Recycling Guide: What Can I Put in My Recycling Bin?

Elite Disposal’s recycling program aligns with Waste Management (WM) recycling guidelines, allowing recyclable materials to be transported directly to their processing facility. Curbside recycling is a community-based service that relies on proper sorting and preparation to prevent contamination and keep service running smoothly.

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sort confidently

Accepted Recyclable Materials

Successful recycling starts with following local guidelines, keeping materials clean and dry, and placing recyclables loose in the bin without plastic bags.

Paper and Cardboard

Flattened cardboard boxes
Paperboard (cereal boxes, etc)
Paper, newspapers, and magazines
Mail and envelopes (including window envelopes)

Plastics

Plastic bottles and containers
Beverage bottles
Food containers
Milk jugs and detergent bottles

Metals

Aluminum cans (rinsed before recycling)
Steel and tin food cans
Empty aerosol cans (non-hazardous)

Glass

Clear, green, and brown glass bottles and jars
Glass should be empty and rinsed before being placed in the recycling bin.

what to keep out

Materials Not Accepted for Recycling

Please keep the following items out of your recycling container:

Plastic bags or bagged recyclables
Styrofoam or foam packaging
Polystyrene foam
Egg cartons made of foam or plastic
Food-soiled containers or greasy cardboard
Food waste or leftovers
Dirty diapers
Ceramics, dishware, or Pyrex
Window glass or mirrors
Batteries, electronics, or hazardous materials
Hoses, yard waste, or household trash

When in doubt, leave the item out.

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best practices

Recycle the Right Way

Following these best practices helps to keep recycling service running efficiently:

Rinse containers before recycling
Place recyclables loose in the bin, do not bag them
Flatten cardboard to save space
Do not place plastic bags in the recycling container
Reuse or donate usable household items when possible
Check for drop-off options for items not accepted curbside

Items that are heavily contaminated or not accepted by processing facilities should be placed in the trash or disposed of through appropriate specialty programs.

seperate handling required

Hazardous Waste Disposal

Household hazardous waste requires special handling and should never be placed in recycling or trash containers. These materials can create safety risks and damage recycling facilities.

Common household hazardous waste includes batteries, electronics, used motor oil, oil filters, and certain aerosol cans. These items should be taken to a designated household hazardous waste collection facility or disposed of during local collection events.

If you’re unsure how to dispose of a specific item, check with your local recycling program or contact Elite Disposal for guidance.

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Help Protect the Recycling Process

Why Recycling Guidelines Matter

Recycling guidelines help protect the entire recycling process. When non-accepted items are placed in recycling containers, they can damage sorting equipment, create safety risks, and cause entire loads to be rejected.

This recycling guide helps customers understand what belongs in the bin and why preparation matters. Following these guidelines supports cleaner neighborhoods, safer facilities, and a more effective recycling system for the community.

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Reliable Pickup and Processing

Elite Disposal’s Recycling Service

By following established recycling guidelines, Elite Disposal helps reduce contamination and ensures recyclable materials move efficiently through the system. Clear expectations and dependable pickup allow customers to recycle with confidence, knowing their materials are handled properly from the curb to the facility.

Elite Disposal brings the same commitment to reliability and clear communication to recycling as it does to every service we provide.

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Make the Switch

Ready for Reliable Recycling?

Elite Disposal’s recycling service is designed to be simple, reliable, and consistent. Not sure where to start? We’re here to help.

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