un-recyclable materials inside. We've included their very limited list of "nope's" below.

NOPE

Food or food soiled items

Plastic bags

Clothing/textiles

Literally, everything else is fair game! (As long as its made of plastic, metal, glass, or paper)

Raleigh, NC

The City of Raleigh's recycling website is a bit vague about what's not allowed, so it's safe to assume that if it's not on their "yes" list, then don't recycle it. Fortunately, nearly everything is a yes!

NOPE

The one "no" listed on the site: plastic bags

The website also includes resources for where to donate clothing, textiles, and household items.

YEP

Glass bottles

Metal cans

Clamshells

Plastic tubs

Cardboard - boxes, tubes, and corrugated

Pizza boxes - liners and large food particles removed...grease is ok

Paper - staples and shredded paper are also ok

Spiral paper cans (ex: for biscuits, croissants, etc.)

Milk cartons

Aluminum foil & trays

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After reading this post, you may be thinking “if this plastic item is recyclable in my city, then what’s the harm in buying it?”

The reality of it is, recycling is not the key solution to fighting climate change, reducing global warming, etc. Unfortunately, recycling alone is just not going to get our planet out of this mess...

Essentially, when you buy plastic, you’re telling companies that there’s a demand for it, and you’re condoning the use of one-time plastics. The bottom line is: you vote with your purchases!

Don't see your city on the list? Send us a message and we will happily direct you to your city's recycling resources!