You've just finished your afternoon can of soda, what do you do with it? Do you take the extra step to ensure that it is recycled? How important is it that your can or bottle ends up in a recycling bin?
KNOW WHAT:
The energy it takes to recycle is nothing compared to the energy it saves. Recycling cans and bottles not only decreases the materials going to landfills; it helps keep our environment healthy.
KNOW HOW:
Containers Recycling Guide: Can I Recycle It?
Glass
Yes
- Glass food and beverage bottles and jars
No
- Drinking glasses, mugs, dishes, cookware, pottery and vases
- Window and mirror glass
- Containers that held hazardous products, such as nail polish and hobby paints
Metal
Yes
- Metal food and beverage cans
No
- Paint cans
- Aerosol cans
- Containers that held hazardous products, such as paint thinner and automotive fluids
Plastic
Yes
- Plastic bottles and jugs
- Water, soda and juice bottles
- Milk and juice jugs
- Ketchup and salad dressing bottles
- Dishwashing bottles and detergent jugs
- Shampoo, soap and lotion bottles
Remember:
Plastic bottles - 1 and 2 will do (#1 and #2 will be inside the recycling symbol)
No
- Margarine, cottage cheese, cream cheese and other tubs
- Yogurt, pudding and fruit cups
- Microwaveable food trays
- Produce, deli and take out containers
- Plastic wrap and bags*
- Toys
- Containers that held hazardous automotive and yard products, such as motor oil and pesticides
*Plastic shopping bags are recyclable at many local grocery stores and at some municipal drop-off recycling centers.
Recycling Preparation Tips:
- Remove all caps, lids and pumps
- Give it a quick rinse
- It's OK to leave the labels on
- Do not place recyclables in plastic bags
Don't forget to recycle your paper too! Visit our RETHINK: Paper page for more information.
KNOW WHY:
Recycling cans and bottles has many benefits. By recycling, Twin Cities metro area residents can:
- Use less energy
Recycling a single aluminum can saves enough energy to power a television for three hours. In total, metro area recycling of metal, glass and plastics in 2006 saved enough energy to heat over 78,000 houses for the year. - Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
In 2006, recycling of cans and bottles in the Twin Cities metro area reduced greenhouse gas emissions equal to taking 125,000 cars off the road. - Save natural resources
Recycling aluminum reduces water consumption and air pollutants by 95 %. Making glass from recycled material cuts water pollution by 50%. - Create jobs
The plastic recycling industry provides jobs for more than 52,000 American workers. - Reduce taxes
Recycling generates $64 million in Minnesota tax revenue every year!
KNOW MORE:
Many plastic containers have a recycling symbol on the bottom, but not all products with that symbol can be recycled in our region. In the Twin Cities metro area, plastic bottles labeled with a #1 or #2 are collected curbside for recycling. However, plastic tubs and cups, like yogurt cups, are not recyclable - even if they are labeled with a #1 or a #2. This is because plastic tubs and cups are made from a different type of plastic than plastic bottles, and there is currently little demand from recyclers for the type of plastic used to make yogurt cups.
The Twin Cities metro area recycled plastic market changes frequently, so the materials collected through residential curbside recycling programs are subject to change. For detailed information on materials currently accepted in your area, how the materials should be sorted, and when they will be picked up, call your city recycling coordinator or your recycling service provider.