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How to sort your waste into the three bins.

Recycling | Organics | Garbage

photo of three waste bins outdoors: landfill, compost, and recyle

What belongs in the Recycling bin?

  • Recycling should be clean, dry, empty, and loose (not bagged). 
  • No plastic bags. If bagging is necessary, only clear plastic bags are acceptable.
  • No film plastics
  • No styrofoam
  • No food scraps or food-soiled paper

Paper products

  • Office paper, mail, and envelopes
  • Newspaper
  • Paper bags
  • Cardboard boxes (broken down)
  • Magazine

Plastics labeled 1 through 3

  • Bottles (beverage, condiment, etc.)
  • Containers (detergent, shampoo, etc.)

Aluminum and metal

  • Food and beverage cans
  • Small scrap sheet metal
  • Metal pots and pans
  • Clean aluminum foil

Glass bottles and jars

  • all colors

What belongs in the Organics (compost) bin?

  • Use certified compostable bags or clear plastic bags only
  • No glass, metal, styrofoam, or plastic
  • No liquids, grease, or oils

Food scraps (frozen, fresh, or spoiled)

  • Meat and bones
  • Fruit
  • Vegetables
  • Bread and pasta
  • Egg shells
  • Dairy products
  • Coffee grounds
  • Seafood

Food-soiled paper

  • Coffee filters
  • Pizza boxes
  • Used napkins
  • Paper take-out containers
  • Tea bags

Yard Trimmings & Green Waste Organics

  • Floral trimmings
  • Branches & stems
  • Leaves & grass
  • Sawdust/non-painted wood

What belongs in the Garbage bin?

  • No organics or recyclable materials
  • No construction or demolition materials
  • No hazardous waste

Non-recyclable paper

  • Laminated items
  • Carbon paper and photographs
  • Padded envelopes
  • Vacuum bags

Non-recyclable plastics

  • Plastics not labeled 1 through 3
  • Plastic bags
  • Film plastics and plastic wrap
  • Snack wrappers
  • Straws
  • Bubble wrap

Non-recyclable Glass

  • Mirrors
  • Ceramics and dishware
  • Window or tempered glass
  • Non-fluorescent light bulbs

Other

  • Diapers
  • Feminine products
  • Styrofoam
  • Clothes hangers
  • Hoses and tarps
  • Sponges
  • Textiles
  • Treated wood
  • Pet waste