Can I Recycle This?

TRUE or FALSE: Lids & caps should be removed before recycling.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Lids and caps should be placed back on the bottle, jar, jug or tub before recycling. This is true even if they are a different type of material. (i.e. a metal lid on a glass jar). Loose lids and caps will literally fall through the cracks at the recycling sorting facility.

TRUE or FALSE: Plastic bottles, jugs, jars and tubs from the kitchen, laundry room, and bathroom are recyclable.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

If it's a clean plastic bottle, jug, jar or tub, it's recyclable.

TRUE or FALSE: Any plastic item that has a number in a triangle can be recycled.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The number in the triangle doesn’t mean it’s recyclable.  A better indicator is the shape, color, and size.

Once recyclables are collected and transported to the recycling sorting facility, they are:

• • Hand-sorted to remove problem materials

• Mechanically sorted with magnets, screens, and optical sorters

• Compressed into large bricks called bales and sold to companies that clean and convert them into new products

• • All of the above

Answer explanation

Recyclables are sorted both by hand and machines at the recycling sorting facility before they are baled and sold to companies that clean and convert them into new products. By Recycling Smart you help keep the workers at the sorting facility safe.

TRUE or FALSE: It’s ok to bag my recyclables before putting them in the bin.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

That bag might be full of good recyclables but when it reaches the recycling sorting facility it will be tossed in the trash. Workers on the sorting line don’t have time to break open bags. It’s also a safety hazard.

Which of these is NOT recyclable?

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Answer explanation

Plastic wrap, like the kind around paper towels, toilet paper, or bottled water, does not belong in the recycling bin. Just like plastic bags, plastic wrap gets tangled in machinery and can shut down equipment at the recycling sorting facility.

TRUE or FALSE: These containers are ready for recycling.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Bottles and containers don't need to be spotless, but they do need to be empty and free of most food residue. A quick wipe or rinse does the trick. The goal: keep food and liquid from spoiling paper and cardboard.

TRUE or FALSE: Greasy pizza boxes are recyclable.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

EMPTY pizza boxes can be recycled.

Remove all food and pizza savers (plastic tables) before placing the box in the recycling bin. Grease is okay. Paper recycling mills have assured us that grease on a pizza box does not interfere with the paper-making process.