The Dos and Don’ts of Recycling, Courtesy of Porter County Recycling & Waste Reduction

In honor of “America Recycles Day,” we had Porter County Recycling & Waste Reduction help us break it down. What can and can’t you recycle? Where can you drop recyclables off, and what can you leave on your curbs? Here’s a simple guide to help make sense of your green smarts.

First and foremost: though it may go without saying, a good rule of thumb is to never place recyclables in plastic bags. Plastic bags are TERRIBLE for the environment! Now, moving on…

The Region’s recycling rules are very much the same across the board. It doesn’t matter if your municipality collects recycling, if you contact a waste hauler, or if you take advantage of those nice recycling containers provided by your waste management district. Regardless, all materials are sorted at facilities in Illinois.

Here are the categories and corresponding materials accepted (and NOT accepted) for curbside and drop-off recycling, courtesy of the Porter County Recycling Waste & Reduction website.

Paper and cardboard
Accepted: Newspapers and all inserts and sales papers (remove any plastic bags that they are delivered in and discard), catalogs, phone books, paperback books, file folders, office paper, glossy paper, envelopes, junk mail, magazines, self-stick labels, wrapping paper (most of it — see below), paper bags (without food waste) flattened large cardboard boxes, and paperboard boxes, such as cereal, cake-mix boxes, cases from pop, tissue, frozen food boxes (remove any plastic bags found inside and discard). Hard cover book pages can be recycled, but the hard cover must be thrown in the trash. Not accepted: Shredded paper, used paper plates, tissue paper, gum/candy wrappers, paper cups, paper towels, greasy pizza boxes, shiny “foil” type wrapping paper, wet or soiled cardboard, self-stick labels, waxed paper.

Glass bottles and jars
Accepted: Clear and colored glass containers. Containers should be empty, lightly rinsed and labels can be left on. Not accepted: Flat glass, window panes, mirrors, light bulbs, dinnerware, drinkware, ceramics or Pyrex, light bulbs.

Aluminum, tin and other metal cans
Accepted: Pop cans, soup cans, coffee cans, vegetable cans and all lids; aluminum trays and pie tins, etc. Cans should be empty and lightly rinsed. Leave labels on. Not accepted: Aerosol cans, hangers, large scrap metal.

Plastic
Accepted: Bottles, tubs, containers: water bottles, pop bottles, juice bottles, soap bottles, coffee creamer bottles, cooking oil bottles, household cleaner bottles, milk and juice jugs, yogurt cups, any and all. Remove spray nozzles (triggers) from household cleaners and throw them in the garbage. Nothing larger than 5 gallon buckets. Make sure they are empty, lightly rinse and place in bins with lids on. Not accepted: Large storage bins, takeout containers, black food trays, bubble wrap, plastic wrap, plastic bags, storage bags, flex packaging like drink pouches, snack bags, hoses, plastic silverware, straws, plastic packaging, CD/DVD cases, Solo cups, hard plastic packaging, packing peanuts, prescription bottles, motor oil containers, clothes hangers, straws, vinyl siding, and anything made of Styrofoam or polystyrene.

Cartons
Accepted: Milk, juice, soup, broth, juice boxes (without the straw), wine, cream, and other beverage cartons. Lightly rinse and leave caps on. Also accepted cardboard egg cartons. Not accepted: Ice cream cartons, foam egg cartons.

The types of materials accepted can change at any time depending on the markets. Questions on the types of accepted materials can be directed to the District.

For good measure…

Other materials NOT Accepted:

• Mattresses
• Diapers
• Wood – No pallets or construction lumber
• Hazardous Waste – No motor oil, paint, automotive batteries, antifreeze or liquids of any kinds
• Scrap metal, appliances or aluminum siding, aerosol cans or aluminum foil
• Clothing, shoes or furniture
• Tires
• Electronic waste
• Used oil containers
• Medical waste
• Yard waste
• Trash
• Food waste
• Christmas lights
• Garden hoses

If you are unsure if you can recycle a certain material at the curb, please contact the District, 219-465-3694.