A simpler way to recycle more.
We make recycling easier—by leading the way in mixed recycling. That lets people put their acceptable recyclables in one bin and leaves the sorting process to us.
These days, business and community leaders alike are having the same discussion about how to balance their environmental goals with their budgetary ones. Mixed recycling from Waste Management provides an efficient, sustainable solution to help achieve both.
Mixed recycling minimizes the need to sort materials. Acceptable paper, plastic, metal, and in some areas, glass materials, can go into a single container*. It’s just that simple.
Did you know?
Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to…
Run a TV for 2 Hours
Power a computer for 3 Hours
Light a 100w lightbulb for 20 Hours
One Container. Multiple Benefits.
- It's easy
- If it’s an acceptible recyclable, put it in your bin. We’ll handle the sorting on our end.
- Reduces traffic
- One bin simplifies pickups, leading to fewer trucks on the road and less emissions.
- Saves time
- The one-bin approach makes doing the right thing a fast and efficient thing.
- Sized to fit
- Bins come in several sizes. In most cases, you can choose the one that’s best for your needs.
- Less waste
- Recycling gives new life to all types of materials. In this case, less is definitely more.
- Conserves Energy
- Recycling can deliver tangible energy savings compared to manufacturing all-new products.
Recycle Often. Recycle Right.
- Recycle all bottles, cans and paper.
- Keep items clean and dry.
- No plastic bags.
Rigid Plastics / Bottles
Plastics are effectively being recycled at a rate of 2.4 billion pounds per year in the U.S. Doing so helps conserve fossil resources and saves landfill space. Plastic bottles are shred into flakes used for filling in sleeping bags, fleece jackets, carpets and insulation, while jugs and tubs are readily recyclable into new laundry detergent bottles, pens, picnic tables, fencing, and recycling containers.
WHAT TO RECYCLE
The code number on the bottom of plastics and bottles is commonly mistaken as an indicator of a product's ability to be recycled. In actuality, this number only indicates the chemical make-up or type of plastic used in the product. Not all types of plastics can be recycled. Today, it is best to recycle by shape: all bottles, jars, jugs and tubs, as those materials are most likely to be made of plastics that truly can be recycled.
Paper / Cardboard
Paper products make up 71 million tons of the municipal waste stream in the U.S. Of that amount, upwards of 63 percent (45 million tons) is recycled annually.
Generally accepted items include:*
- Office paper
- Flattened cardboard
- Flattened cereal boxes
- Junk mail
- Flattened snack boxes
Paper collected for recycling is sorted, graded and taken to a paper mill. From here, pulp is created and then screened, cleaned and turned into new paper.
Glass makes up a large component of household waste due to its weight and density. Every metric ton of glass recycled saves nearly 700 pounds of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere.
Generally accepted items include:*
- Food containers and jars
- Soft drink and beer bottles
- Wine and liquor bottles
Glass is virtually infinitely recyclable and can become a new glass container with no loss in quality – conserving raw materials, reducing energy consumption and reducing waste sent to landfills.
Recycling centers are operating more efficiently than ever. However, certain “offenders” can slow down the process or contaminate the load. You can help by keeping these items out of your bin.
Loose plastic bags
- Plastic shopping bags
- Bagged recyclables
- Plastic storage bags
- Plastic stretch wrap and film
- Food scraps
- Food-soiled containers
- Soiled paper products
Polystyrene foam cups or containers
- Egg cartons
- Packing popcorn
- Take-out containers
- Drinking cups
Also, do not include…
- Needles or medical waste
- Plastic utensils
- Fast food packaging
- Shredded paper
- Broken / sharp glass
- Shower curtains
- Ceramic materials
- Cloth / clothing
- Hazardous items e.g. paints, oil, batteries, fluorescent bulbs
- Engine blocks
- Used tires
Find a drop-off recycling center near you.
15 million tons,
and we’re just getting started.
We handle upwards of 15 million tons of recyclables in a single year—well on the way to
our goal of 20 million by 2020.
In one year we manage enough material for recycling or reuse to…
We recycled enough paper to save
And last year we recycled enough material
to fill the Empire State Building…
Even more ways to recycle.
Recycle by mail
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