Recycling Do's and Don'ts

PLASTIC: Only #1, #2, and #5 plastic is actually recycled.

• Clean any oily/food residue.
• Several local stores take clean, dry #4 and #2 plastic bags.
• #3, #6 or #7 cannot be recycled. If there is no recycling code, it’s landfill!

• Refuse plastic bags and styrofoam cups or carry-out containers.
• Make a habit of carrying reusable bags, bottles, cups and containers.
• Refuse plastic straws, plastic water bottles. Remove metal lids from glass jars.
  • Avoid single-use plastic food wrap and non-recyclable containers.
  • Paperboard containers for liquids & disposable coffee cups are coated or lined with plastic to prevent leakage, so are not recyclable.
  • Even a small amount of the wrong kind of plastic or soiled paper can contaminate a load so it all goes to the landfill – even the good stuff.
• Compost food scraps, leaves and yard waste. Can’t compost where you live? The City of Bloomington plans to offer composting for residents in 2024.
• Electrical & Batteries: take to a qualifying Go Green District Recycling Center for proper disposal. They collect reusable items to exchange, too.
  • You can take your white paper and cardboard there at the same time to be sure it doesn’t get contaminated.