Ask the Recycler

Have a Recycling Question? Consult the RTS website, with its many details about what can and cannot be recycled, and check out our FAQs below. When in doubt, avoid contamination in the recyclables, and put the item in the trash.

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Recycling FAQs: Use the search box to filter the list

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Category	Question	Answer
Glass, Metal & Plastic Household Containers	Should caps and lids be left on plastic bottles and milk jugs?	Yes. Caps and lids from all plastic bottles and jugs may now be LEFT ON for recycling.
Glass, Metal & Plastic Household Containers	Should metal lids be left on jars and glass bottles?	Yes, leave the lids on. Make sure the jar/bottle is clean. Labels do not have to be removed.
Glass, Metal & Plastic Household Containers	I bought some fruit in a clear plastic container that has no recycling number. Can I recycle it?	No, because it has no number. Unless the food container has a Recycling Symbol/Number 1-7, (and is clean), it is trash and cannot be recycled.
Glass, Metal & Plastic Household Containers	How clean do recyclables need to be?	Food residue should be removed. For many bottles and jars, a quick rinse is adequate. (To save water, use leftover dishwashing water.) If there is sticky residue, swish the water around inside or use a brush or rag to remove the residue. If you can't clean the container, it's better to throw it away.
Glass, Metal & Plastic Household Containers	My tennis ball container has a recycling number. Is it recyclable?	No. Tennis ball containers are trash, not recyclable. In order to be recyclable, a container must have a number, and it should be a container for food, beverages, or household products such as shampoo, laundry detergent, dishwashing soap. Not recyclable: tape dispensers, dental floss dispensers, plastic packaging for non-food products like watches.
Glass, Metal & Plastic Household Containers	I see that the RTS accepts large plastic items for recycling such as laundry baskets, trash barrels, recycling bins, lawn furniture, plastic children's toys, 5 gallon pails, pet carriers. Where is the container located where I can drop off those items?	The RTS used to have a bin next to the scrap metal pile for bulky plastic recyclables, but that has been removed. Check with an RTS staff member if you have a large plastic item for recycling - do not put bulky plastic items in with the commingled recyclables. As a rule, bulky rigid plastic should be one single type of plastic -- look for the triangle recycling symbol with the number 1, 2, 4, or 5 inside the triangle. Things like PVC pipe, garden hoses, CD cases, or a kid’s car seat are not acceptable.
Glass, Metal & Plastic Household Containers	Can I recycle my small pill bottles?	No. Please put them in the trash.
Glass, Metal & Plastic Household Containers	I have tea tins and cookie tins (i.e., the round butter cookie tins). Do these go in scrap metal or should I put them in commingle with the regular tin cans?	These specialty tins should go in the scrap metal section in the North Area.
Glass, Metal & Plastic Household Containers	Can I recycle black plastic take-out containers that have a recycle number on the bottom?	No,the recycling facility's optical scanners can not the read the recycling code on black plastic. Please put them in the trash.
Glass, Metal & Plastic Household Containers	Can I recycle plastic flower pots?	No. Please put them in the trash.
Glass, Metal & Plastic Household Containers	Can I put the metal ends of paper frozen juice containers into the commingle bin?	No. They are too small. But you can put then in the "scrap metal" pile/area.
Glass, Metal & Plastic Household Containers	Can I put metal bottle caps and keys into the commingle bin?	No. They are too small. But you can collect stray metal scraps like this in a metal can, then put the can in the "scrap metal" pile/area.
Glass, Metal & Plastic Household Containers	Can I put metal/aerosol cans into the commingle bin?	No. But you can put then in the "scrap metal" pile/area.
Glass, Metal & Plastic Household Containers	Can I recycle toothpaste tubes that have a #2 HDPE recyclable symbol on the tube?	No, Most toothpaste tubes will likely be made of mixed materials beyond the single HDPE plastic resin, plus they will contain too much “paste” residue for successful processing.
Glass, Metal & Plastic Household Containers	Do I need to remove the plastic "sleeve" from a plastic container before recycling it?	Yes, if possible and easy to do. These plastic sleeves are not usually made of the same material as the container, and are therefore contaminants.
Mixed Paper	Can I recycle paperboard boxes from frozen food, like veggie burgers or frozen pizza?	No, frozen food packaging is not recyclable, because the paper is coated with plastic to prevent it from getting soggy.
Mixed Paper	Can I recycle paper coffee cups	No. To make them leak resistant, they are coated with plastic that is tightly bonded to the paper. Please put them in the trash. You can avoid paper cups by bringing your own reusable travel mug or asking for a mug if you are going to drink your coffee at the cafe.
Mixed Paper	Can I put shredded paper in with mixed paper at the RTS?	Yes, you can include shredded paper in the mixed paper bin at the RTS - place in a paper bag. If you use a private hauler, however, you should check with them -- they may not want shredded paper in the single stream recycling.
Mixed Paper	I get advertising cards in the mail that feel plastic coated. Can I put them in mixed paper?	No, plastic coated cards are not recyclable. If you're not sure, try tearing the card. If it's plastic coated it won't tear easily.
Mixed Paper	Can I put cardboard milk and juice containers in mixed paper?	No, these have a plastic liner and can not be recycled.
Mixed Paper	Is it OK if I put corrugated cardboard in mixed paper?	Please put corrugated cardboard in the corrugated cardboard bin - it is more valuable than mixed paper, so it is recycled separately.
Mixed Paper	Can I recycle a cardboard/boxed water container with metal top/bottom?	No. . If the inner part of the container has a plastic or aluminum lining, that lining prevents the cardboard container from being recycled. You can put the metal top/bottom in the scrap metal pile.
Mixed Paper	Can I put a cardboard soap box in with mixed paper?	Yes. if the box is made out of paperboard. If the box tears easily and does not show any evidence of a plastic liner, then you can recycle it in with mixed paper; otherwise, put it in the trash.
Corrugated Cardboard	How do I know if a box is made of corrugated cardboard?	Corrugated cardboard has three layers. The outside layers are flat the middle layer is wavy or ruffled.
Corrugated Cardboard	Can I recycle waxed cardboard boxes?	No. It can not be recycled with cardboard, but it can be composted.

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Resources

Documents

Links on the Web

	Bay State Recycling Recycles worn, ripped and stained textiles into insulation, carpet padding, soundproofing material, and industrial wiping cloths.
	Beyond Plastics Beyond Plastics - Plastic Free/Zero Waste Holiday Gift Guide
	Green Needham Recyclopedia
	Needham Recycling and Transfer Station
	Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Educational Resource for Textile Recycling
	South Shore Recycling Cooperative Provides support and education for correct recycling and waste minimization practices