A holiday message from Waste Management.
If a load of recycling contains non-recyclables – even by just a fraction – that entire load risks not being recycled. That’s according to new guidelines being enforced by China, a major importer of recyclable materials created in the U.S. Why does it matter? Quite simply, if you’re not recycling right you could be preventing tons and tons of materials from ever seeing a second life.
It’s a global issue, and to help solve it we’ve joined forces with industries, businesses, cities, and consumers like you to recycle often and recycle right. Join us now in the battle against contamination by learning about the challenges impacting recycling and then share it with others.
COMMON HOLIDAY CONTAMINANTS
Continue battling recycling contamination with us during the holiday season! Keep these common contaminants out of your recycle bin.
- NO Plastic Bags, Film
- Take plastic bags back to your local grocer to keep bags clean and dry, and prevent them from shutting down recycling facilities. Visit plasticfilmrecycling.org to find a drop off location near you.
- NO Ribbons, Bows, Foil & Glitter Wrapping Paper
- Plain, paper-based wrapping paper can be recycled.
- NO Electronics & Small Appliances
- Donate these items if they are in good condition. Check earth911. com for a local recycling site.
- NO Holiday Lights
- Donate these items if they are in good condition. Visit earth911. com to find recycling options.
- NO Clothing
- Donate these items if they are in good condition. Otherwise, they belong in the trash.
- NO Batteries
- Visit earth911.com to find a drop-off location near you.
- NO Trees, Tinsel, & Ornaments
- Donate these items if they are in good condition. Otherwise, they belong in the trash.