Recycle and Compost Tips for Residential Pick up

July 21, 2024

Jacqueline McGreevey

Everyone can use recycling tips. Effective recycling and composting practices are essential for reducing waste and promoting environmental sustainability. At LePage & Sons Waste Management, we’re committed to helping our residential customers make the most of their recycling and compost services. Here are some essential tips to enhance your recycling and composting efforts at home.


Understanding What to Recycle

Understand what items are recyclable and non-recyclable to ensure effective waste management. Here’s a quick guide to help you sort your recyclables correctly:



  • Paper: Recycle newspapers, magazines, office paper, and cardboard. Avoid soiled paper, such as grease-stained pizza boxes, as they cannot be recycled.
  • Plastics: Recycle most containers and bottles after rinsing and removing food residue. Check the recycling triangle and number to confirm acceptance in your area.
  • Glass: Recycle glass bottles and jars, but separate them by color if required by your local facility.
  • Metal: Recycle aluminum cans, tin cans, and, in some cases, small appliances.

Top Recycling Tips for Composting at Home

Composting is a great way to reduce kitchen waste and contribute to a healthier garden.


  • What to Compost: You can compost fruit and vegetable scraps, eggshells, coffee grounds, and yard waste like leaves and grass clippings.
  • Setting Up Your Bin: Place your compost bin in a dry, shady spot. Make sure it’s easily accessible and close to where you’ll need the compost for gardening.
  • Maintaining Your Compost: Turn the compost regularly to aerate it and speed up the decomposition process. Keep the compost moist, and cover it to maintain humidity and heat, which are crucial for decomposition.

Preparing Items for Recycling and Compost Pick Up

Proper preparation of your recyclables and compost can significantly impact the efficiency of recycling and composting programs. Here are some preparation tips:


  • Clean and Dry: Rinse and dry all recyclable containers to prevent contamination, especially for paper.
  • No Plastic Bags: Do not put recyclables in plastic bags as these can clog recycling machinery. Instead, use reusable bins or cardboard boxes.
  • Loose Materials: Secure small items like bottle caps inside larger containers to keep them from getting lost in the sorting process.
  • Compost Contamination: Avoid putting meats, dairy, and oils in your compost bin as these can attract pests and create odor problems.


Contact LePage & Sons for More Information

If you have questions about what you can recycle or compost, or need more information about our pick-up schedules, don’t hesitate to contact LePage & Sons Waste Management. We are here to help you optimize your recycling and composting practices.


Contact Information:

Phone: 763-757-7100

Website: LePage & Sons Waste Management

Address: 23602 University Ave NW, Bethel, MN 55005

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