Kitchen

In many homes, the kitchen is where most recyclable materials come from.

The Kitchen Tour - What Is Recyclable?

Let's walk through your kitchen for the most common recyclable items we'll find.

  • The pantry
    • Boxes from pasta, cake mixes, crackers, cereal, cookie, and other prepackaged food boxes
    • Aluminum cans of beans, tomato sauce, soup, and vegetables
    • Plastic containers of honey, vinegar, and syrup
    • Boxes of pet food and treats
    • Cans and plastic tubs of pet food
  • Under the sink
    • Plastic spray bottles of all-purpose and other cleaners
    • Cardboard boxes holding trash bags, dishwasher, and detergent
  • In the fridge
    • Glass bottles and jars of wine, salsa, and jam
    • Plastic jugs of milk and juice
    • Plastic containers of butter, tomato ketchup, mustard, salad dressing, cream cheese, sour cream, and yogurt
    • Plastic water and sports drink bottles
    • Metal cans of soda and beer
  • In the freezer
    • Plastic containers of ice cream
    • Boxes of chicken nuggets and pre-made meals
  • Countertops
    • Paper towel tubes
    • Mail - letters, envelopes, magazines, and newspapers
    • Paper grocery bags

How to Recycle in the Kitchen

If you're not recycling in your kitchen, it's easy to get started. Near your trash can, set up a second can just for recyclables. Once that fills up, just dump the materials into your recycling cart and there you go - you're recycling!

For specific materials, follow these steps.

  • Plastics and cans
    • Rinse out any leftover food, liquid, and residue
    • Replace the cap
    • Leave the labels on
  • Boxes
    • Flatten boxes of all sizes to leave plenty of space in your cart.

What Isn't Recyclable?

  • Plastic bags
  • Disposable dinnerware and silverware (paper plates, plastic utensils, etc.)
  • Straws
  • Paper towels and napkins
  • Any containers or boxes with food residue
  • Old pots, pans, and glassware
  • Styrofoam take-out containers
  • Black take-out containers

When In Doubt, Throw It Out

Remember, if you're not sure if an item is recyclable, throw it out. This helps keep our recycling clean and free of materials that cannot be recycled.