Recycle Better flyer will help you recycle right

Jul 30, 2023
| Posted in
Environment
Recycle Better flyer showing guidelines for regional recycling from Recyclespot.org

The new Recycle Better flyer gives clear, updated guidelines on what should and should not go in your curbside recycling bin in the Kansas City region.

If you've ever been confused about what items you can recycle, you're not alone. Recyclespot.org, a program of the MARC Solid Waste Management District, has updated regional guidelines on what haulers and materials facilities will accept.

Contamination — putting the wrong thing in your bin — is a big problem currently facing recycling programs. Approximately 25% of what people put in their bins is not recyclable and ends up in the trash.

Can it be recycled?

First, identify the container type: Is it a bottle, tub or jar? If it is shaped like a bottle, tub or jar, it is probably recyclable. Here are some common examples:

Two plastic bottles of varying size and shape

Bottles

Examples: Milk, water, detergent, shampoo, spray bottles

Three plastic tubs of varying size and shape

Tubs

Examples: Sour cream, yogurt, deli, cream cheese, kitty litter bucket

Plastic jar

Jars

Examples: Mayonnaise, peanut butter

Secondly, identify the resin code: Does it display a #1, #2, #4 or #5? To make absolutely sure your plastic is recyclable, you also need to check to make sure it displays one of these four codes: #1, #2, #4 or #5. The codes usually appear in the chasing arrow symbol on the bottom of the container.

Plastic recycling resin code stamp for resin #5

If you’ve determined that the item is a bottle, tub or jar, and it has one of the above resin codes, then it is recyclable.

Items that cannot go in curbside bin but can be recycled

The following plastic items cannot go in your curbside bin, but can be dropped off at area businesses:

A plastic shopping bag

Plastic bags and films

These are recyclable at grocery stores, Walmart, Target and Lowe's. Always call first.

Styrofoam molds

Styrofoam blocks and molds

These come with items such as appliances, electronics and furniture. They are recyclable at Atlas Molded Products, 1400 N. 3rd Street, Kansas City, Kansas, 66101. You may call ahead with any questions at 913-321-4114.

Items that are NOT recyclable

Examples of common plastic items that are not recyclable in the Kansas City region include:

Plastic clamshell

Clamshells

Takeout, fruit and dessert containers

Disposable tableware

Disposable tableware

Plates, bowls, cups, cutlery

Food trays

Food trays

Catering trays, microwave trays

Plastic cups and straws

Plastic cups and straws

From fast food, coffee shops and convenience stores

Styrofoam boxes

Styrofoam packages

Takeout boxes, egg cartons, meat trays

Tubes

Tubes

Toothpaste, lotion, hair products

The Recycle Better flyer is produced by the MARC Solid Waste Management District. The district gets its information directly from the Material Recovery Facilities that determine which items are recyclable and which are not in the Kansas City metro area.

For more information and to download the flyer, visit RecycleSpot.org.

Recycle better!
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