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What Goes Where? (Recycling vs. Garbage)

  • Writer: David Zu
    David Zu
  • Jul 22, 2021
  • 1 min read

Being able to tell the difference between recycling and garbage is crucial, even in everyday life when separating out trash. Putting trash in the right bin is not only ethical, it helps trash plants quickly sort out and process the garbage. So how can we differentiate between the two?


Recycling

  • Paper and cardboard: recycle newspaper, office paper, junk mail, magazines, brown bags, and regular or corrugated cardboard.

  • Aluminum, steel, and tin: soda cans, food cans, foil, and baking pans can be recycled, but be sure to clean off food residue

  • Glass: glass of any color is typically recyclable. Keep broken glass out of your curbside bin for the safety of sanitation workers.

  • Plastic containers: containers labeled #1 through #7 are commonly accepted, but make sure they’re clean.

  • Cartons: wash out milk and juice cartons, and place them with other paper recyclables.

Garbage

  • Coated paper products: disposable coffee cups, sheets of stickers or address labels, and frozen-food boxes are not recyclable.

  • Most Styrofoam: styrofoam cups and containers are technically recyclable, but few facilities accept them for cost reasons.

  • Disposable diapers: the paper and plastic from these items cannot be salvaged.

  • Food wrappers: candy wrappers, potato chip bags, and plastic wrap cannot be recycled.

  • Food-related paper products: because of the food residue on these products, pizza boxes, take-out containers, napkins, and paper towels cannot be recycled.





 
 
 

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