What Exactly Can I Put In My Green Recycling Bin?

Recycling is one of the simplest ways we can contribute to environmental sustainability. However, not everything can be recycled, and many people are unsure of what items should go into their green recycle bins. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business, understanding what can and cannot be recycled is key to keeping recycling streams clean and efficient. In this article, we’ll explore what items can be placed in your standard recycling bin and when it might be more practical to rent a roll-off dumpster for larger jobs.

What Can I Put In My Green Recycle Bin?

Your green recycle bin is designed for everyday recyclable materials that can be processed efficiently by recycling facilities. Below are the common categories of items you can safely place in your bin:

1. Paper and Cardboard

Cardboard and paper products are among the most widely recycled items. You can place the following in your green recycle bin:

• Newspapers and magazines: These can be recycled as long as they are clean and dry.
• Office paper and mail: Printer paper, envelopes (without plastic windows), and junk mail are all recyclable.
• Cardboard: Flatten cardboard boxes to make room in your bin. Be sure to remove any packing materials like bubble wrap or Styrofoam.
• Paperboard: This includes cereal boxes, paper towel rolls, and other similar packaging.

Make sure all paper and cardboard are clean and free of food residue to ensure they can be properly recycled.

2. Plastics (#1 and #2)

Plastic recycling can be a bit confusing because not all plastics are created equal. Most recycling facilities accept plastics labeled with the numbers #1 and #2, which are commonly used for:

• Plastic bottles: Water bottles, soda bottles, and juice containers.
• Milk jugs: Clean plastic milk jugs are recyclable as long as they are rinsed out.
• Detergent bottles: These large, sturdy bottles used for cleaning products are also recyclable.

Before recycling, make sure to rinse out any remaining liquid or residue from plastic containers to avoid contamination.

3. Glass Bottles and Jars

Most types of glass bottles and jars can be recycled. This includes items like:

• Glass beverage bottles: Beer, wine, and soda bottles made of clear, brown, or green glass are all recyclable.
• Glass jars: Containers for food items like pickles, sauces, and baby food are safe to recycle.

Just like with plastics, make sure to clean your glass containers before recycling them. Do note that broken glass, window panes, and mirrors should not be placed in your green recycle bin as these types of glass require special handling.

4. Metals: Aluminum and Steel

Metals like aluminum and steel are easily recyclable. You can include items such as:

• Aluminum cans: Soda, beer, and other drink cans can be placed in your bin once rinsed out.
• Steel cans: Food cans, such as those for soup or vegetables, are recyclable as long as they are clean.

Remember to remove any lids or caps made of a different material, and avoid placing any aerosol cans or containers with hazardous chemicals in your bin.

What Cannot Be Recycled in Your Green Bin

While many items can be recycled, there are several materials that should not be placed in your standard green bin:

• Plastic bags and plastic wrap: These can clog machinery at recycling facilities. Instead, take plastic bags to designated drop-off locations at grocery stores.
• Styrofoam: While some places offer special recycling for Styrofoam, it cannot go into the regular recycling bin.
• Food waste: Leftover food, greasy pizza boxes, and used paper plates are contaminants in the recycling stream.
• Electronics: Items like computers, phones, and batteries require special recycling. Learn more about e-waste recycling here.

If you’re ever in doubt about whether an item is recyclable, check with your local waste management provider or use an online recycling guide to ensure proper disposal.

When to Rent a Roll-Off Dumpster

For larger projects, your green recycle bin may not be enough. Renting a roll-off dumpster is ideal for situations where you have a high volume of recyclable materials or mixed waste that needs to be properly sorted. Common scenarios where a roll-off dumpster is useful include:

1. Large Home Renovations

If you’re tackling a major renovation project, chances are you’ll have large amounts of materials like wood, metal, drywall, and packaging. A roll-off dumpster allows you to separate recyclable materials from general waste, ensuring they are disposed of properly.

2. Office Cleanouts

Businesses undergoing office cleanouts or relocations may find a roll-off dumpster useful for handling large quantities of recyclable materials such as old office furniture, paper, and electronics. By using a dumpster, you can sort recyclables and dispose of them efficiently.

3. Construction Sites

Construction sites generate a significant amount of recyclable materials, including metals, wood, and cardboard. A roll-off dumpster provides a centralized place to store these items, keeping the site organized and making recycling easier.

4. Event Cleanups

Large events such as festivals or trade shows often produce significant amounts of waste. A roll-off dumpster can help manage the volume of recyclables like aluminum cans, glass bottles, and cardboard, making cleanup faster and more efficient.

Be Smart About Recycling

Understanding what can and cannot be placed in your green recycle bin is key to ensuring that recyclable materials are properly processed and reused. While your bin is perfect for everyday recyclable items like paper, plastics, glass, and metals, larger projects may require the use of a roll-off dumpster to handle larger volumes of waste and recyclables.

At LePage & Sons Waste Management Services, we are committed to helping both residential and commercial customers practice effective recycling. If you’re unsure about how to dispose of certain materials or need a roll-off dumpster for a bigger job, contact us for personalized waste management solutions. Let’s work together to reduce waste and recycle more efficiently!