Cardboard
Yes, recycle: clean shipping boxes, cereal and snack boxes (without plastic liners), tubes from paper towels and toilet paper, and cardboard sleeves from packaging. Break boxes down so they lie flat.
Do NOT put in curbside bins: greasy or food-soaked pizza boxes, waxy drink cartons (unless your program accepts them), and boxes still full of plastic packing peanuts or bubble wrap.
Plastics
Yes, recycle: clean plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs with lids put back on, such as drink bottles, milk jugs, and yogurt or margarine tubs. If it held food or drink, give it a quick rinse.
Do NOT put in curbside bins: plastic bags, plastic wrap, chip bags, pouches, foam packaging, and dirty or greasy plastic containers. These items cause jams in sorting machines.
Metals
Yes, recycle: empty and lightly rinsed aluminum cans, steel food cans, and clean metal lids. You can gently crush cans to save space.
Do NOT put in curbside bins: batteries, wires, tools, aerosol cans that are not completely empty, and sharp metal, like knives or scrap metal. These need special drop-off or reuse options.
Glass
Yes, recycle where accepted: glass bottles and jars from food and drinks, with lids removed or screwed back on if your program allows. Rinse out liquids and food before recycling.
Do NOT put in curbside bins: window glass, mirrors, lightbulbs, drinking glasses, ceramics, or broken glass. These melt differently and can damage equipment or lower quality.
Paper
Yes, recycle: newspapers, magazines, office paper, junk mail, paper bags, and clean paper packaging. Stack or loosely place them in your bin (no plastic bags).
Do NOT put in curbside bins: wet, greasy, or food-stained paper, tissues, paper towels, napkins, or foil-lined paper. These either cannot be recycled or belong in compost or trash.
Special Exceptions
Electronics like phones, laptops, cords, and batteries should never go in your home recycling. Many stores and community centers offer safe take-back programs or drop-off days for these items.
Plastic bags and thin plastic film (like grocery bags, bread bags, and wrap from toilet paper) should also stay out of curbside bins. Recycle them at store collection bins or dedicated drop-off points instead.