What Does “Contamination” Mean for Recycling and Organics?

Contamination refers to any item found in the recycling or organics container that does not belong. This may “contaminate” the load when mixed with correct materials, which can be treated like trash and end up in the landfill.

A little sorting goes a long way.

Putting the right things in the right containers helps keep recycling and composting running smoothly.  Our “What Goes Where”  information page provides proper sorting details. But when the wrong items end up in the mix, they can jam sorting equipment, drive up costs, and make it harder for materials to be transformed into something new, like socks from recycled plastic or nutrient-rich compost for the soil. By keeping these items out, we can all help make the process cleaner and more effective. Check out the guide below to see what should NOT go in your recycle or organics containers!

Did you know? The number one contaminant in recycling and organics is plastic bags.

Do not Put These Items in Your Blue Recycle Containers!

Not everything with a recycling symbol or label belongs in your blue container. Some items can cause sorting issues, contaminate recyclables, or even damage equipment.

• Bagged Anything: Recyclables should not be bagged. Definitely, no bagged trash in the recycle container either!
• Plastic Bags and Wraps: These jam the sorting equipment. Goes in the trash.
• Food and Liquids: Food goes in the organics, liquids that you drink can go down the drain. However, liquids such as cleansers require special disposal. See hazardous waste disposal page.
• Foam Plastic: Trash, not recyclable.
• Hoses, Cords and Ropes: Jams the sorting equipment. Goes in the trash.
• Electronics and Batteries: Special disposal requirement. See the hazardous waste disposal page.
• Clothing and Textiles: If you can’t donate it, trash it.
• Furniture: Even if it is metal or plastic or glass, not recyclable curbside. Goes in the trash.

DO NOT Put These Items in Your Green Organics Containers!

• Compostable/Biodegradable Plastic Products: They do not breakdown properly and go in the trash.
• Diapers & Pet Waste: Trash and not compostable.
• Glass, Metal & Plastic: Bottles, cans, jars, and jugs go in the recycle and anything else goes in the trash.
• Dirt, Rocks & Construction Debris: These materials do not belong in any of the carts.
• Treated or Painted Wood: Furniture, Fencing and wood from home improvement stores all go in the trash.
• Ashes & Charcoal: Once cooled, place in trash.

Lose The Bag!

• Recyclables must be loose to make their way through the sorting equipment.
• Plastic bags and films go in the trash.
• Plastic bags and films get wrapped in the system, making the process more time-consuming and dangerous for our employees.
• Plastic bags contaminate recyclables, making it impossible to give these materials a second life.

While plastic bags might be handy, they actually pose significant recycling challenges. When you bag your recyclables or include non-recyclable items in your recycling container, it makes it harder to transform cans, bottles, and paper into awesome new stuff.

Ask Recycle Coach!

The Recycle Coach takes the guesswork out of sorting. It enables residents to play an active role in helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by keeping recyclables and organics out of landfill.

Scan this QR code to download the Recycle Coach app to your mobile device.