Ever stared at an empty item and wondered … can I recycle that?
The answer might be yes! But rather than wishcycling — aka tossing questionable items in your cart and hoping for the best — it’s better to learn the right way to recycle. And you’re in luck! Our Squad put together this handy-dandy Q&A to help you learn the common rules of recycling.
Q&A: Get to know the rules of recycling
Q: What are the main things I can recycle curbside?
A: There are five main types of materials you can recycle in your curbside cart: paper, cardboard, plastic, metal and glass!
Q: Do I need to do anything before recycling my items curbside?
A: Yes! And it depends on the material. Here’s a quick overview:
- Plastic, metal and glass — Empty and rinse containers, jars and cans made from these materials before they enter your cart.
- Cardboard — Should always be flattened to create more room in your cart.
- Paper — Keep clean, dry and ick-free! Keep this in mind when dealing with rinsing food waste out of other recyclable items.
Q: Cardboard you say. … Does that mean I can recycle pizza boxes too?
A: Sure can! But only if they’re empty of food waste (so hold the cheese, please) and not overly greasy.
Q: If my recyclables are stored in a bag, can I toss the whole thing in my cart?
A: No!!! Never! Bagging recyclables ruins the process! Recycling sorters can’t tell what’s inside a bag, meaning opening one runs the risk of encountering sharp objects or hazardous materials. 😱
Always keep your recyclables loose in the cart, NEVER bagged. And take any plastic bags back to local grocers like Meijer and Kroger instead.
Q: What tips do you have for stopping wishcycling once and for all?
A: If you aren’t sure about an item, don’t guess! Look for an answer with our recycling rules search tool. We can help you find information on:
- What items are recyclable curbside
- What items are drop-off or collection event only
- What items simply can’t be recycled
Knowledgeable humans can help too! If you still have some questions, feel free to watch how our friends in Kent County navigate common recycling mistakes in this video:
This segment originally aired on WOOD-TV’s “eightWest.”
“The Basics” are universal across Michigan. If “niche” materials are making you confused, check with your local recycler for their specific rules before placing something into your curbside cart!