Rules for Recycling

Recycling; Plain and Simple

Have you ever questioned whether or not you are recycling properly?  What goes into the blue bin?  What goes out to the curb separately?  What needs to be rinsed?  Is this a recyclable material?  We live in a society of modern conveniences and if something isn’t readily apparent or easily accessible, it often doesn’t get done.  Recycling really isn’t as complicated as some people believe it to be and we here at 4River.org would like to try to help clarify the process a little bit.  Let’s take a closer look at the guidelines for recycling in Philadelphia and the surrounding region.

 

Rules for Recycling in Philadelphia:

Recycle These!

PLASTICS: 

Please Empty & Rinse: lids & caps are okay.

• Food Containers
• All Bottles & Jars
• Detergent & Shampoo Bottles
• Pump & Spray Bottles

PAPER:

Please remove from plastic sleeves and bags.

• Newspapers
• ​Magazines, Brochures
• Junk Mail, Envelopes
• Scrap Paper
• Paper Bags

GLASS: 

Please Empty & Rinse: lids & caps are okay.

• All Bottles & Jars

METALS:

Please Empty & Rinse: lids & caps are okay.

• Aluminum, Steel & Tin Cans
• Empty Paint & Aerosol Cans
• Aluminum Baking Dishes
• Clean Aluminum Foil

CARTONS:

Please empty and rinse

• Milk & Juice
• Wine
• Soups

CARDBOARD:

Please remove shipping & packing materials

• Corrugated Cardboard Boxes
• Clean Pizza Boxes
• Paper Towel Rolls
• Egg Cartons
• Dry Food & Shipping Boxes

 

Do Not Recycle These!

Do not recycle the following items:

• Plastic Bags
• Styrofoam™
• Disposable Plates, Cups, and Takeout Containers
• Greasy or Food –soiled paper & cardboard
• Tissues, Paper Towels, and Napkins
• Light Bulbs
• Cassette Tapes (VHS and audio)
• Garden Hoses
• Needles and Syringes
• Propane Tanks
• Pots & Pans

Plastic Bags Cannot Be Recycled Curbside!

Unfortunately, plastic bags cannot be recycled in curbside recycling programs.  Plastic bags can rip and tear, causing damage to equipment and jeopardizing worker safety.  Please ensure that plastic bags stay out of curbside recycling bins.  Although your intentions may be in the right place, plastic bags can only be recycled at drop-off locations that are specifically designated for this purpose.

 

Single-Stream Recycling Makes Your Life Even Easier!

Don’t forget that all recycling in Philadelphia is single-stream! This means that the above listed items Do Not have to be sorted and separated into different containers before they are placed at the curb.

 

 

Please Visit the Following Links to Find Out More About Recycling in Your Municipality;

Bucks County	Montgomery County	Chester County
Delaware County	Camden County	Cape May County