Don’t guess.
Look it up.
Recycling isn’t just about what you put in your bin. What you leave out matters, too.
What can’t I recycle?
Some items that seem recyclable can cause serious problems. Keep these items out of your bin.
No plastic bags & stretchy plastics (like paper towel packaging)
These can get tangled in recycling equipment. Find recycling drop-off locations near you.
No bagged recycling
When your recyclables are in a bag, facility workers can’t sort them and the whole bag may be sent to the landfill. Place loose recyclables directly into your bin.
No batteries
These can spark fires at recycling and waste facilities. Never put batteries in your recycling or garbage bin. Find drop-off locations at The Battery Network.
No hoses, cords, or wires
They get tangled in recycling machinery. Put these in the garbage.
No food or liquids
Dirty and wet jars, cans, and pizza boxes can ruin paper and other recyclables in your bin. Pour liquids down the drain, scrape out food, or give containers a quick rinse. Quick check: your recycling bin shouldn’t smell!
No foam packaging
Foam blocks, packaging peanuts, and food and drink containers cannot be recycled in Colorado. Put them in the garbage or check with your garbage company or local government for recycling options.
No diapers or medical waste
These create unsafe (and gross) conditions for recycling workers. Bag diapers and put in the garbage. For medical waste, find drop-off locations with Colorado Household Medication and Sharps Takeback Program, or contact your garbage company or local government for disposal options.
No compostable packaging
Even if it looks recyclable, compostable packaging isn’t made for the recycling system. Contact your garbage company or local government for disposal options.
What can I recycle?
Start with these recycling basics. And when you’re not sure, look it up.
Plastic
Empty bottles, containers and buckets.
Metal
Empty metal and aluminum cans.
Cardboard and cartons
Flattened cardboard, egg cartons, and food and beverage cartons as long as they are empty and dry.
Paper
Paper, newspaper, magazines, mail, and paper bags.
Glass bottles and jars
Check your local guidelines to see if glass is accepted where you live.
Additional materials and drop-off
Some communities accept additional recyclables beyond this list. Check your local guidelines for details.
Three rules to remember
1
All items must be empty & dry
Remove food and liquids, and make sure your recycling is dry before going in the bin.
2
Do not bag your recyclables
Place items directly in your bin – never inside a plastic bag or nested in other items.
3
Keep your bin lid closed
Closed bins prevent litter and stop rain and snow from ruining recyclables.