Answered from cited sources · retrieved September 20, 2026
what can you recycle
Recycling rules are determined locally, so you must check with your specific municipal provider to know what is accepted in your area.
- Commonly Recycled Items. Commonly accepted items often include paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass bottles and jars, and certain plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs.
- Preparation Requirements. Items must be empty, rinsed of food debris, and dry. Paper products should be kept clean and dry, while cardboard boxes should be flattened.
- Items Requiring Special Handling. Plastic bags, film, electronics, batteries, light bulbs, and hazardous chemicals generally do not belong in curbside bins and often require specialized drop-off or take-back programs.
- Common Contaminants. Food, liquids, greasy or food-soiled paper, ceramics, and broken glass are common contaminants that should be kept out of the recycling bin.
Sources
- Frequent Questions on Recycling | US EPAepa.gov · published September 7, 2017
- How Do I Recycle Common Recyclablesepa.gov · published May 19, 2026
- Standardized Terms for Materials Accepted by Municipal Recycling Programs | US EPAepa.gov · published October 14, 2022
- Recycling 101 - What Is Recycling & What to Recyclewm.com
- What to recycle | Programs and initiatives | City of Philadelphiaphila.gov
- How & Where to Recycle | Mass.govmass.gov
- What Goes in My Recycling Cart? | Saint Paul Minnesotastpaul.gov
- What Can I Recycle Curbside? 2026 Guiderecycling.link · published June 8, 2026
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