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curbside recyclablescurbside recyclables

Curbside collection is simple and convenient. Just put your recyclables out the night before collection, and your recycler will do the rest.

KNOW WHAT:

Most residents in the Green Guardian Twin Cities metro region can recycle the following items curbside:
  • Cans
  • Glass
  • RecyclePlastic bottles with necks
  • Paper:
    • Mail, office and school papers
    • Magazines and catalogs
    • Newspapers and inserts
    • Phone books
    • Shredded paper in closed paper bags
    • Cardboard boxes
    • Cereal boxes, cracker boxes, pasta boxes, cake mix boxes
    • Shoe boxes, gift boxes & electronics boxes
    • Boxes from toothpaste, medications and other toiletries
Other materials are sometimes collected curbside, too.

Just because something isn't collected curbside doesn't mean recycling is out of the question. Some items, like certain appliances, batteries and fluorescent lamps, have to be dropped off. Contact your county or visit the Household Hazardous Waste page for more information.

KNOW HOW:

Plastic Bottles Call your city recycling coordinator or your garbage hauler to ask what is currently accepted in your area, how the materials should be prepared, and when they will be picked up. Also ask them how you can get a recycling bin.

If you live in an apartment or multi-family building, ask your building manager about recycling. If recycling isn't offered in your building, call your city recycling coordinator for help.

You can also bring some recyclables to local landfills or transfer stations that accept them for recycling. Click here to find one in your area.

For more information on recycling drop-off locations or recycling, you can also contact your county.

KNOW MORE:

RETHINK: PAPER

A 2000 study showed that 21% of household garbage in the Twin Cities metro area is recyclable paper. You can recycle more kinds of paper than you think. See the RETHINK: Paper page to learn how you can start recycling more paper.

BUY RECYCLED

Although recycling starts at the curb, it doesn't end there. Many everyday products are made from recycled materials. Encourage manufacturers to keep using recycled materials by shopping for recycled content products. Hundreds of affordable quality products exist, such as notebook and copy paper, yard and garden furniture, trash bags, door mats and pet bowls. Look on a product's label for the recycling symbol and words like, "made from post-consumer recycled content material."

Here are some resources to help you locate recycled-content products in the Green Guardian Twin Cities area.

TRY REUSE FIRST

Some household items that we no longer want can be given a new life through reuse, a wonderful way to recycle. Clothing, cookware and furniture are prime candidates for a second life. Check out these resources for reuse: