Home Recycling | Solid Waste Division

Your home recycling program depends on you. It is easy to get started, and when you are in the habit, recycling is a breeze. You don't need to buy a thing: a box and some bags are all you need.

Place a simple cardboard box near the place where you go through your mail. Discard all your junk mail and other paper products in this box.
Ask for paper bags the next time you go to the grocery. Then place these paper bags near your trash can. Or, if you have limited space, place them in a closet, in your garage, in the pantry, in the cabinet under the sink, you decide.
Determine your schedule for taking the recyclables to the curb, to a recycling dropoff location, or to a convenience center.
Educate your family. Call a family meeting if necessary to explain what is recyclable, how your recyclables must be prepared, and where your recyclables go.
Execute your plan.

Focus on Paper

Paper products compose 40% of the waste generated in your house. You can start small by recycling mixed paper including junk mail, envelopes, writing paper, toilet paper ends, food boxes, and newspapers.

Stay on schedule

The longer your recyclables sit around, the more will accumulate and the more likely you are to view the recyclables as 'smelly garbage'. Schedule a day for recycling and stick to it.

Presort and Prepare

If you take your recyclables to a dropoff center, it will take longer to sort the recyclables one-by-one into the recycling container compartments, versus having an entire bag full of aluminum cans that you can pour into the container compartment. Be prepared to place all of your recyclables in the recycling containers. Placing them beside the bin is littering!

Solid Waste Division