KNOW WHAT:
Trying to figure out what you can recycle? Download our handy Can I Recycle It? Guide for help.
Most residents within Rethink Recycling's Twin Cities metro region can recycle the following items curbside:
- Metal
- Metal food and beverage cans
- Glass
- Glass food and beverage bottles and jars
- Plastic
- Plastic bottles and jugs
- Water, soda and juice bottles
- Milk and juice jugs
- Ketchup and salad dressing bottles
- Dishwashing bottles and detergent jugs
- Shampoo, soap and lotion bottles
- Paper
- Mail, office and school papers
- Magazines and catalogs
- Newspapers and inserts
- Phone books
- Shredded paper in closed paper bags
- Cardboard boxes
- Cereal boxes, cracker boxes, pasta boxes, cake mix boxes
- Shoe boxes, gift boxes & electronics boxes
- Boxes from toothpaste, medications and other toiletries
Other materials are sometimes collected curbside, too.
Just because something isn't collected curbside doesn't mean recycling is out of the question. Some items, like certain appliances, batteries and fluorescent lamps, have to be dropped off. Contact your county or visit the Household Hazardous Waste page for more information.
KNOW HOW:
Call your city recycling coordinator or your garbage hauler to ask what is currently accepted in your area, how the materials should be prepared, and when they will be picked up. Also ask them how you can get a recycling bin.
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.
You can also bring some recyclables to local landfills or transfer stations that accept them for recycling. Click here to find one in your area.
For more information on recycling drop-off locations or recycling, you can also contact your county.
KNOW MORE:
RETHINK: PAPER
A 2000 study showed that 21% of household garbage in the Twin Cities metro area is recyclable paper. You can recycle more kinds of paper than you think. See the RETHINK: Paper page to learn how you can start recycling more paper.
RETHINK: CANS AND BOTTLES
You've just finished your afternoon can of soda, what do you do with it? Do you take the extra step to ensure that it is recycled? How important is it that your can or bottle ends up in a recycling bin? See the RETHINK: CANS AND BOTTLES page to learn why it matters more than you think!
BUY RECYCLED
Although recycling starts at the curb, it doesn't end there. Many everyday products are made from recycled materials. Encourage manufacturers to keep using recycled materials by shopping for recycled content products. Hundreds of affordable quality products exist, such as notebook and copy paper, yard and garden furniture, trash bags, door mats and pet bowls. Look on a product's label for the recycling symbol and words like, "made from post-consumer recycled content material."
Here are some resources to help you locate recycled-content products in Rethink Recycling's Twin Cities area.
- Minnesota Recycled Products Directory
Look here for the names of quality products made in Minnesota from recycled materials. - Recycled Products Guide
Identify hundreds of products on retail shelves now that are made with recycled materials.
TRY REUSE FIRST
Some household items that we no longer want can be given a new life through reuse, a wonderful way to recycle. Clothing, cookware and furniture are prime candidates for a second life. Check out these resources for reuse:
- Twin Cities Free Market
The Twin Cities Free Market is an internet-based listing service for residents who want to give away or get free reusable goods for their home, garage or garden. - Twin Cities Metro Area Donation Opportunities
A list of metro organizations that accept household items for reuse provided by Hennepin County.
