Benefits of Recycling

Recycling doesn't just save natural resources; it also saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Plus, it's great for our economy. By recycling over 2.3 million tons each year, Minnesotans have made a big impact.

Save Natural Resources

Recycling 1 ton of paper saves 7,000 gallons of water.

Reduce Greenhouse Gases

Recycling in Minnesota reduces emissions equal to taking 2.3 million cars off the road.

Create Jobs

Over 36,000 Minnesota jobs are involved with recycling.

Generate State Revenue

Each year, the recycling industry contributes $64 million in taxes to help pay for public services.

Recycling at Your Curb

Curbside collection makes it easy and convenient to recycle. Just put your recyclables out the night before collection, and your recycler will do the rest.

Recycling service providers are collecting new types of materials each year, as new markets for recyclable material become available. The list below is your guide to what types of materials are collected curbside by most recycling service providers in the Twin Cities metro area. For detailed information on materials currently accepted in your area, how the materials should be sorted, and when they will be picked up, call your City Recycling Coordinator or your recycling service provider.

Paper

Recycle:

• Mail, office and school papers
• Magazines and catalogs
• Newspapers and inserts
• Phone books
• Shredded paper in closed paper bags
• Boxes:
  • Cardboard
  • Cereal and cracker boxes
  • Shoe boxes, gift boxes and electronics boxes
  • Toothpaste, medication and other toiletry boxes 

No:

• Paper soiled with food
• Paper plates and cups
• Paper napkins or towels
• Gift wrap

Maybe:

Some cities/service providers recycle:

• Pizza boxes
• Paper egg cartons
• Pop and beer cases
• Refrigerated or frozen food boxes

Contact your City Recycling Coordinator or your recycling service provider for details.

 

Cartons

Recycle:

• Milk cartons
• Juice boxes
• Soup, broth and wine cartons

Preparation: Rinse.

 

Plastic

Recycle:

Bottles and jugs:

• Water, soda and juice bottles
• Milk and juice jugs
• Ketchup and salad dressing bottles
• Dishwashing liquid bottles and detergent jugs
• Shampoo, soap and lotion bottles

Preparation: Rinse.

No:

• Styrofoam^TM
• Microwaveable food trays
• Plastic wrap
• Motor oil bottles and other containers that held hazardous products

Maybe:

Some cities/service providers recycle:

• Plastic containers
• Plastic caps and lids
• Plastic bags
• Clear packaging from toys and electronics
• Cups and containers:
  • Yogurt, pudding and fruit cups
  • Disposable cups and bowls
  • Margarine, cottage cheese, and other containers
  • Produce, deli and take out containers

Call your City Recycling Coordinator or your recycling service provider for details.

Glass

Recycle:

• Food and beverage bottles and jars

Preparation: Rinse.

No:

• Drinking glasses, dishes, and vases
• Window glass and mirrors

 

Metal

Recycle:

• Food and beverage cans

Preparation: Rinse.

No:

• Cans that held hazardous products such as paint thinner

Maybe

Some cities/service providers recycle:

• Scrap metal
• Aluminum foil
• Aerosol cans
• Empty paint cans

 

Call your City Recycling Coordinator or your recycling service provider for details.

 

Drop-Off Recycling

Recycling drop-off options may also be available through your city or county.

Some local landfills or transfer stations accept recyclables. These facilities transfer recyclables to local recycling facilities.

Apartment Recycling

If you live in an apartment or multi-family building, ask your building manager about recycling. If recycling isn't offered in your building, call your City Recycling Coordinator for help.