Curbside Recycling Tips
The City of Denver recently implemented new updates to its trash and recycling services in 2023, putting more responsibility on the homeowner to pay for what they produce rather than operate on a one-size-fits-all basis. We support these changes, as it increases the transparency of the process and makes each individual consider their impact on a more personal level.
These changes got us thinking about the confusion that often surrounds curbside recycling. Can you recycle a plastic bottle cap? Does cardboard have to be a certain size for it to be processed properly? We wanted to help clarify some things, so you can make the most of your curbside bin and feel peace knowing that the items you are responsible for are actually being recycled!
Of course, each recycling facility is different - some centers will accept a wider variety of items, some can accept smaller items than others, some can accept dirtier items than others, and so on. If you are in the Denver-Boulder area and are looking to find information about your city’s recycling capabilities, check out this blog post we created to get you to the right information.
Keep reading for some general and material-specific tips that should help you maximize your curbside recycling experience!
General Tips
Rinse off any materials you plan to recycle that hold food or sugary drinks, so that they are reasonably clean when they go into the recycling bin
Separate any item that is composed of mixed-materials into its individual materials, then place each material into their respective bin to be processed. For example, the bubble wrap insert attached to a paper mailer must be removed before the paper can be put into the recycling bin.
If a bottle or can has a cap made of the same material, keep the cap on when placing the item into the recycling bin to ensure it is recycled.
If you are unsure of a certain material, don’t just toss it in the recycling bin! This can complicate the process and create unneeded work for the employees at the center. It is always best to try to find a sure answer on a material before making a decision on what to do with it.
Note the size of the item you are wanting to recycle. Some facilities cannot take items if they are smaller than the size of a pill bottle, or a post-it note.
Aluminum Cans
Remove any stickers or shrink-wrapped labels attached to the can, as they are often made of non-recyclable plastic.
For canned goods with removable lids, either keep the lid partially attached while opening or remove and place the lid into the can.
Hard Plastics
Soft, flexible plastics like grocery bags, 6-pack rings, or bubble wrap cannot be recycled in curbside recycling facilities (that’s where businesses like The Happy Beetle come in handy!)
Always be sure to check with your local recycling center to see what types of hard plastics they are able to process.
Cardboard and Paper Products
Make sure any paper products are not wet when put into the recycling bin.
If a paper product is laminated with wax or plastic, check with your local recycling center to see if they are still able to accept it (some can!)
Remove any bits of food or grease-stained cardboard or paper products before placing them into your recycling bin.
Glass Bottles
Remove any plastic caps or labels.
Avoid breaking the glass, as it can affect whether the item is recycled to its highest quality.
Not all glass is the same. Some centers can only recycle glass bottles, while others can accept other types of glass, such as window glass. Be sure to check with your local recycling center to see what their limitations are, if any.