Recycle Right

Ten Tips -- How to Recycle Right

Container Placement 650px

1 On collection day, place your containers curbside without blocking the sidewalk. Containers should be at least 3 feet away from other containers, trees, mailboxes, posts, parked cars and other obstacles so that they are easily accessible.  

No Pizza Boxes

2 Do NOT put food, liquids, or food-stained cardboard into the recycling bin. Paper plates, paper cups, ice cream containers and juice boxes go in the trash. 

No Plasticware

3 Do NOT put plastic straws, cups, bowls, plates, knives, forks, or spoons into the recycling bin.  

 

Disposable containers and packaging are generally made of polystyrene (plastic #6). Polystyrene is a low-value plastic; it is expensive to recycle. Laconia only accepts plastics #1-5.

No Plastic Bags

4 Do NOT put plastic bags or plastic wrap in the recycling bin.

 

Plastic bags tend to jam the sorting machinery. This can damage the conveyors and create hazardous conditions for sorters.

 

Keep an eye on the “Laconia Links” newsletter to find out when local non-profit groups plan to collect and recycle soft plastics.

Cap to Trash and Bottle to Recycling

5 Bottles and jars can be recycled but caps and lids go in the trash.

 

Plastic # 1-5 are recyclable. Glass, regardless of color, can also be placed in the recycling bin.

Recycle Clean Corrugated Cardboard

6 Recycle clean paper, box board and corrugated cardboard.

 

We do accept cardboard with tape on it with the recycling. However, if you have the chance to remove the tape, please add it to the trash.

Reduce

7 Reduce.

If you don’t need it, don’t get it. Whether its a bag at the supermarket or the plasticware that comes with take out food, let the cashier know if it’s unnecessary.

Reuse

8 Reuse.

Repurpose it or repair it. For example, a little sewing can often make clothing as good as new again. While it is not feasible to donate clothing via curbside collection, dry, mold-free clothing can be donated at the transfer station.

Compost

9 Compost.

Most food waste can be composted. Their nutrients can be returned to the soil. This is a great way to nourish your lawn or garden.

When in Doubt

1O When in doubt, throw it out.

 

Items such as wrapping paper and tin foil are not recyclable. Avoid “wish-cycling.” It can contaminate loads of good materials and cause them to be sent into the landfill.

Thank you for your support.  By recycling right, fewer loads of recyclables get rejected due to impurities.