what can be recycled??????

**MommaStumpf** · 02-24-2010, 10:02 AM

We are going to start to seriously recycle (we are supposed to by law and I am wondering if we can get our trash bill down because of it) and I am always confused by what can and can't be put out in the recycling bin. I know about cans, and bottles, and newspapers, and cans from food and plastic containers but what else can be put in there?????

**redmaples** · 02-24-2010, 10:07 AM

If you are taking it to the recycling center yourself, there are guidelines there. Different places take different things. Our center does not take colored glass.

**savvy_sniper** · 02-24-2010, 10:11 AM

Go to the website of whoever picks up our trash/recycling. There should be information on what can and cannot be put in your recycling bin.

We don't have curbside recycling of any kind because we are in an unincorporated part of the city. But MIL is in the city. They recently got big rolling green bins and there is a sticker on the bin that states what can and cannot be put in the bin (plastic 1-7, newspaper, aluminum cans, tin cans, glass, NO plastic bags, etc). The information is also on the city website.

Prior to the rolling bins there were rectangular green box bins and you could only put plastic 1-4, aluminum, tin cans, newspaper, NO GLASS OR PLASTIC BAGS.

**savvy_sniper** · 02-24-2010, 10:16 AM

We take all newspaper, cardboard, corrugated boxes to pretty much any school or church in our area that has recycling bins.

We save aluminum cans, crush them, and turn them in for cash several times a year.

We have a compost pile and put all leaves, grass clippings, banana peels, potato peels, eggshells, coffee grounds, tea leaves, etc. go here. You can shred newspaper, toilet paper and paper towel rolls and put them in the compost pile also.

Uses motor oil is taken to pretty much any gas station or auto parts store.

**Libby** · 02-24-2010, 11:49 AM

Definitely call the company that picks up your trash/recycling or call city hall to find out what the guidelines are. Check the city hall website in case its already posted up there as most do.

We've noticed that both my dad and I only produce one shopping bag full of garbage/wk b/c the rest is all recycling & compost waste. You'd be surprised at how much you'll reduce!

**savvy_sniper** · 02-24-2010, 11:57 AM

We are just like Libby. We are down to ONE 13 gal. trash bag a week (and it isn't always full). The rest is recycled in one way or another.

Originally Posted by Libby

We've noticed that both my dad and I only produce one shopping bag full of garbage/wk b/c the rest is all recycling & compost waste. You'd be surprised at how much you'll reduce!

**frugalfranny** · 02-24-2010, 01:32 PM

Originally Posted by MommaStumpf

I am always confused by what can and can't be put out in the recycling bin. I know about cans, and bottles, and newspapers, and cans from food and plastic containers but what else can be put in there?????

You have to check for YOUR area. And from a prior discussion on it, it sounds like it is quite a bit different, for plastic at least, around the country.

Ours will only take the #1 plastic........which REALLY limits it. Among the other things I mean. But lots of plastic is NOT #1.

You will cut a LOT out of your trash amt. I only take trash pick up for six months a year now. I have about 1 groc. bag of trash every 2 weeks.

**KeithBC** · 02-24-2010, 09:15 PM

Definitely check with your local recycling authorities to see what they accept. It varies a lot from one place to another.

We recycle paper of all kinds, cardboard, tins, plastic containers, all kinds of drink containers (milk containers separate from beverage containers). They won't take any laminated materials (plastic bonded to cardboard, for example). We have reduced our garbage output to one bag every two weeks, or often less.

**frugalwarrior2** · 02-24-2010, 09:31 PM

Don't forget too. Anytime you sell something at a garage sale or buy at a resale shop you are recycling.
Our company takes cardboard now and it has made a huge diff. We give our dogs food from the fridge if it's slightly stale and thats recycling. My DS is a master at old junk into new stuff. He made opld railroad spikes into a forged coat hooks. Dryer lint into firestarter.
Call your center. Ours has certain times we can take toxins in for recapture.

**Trishagirl** · 02-27-2010, 12:37 PM

Our town doesn't take glass anymore but the next town over does so we just take our glass there when we are going thru that town. It really helps!

**SerenaNY** · 03-07-2010, 02:26 AM

MommaStumpf,

I noticed you're from Altoona, so I looked up your county's recycling and waste management page: Recycling Directory

Like most counties, only plastics 1 and 2 can be recycled. Most people don't realize that they're supposed to take off bottle caps (different sort of plastic) before they chuck bottles into the recycling. Also, there's also a list of places you can take hard-to-recycle items like e-waste and packing peanuts. Hope this helps!

~ Serena