There are two methods for sorting recyclables
Some office buildings and retail establishments have single stream recycling, where it’s easy to put mixed paper and cans together in one bin. You’re at- home recycling program is sometimes different than your office program. Trash should never go in your recycling bins, no matter what program you are participating in. For more information about recycling programs, download our recycling app called, Recycle Coach, or call your local Department of Public Works.
SINGLE-STREAM RECYCLING
All recyclables—such as paper, plastic, glass, and metal—are placed in a single bin by the consumer, then sorted at a recycling facility. This approach makes it easier for residents but can lead to contamination and reduced material quality.
DUAL-STREAM RECYCLING
Requires consumers to separate recyclables into different categories (e.g., paper in one bin, and glass/plastics/cans in another). While this method can result in higher quality recyclables, it demands more effort from consumers. Your municipality is likely participating in a dual stream recycling program.
Recycling 101:
ITEMS THAT MUST BE RECYCLED CURBSIDE
Below is a list of common household items that should be placed outside during your scheduled curbside recycling pickup:
• Newspaper
• Mixed paper
• Magazines
• Junk mail
• Empty glass bottles and jars
• Aluminum and steel cans
• Corrugated cardboard
• Empty Plastic Bottles, tubs, and jugs with the #1, #2, and #5 coding.
ITEMS THAT CAN NOT BE RECYCLED CURBSIDE
• Aerosol cans
• Glassware and silverware
• Paper napkins
• Clothing or textiles
• Styrofoam
• Shredded paper
• Plastic Film
• Plastic cutlery and plates
• Electronic waste (must call your local DPW for time and date to place e-waste curbside)
• Food waste
DEBUNKING Recycling Myths
▪ No, Recycling facilities do NOT pick out recyclables from your trash. All residential trash in Hudson County goes to a landfill, not a recycling facility. So Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) never see your trash bags to pick out recyclables. Material separation starts at home.
• You CAN recycle bottlecaps. Just make sure that you keep bottles empty and leave the cap on!
• Propane Tanks- Although they are made of metal, compressed gas tanks (propane tanks, oxygen tanks, or fire extinguishers) should be disposed of properly through our Hudson County Household Hazardous Waste events, or call your local DPW to see if they have a program. For our upcoming HHW events, go to hcia.org.
• Not all plastics are recycled curbside. This doesn’t mean that your town doesn’t want to recycle more plastics, it just means that there is no market for various kinds of plastics. Recycling is not about just throwing it into the right bin- it needs to be separated by a MRF and then sold to a market that can make it feedstock for a new product!
• Plastic bottles, tubs and jugs labeled #1,#2,#5 in the chasing arrows are the only plastics that are curbside recyclable.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
• Nail Polish – can be dried out and thrown in the trash. You can also bring them to our HHW events.
• CD’s and DVD’s – these are not recyclable. Please dispose of them in the trash.
• Hand Sanitizer, this is considered hazardous waste because it’s flammable. Please call your local local Department of Public Works (refer to back cover) to dispose or attend our HHW events to drop them off.
• We offer the recycling of reusable bags at our shredding events. Bring them with you to any shredding event. The HCIA works with a company called GOATOTE to wash and sanitize the bags and donates them to local food pantries throughout Hudson County!
• Clothing and textiles! The HCIA holds events to collect textiles to recycle and donate. We work with a company to ensure that clothing gets recycled or reused. You can bring all Textiles (including torn linens & curtains), as well as shoes and rugs! Check out our website or social media accounts to see when our next event is.
• Furniture – Call your local DPW for furniture that is beyond repair. You can also donate used furniture to Habitat for Humanity. Visit their website at www.habitat.org Visit litterfreenj.com
