Recycling Tips

I am writing an extra post because I want to share some recycling tips for you. These apply specifically to the City of Phoenix, but most cities in the Phoenix area have similar recycling rules. Check with your locality to learn more!

Before working at Solid Waste, I considered myself a pretty decent recycler. It wasn't something I gave a great deal of thought to, and convenience was key, but I tried my best. However, I have improved a lot as a recycler. I always recycled paper, plastic bottles, cardboard, and glass bottles, but I didn't think about other items. Here are my tips:

Things you can recycle that you probably aren't (or I wasn't, until recently):

• Shampoo, conditioner, body wash bottles- just rinse them out in the shower to get the last bit out 
• Laundry detergent jugs- you can now recycle all plastics, 1-6, including these
• Plastic food containers, like margarine tubs
• Food cans
• Glass food jars 

Things you can't recycle that you (or friends and family) might be throwing in:

• Paper towels- just because paper is in the name doesn't mean its recyclable! paper towels are compostable though
• Pizza boxes- these are too greasy/contaminated
• Plastic bags- these get stuck in the machinery at the MRF. Take them to the grocery store to recycle instead

Most important is to keep out food waste, including paper containers that are greasy or food-y.

Hopefully that helps some well meaning people who just don't think about or realize all of the items that are recyclable! This is certainly not all inclusive, but you can look up your city or town online and see what their specific policies are.  Happy Recycling!