At Republic Services®, we bring you quick and easy ways to make a difference in our communities. Follow these simple guidelines to become a better recycler.
Watch Overview VideoRecycling: Simple as 1-2-3
-
Know what to throw
Cardboard, paper, metal cans, plastic bottles and jugs.
-
Empty. Clean. Dry.™
Keep all recyclables free of food and liquid.
-
Don't bag it
Never put recyclables in containers or bags.
Paper & Cardboard
Flattened cardboard, newspapers, magazines, office paper and common mail.
Metal Cans
Beverage and food cans.
Plastic Bottles & Jugs
Food and liquid containers with the lids on.
No Soiled or Wet Materials
Just one dirty bottle or item can contaminate the contents of a whole recycling truck. Once cardboard or paper comes into contact with food or liquid, it can no longer be recycled.
Don’t Bag or Contain
No bags go in the recycling container, and never put recyclables in bags or containers.
No Connected or Mixed Materials
When two or more materials are connected, like paper envelopes with plastic bubble wrap inside, the items can’t be recycled.
NEVER place these items in your recycling container
What Your Recycling Container Should Look Like
If you know what to look for, it's easy to see if you're on track. Compare your recycling container to the pictures below. Yours should resemble the one on the right. Want to learn more? Visit our Residential Resources page for printable reminders that can help everyone in your house become better at recycling.
- Food waste
- Soiled or wet paper and cardboard
- Liquid in bottles
- Coffee cups
- Empty. Clean. Dry.™
- No smell
- No plastic bags
- No bagged recyclables
Help Us Create a Bright Future
When it comes to recycling, everyone has a part to play. Working together, we can make sure recyclable materials don’t end up in our lakes and landfills. At Republic Services, we believe in the preservation of our planet; a cleaner, safer and healthier world where people thrive—not just for today, but for generations to come.