Cords and string lights get tangled in recycling sorting equipment and must be cut out, which is very dangerous for sanitation workers. Holiday lights can be recycled using special collection drop-offs for string lights specifically.

No foam of any kind is recyclable in your cart. Peanuts are very small and lightweight and will most likely become litter in the collection process. Solution: Find a drop off for packaging and food foam - search “Styrofoam” in SWANCC’s Reuse and Recycling Directory.

No foam of any kind is recyclable in your cart. Solution: Find a drop off for packaging and food foam - search “Styrofoam” in SWANCC’s Reuse and Recycling Directory.

Cardboard is a highly valuable recyclable material, but not if it’s wet! When cardboard gets wet, it becomes heavy and begins to break down and fall apart and is unable to be baled and shipped to manufacturers to reuse it. Avoid getting your cardboard wet by making sure the lid on your recycling cart is always closed! If rain is anticipated in your area, don’t leave cardboard next to your cart at the curb. Solution: Break down boxes to take less space in your cart, and keep any extra cardboard in your garage or basement to recycle it on a dry day.