Household Recycling

Tips to recycle right

• Put items loose into your home recycling—do not use plastic bags.
• Rinse all containers. OK to leave caps on.
• Empty and flatten cardboard boxes.
• Search the Disposal Directory is you're not sure about an item. 

Items accepted in your recycling cart or dumpster

Paper & Cardboard

• Newspaper and inserts
• Magazines and catalogs
• Mail and office papers
• Cereal and cracker boxes
• Cardboard boxes

Cartons

• Milk and juice cartons
• Soup, broth, and wine cartons
• Juice boxes

Metal food and beverage cans

• Aluminum, tin, and steel cans

Glass bottles and jars

• Glass food and beverage bottles and jars

Plastic bottles and containers

• Containers numbered 1, 2 or 5
• Soda, juice and water bottles
• Milk and juice jugs
• Margarine, cottage cheese, cream cheese and other tubs and lids
• Dishwashing and laundry detergent bottles and jugs
• Clear berry and produce containers
• Yogurt, pudding and fruit cups

Items NOT accepted in your recycling cart or dumpster

• Batteries
• Containers that contained paint, used oil, antifreeze and other hazardous products
• Diapers
• Dishes, vases, and mirrors
• Electronics
• Foil pouches, bags, and wrappers.
• Needles and syringes
• Paper cups, plastic straws, and utensils
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) including disposable gowns, gloves, masks, goggles, and more
• Pipes, clothes hangers, pots, pans, and other scrap metal
• Plastic bags, bubble wrap, and other plastic film
• Propane and fuel tanks
• Ropes, hoses, chains, string lights, and other items that may tangle in sorting equipment
• Shredded paper
• Wrapping paper or tissue paper

Not everything can be conveniently recycled at home. Consider these options to recycle more.  

• Recycling Exists: Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties want you to know that recycling is real and it works. Learn more about what happens to recyclables once they leave your home. 
• Disposal Directory: Find options for materials you can’t recycle at home
• Environmental Center: Year-round drop-off facility for hazardous materials, electronics, recyclables, and organics 
• Event Recycling: Borrow a recycling container for small, single-day events

Still have questions? Call us at 651-275-7475.