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Recycle Responsibly
Recycle Responsibly
Recycle Responsibly is the area’s first, region-wide recycling campaign that will help everyone in the St. Louis area “Stick With the Six” items that can be recycled in our region. Plus learn why it’s so important to keep plastic bags and other contaminants out of recycling bins.
Did you know that 2,663 plastic bags are used every second in the U.S.?!
Do your part to limit the number of plastic bags you acquire by bringing reusable shopping bags with you. (Brightside Monarch Bags are great shopping bags and make great gifts!)
If you do get plastic bags from stores, remember, they cannot be recycled in your home recycling bin. Plastic bags and other plastic film must be brought back to your local grocery or retail store for recycling.
The most important thing you can do to Recycle Responsibly is to “Stick With the Six” items that can be recycled:
- Plastic bottles and containers
- Metal food and beverage cans
- Food and beverage cartons
- Glass bottles and jars
- Paper
- Flattened cardboard
Learn why it’s so important to keep plastic bags and other contaminants out of recycling bins. Visit RecycleResponsibly.org today.
This education campaign stems from the Materials and Recycling Working Group of OneSTL, a regional initiative that focuses on a sustainable future for the St. Louis region.
The Working Group includes the following entities: East-West Gateway Council of Governments, St. Louis-Jefferson Solid Waste Management District, City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, Jefferson County, Madison County, City of University City, Brightside St. Louis, EarthWays Center of Missouri Botanical Garden, Republic Services, St. Louis Composting, St. Louis Earth Day, St. Louis Green Dining Alliance, Recycling on the Go, University of Missouri-St. Louis, and Washington University.
What about shredded paper?
Hi Diane- Shredded paper is recyclable if it is contained in a paper bag or cardboard box. Simply fill the paper bag with shreds and seal the top with a bit of tape or a few staples and then you are good to recycle it! Thanks!
What about aluminum foil?
Hi Dianne – Clean aluminum foil, pie plates and baking trays are OK to recycle too!
I was hoping to find pictures of plastic containers that were recyclable, but did not. My wife & I were arguing over which “Plastic Bottles & Containers” were recyclable. Based on the mailing we received from St. Louis County, she now wants to recycle only jello containers, milk jugs, and water bottles, the only items pictured on the flyer/card.
Hi David! Any empty, plastic bottle or container no larger than 5 gallons in size is recyclable in your home recycling bin. Even though you live in the county, the City and the County accept the same six types of items for recycling. For a more detailed list of what is and is not recyclable, visit http://stlcityrecycles.com/recycle-with-us/what-bin-does-it-go-in/#recycling
Who will take garden chemicals & old paint?
Hi Martha – the St. Louis Household Hazardous Waste Facility accepts chemicals and paint. Please visit http://www.hhwstl.com for more information. These sites are open to St. Louis City, County and Jefferson County residents. Thank you!
Where can I donate reusable bags? I have accumulated so much I need to find a place to donate them!
Hi there! If they’re in good condition perhaps a thrift store would be happy to take them off your hands. Or, you should be able to recycle them at Remains Inc.
How to recycle electronics including computer equipment?
The big kitty litter containers that hold 40lbs…can they be put in my recycling?
Yes. I believe those are smaller than 5 gallons in size, so they should be A-OK to recycle as long as they’re empty.
our hauler takes bags of our recycles on Friday. What happens to the plastic bags holding the recycles?
Hi there! In the city, recyclables must be loose, clean and dry so no plastic bags should be in your Blue Bin. Recyclables in plastic bags get thrown away at the recycling facility and those that zoom past workers end up jamming sorting equipment.