Properly prepared and collected recyclables are valued commodities sold on a global market. When too many non-recyclables (trash) are mixed in with the recyclables it all becomes “trash,” is too costly to separate, and requires disposal at a landfill. Don't be tempted to put items into bins that do not belong.
Some of the items that “contaminate” recyclables include scrap metal, scrap wood, plastic bags, and children's toys. Again, please do not put them in recycling bins.
Curbside Programs
Curbside programs may vary. Most allow the recycling of mixed paper, flattened corrugated cardboard cut down to 18" x 24", glass bottles and jars, steel and aluminum cans, and plastic bottles with #1 and #2 in a recycling symbol. No caps or lids on containers and no frozen food boxes, please!
Some curbside programs also accept all plastic containers numbered 1–7. Please check with your refuse collector for their list of acceptable materials.