Paper Recycling: From To-Go Cups to Cardboard Boxes
Paper. Our homes are filled with it. Even if you might not think so. When we imagine paper, the first thing that comes to mind is probably a stack of white, 81/2 x11 printing paper. But when it comes to recycling, our idea of what is “paper” needs to expand.
The amount of paper products in our homes that can be recycled is numerous. Below is a list of common paper items that are accepted in your curbside recycling cart.
- Newspaper
- Junk mail
- Envelopes
- To-go cups (empty paper and plastic cups with the lid and straw removed)
- Food boxes (such as cereal, cake mix, flour, and the like. Just make sure to empty the box and remove the inner plastic bag.)
- Drink cartons (dairy, eggs, juice, and milk)
- Pizza boxes (only the non-greasy parts)
- Inner cardboard roll of toilet paper and paper towels
- Tissue boxes
- Plain wrapping paper and the roll inside wrapping paper (no metallic-coated paper)
- Paperback books
- Office paper
- Cardboard boxes (speaking of cardboard: did you know cardboard is one of the most recyclable materials there is? Simply break down your boxes and remove any plastic air pillows, packing peanuts, and bubble wrap. Then flatten the box to fit inside your curbside recycling cart and make sure the cart lid can close.)
FRIENDLY REMINDER
For smaller paper items, the general rule of thumb is not to recycle paper that is smaller than the size of an index card. We know, even if the paper is technically recyclable, it’s best not to put tiny pieces of paper into your cart. Pieces of paper that are that small are unable to be sorted by our machines.
To learn more, go to MyDoRight.com and FlatCardboard.com.