Recycling is the process of turning used materials into new products. It’s a key part of America’s waste management system, creating jobs in manufacturing, transportation and at material recovery facilities across the country.
The benefits of Recycling include reducing the need to extract raw materials, conserving energy resources and preventing pollution by avoiding landfills or incinerators. Recycling reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, a primary driver of climate change, and conserves natural resources, such as land, water, trees and fossil fuels.
Items that can be recycled include paper, plastic, glass and metal. Some items may be a combination of these materials and each type requires specific handling to ensure successful processing. Check with your recycling program for more information.
Paper and cardboard can be recycled even if it has food residue on it – but you should try to rinse or scrape it clean before placing in your bin. It’s important to separate paper from other recyclables and to flatten your boxes before putting them out for collection. You can also keep metal bottle caps on your bottles, but remember to place them in a bag. Sharp metal objects and tools should not go in the recycling, either, for worker safety reasons – you can double-bag these items and throw them away.
Household hazardous waste (HHW) is leftover household products that can catch fire, react or explode under certain conditions and are corrosive, such as pesticides, herbicides, paints and solvents, ammunition, antifreeze and nail polish. HHW should not be poured down the drain, dumped on the ground or placed in your regular trash because it can cause harm to people and the environment. The best way to get rid of HHW is to take it to your local solid waste agency or recycling facility.