Shop ’til You Drop What in the Bin?

Recycling Explained

Shopping Waste

Whether you’re shopping at the store or online, follow this recycling guide for all the packaging, tags and receipts:

SHOPPING BAGS
  • “Rip-Able” Paper Shopping Bags = RECYCLE!
      • Do the “rip-test”. If you can rip the paper bag, place in your mixed recycling bin. Remove any string or twine handles first.
  • “NON-RIP-ABLE” PAPER SHOPPING BAGS = KEEP OUT!
      • Do the “rip-test”. If you can’t rip the bag it’s probably laminated with a layer of plastic. Reuse if you can but do NOT place in your mixed recycling bin.
  • Plastic Shopping Or Grocery Bags = KEEP OUT!
      • NOT recyclable in your mixed bin. Find a drop-off location instead.
  • Cloth Or Fabric Shopping Bags = KEEP OUT!
      • Cloth or fabric bags are great to reuse and avoid waste, but they are not recyclable in the mixed recycling bin.
PRODUCT LABELING
  • Tags = MAYBE
      • If the tag is just paper or cardboard, remove any plastic, twine or string and recycle in your bin! If any non-removable plastic, metal or non-paper material, keep out of the recycling bin.

  • Stickers And Labels = KEEP OUT!

      • Sticky labels on clothing or products are not recyclable and should be placed in the trash.
  • Receipts = RECYCLE!
      • Place in your mixed recycling bin. Staples are okay. No rolls – contact us for separate recycling if commercial rolls of receipts.
PRODUCT PACKAGING
  • Cardboard Boxes Or Packaging = RECYCLE!
      • Place in your mixed recycling bin – Make sure to remove any plastic packaging, wrap or Styrofoam first. Labels are okay left on.

  • Non Bottle, Tub Or Jug Plastic = KEEP OUT!

      • Plastic packaging from items like toys or electronics is not recyclable in your mixed bin. Check with the retailer if they offer a mail-in program instead.
  • Packing Paper Or Tissue Paper= RECYCLE!
      • If just paper (no plastic or foil liners), place in your mixed recycling bin.

  • Plastic Wrap Or Bubble Wrap = KEEP OUT!

    • Styrofoam = KEEP OUT!

        • NOT recyclable in your mixed bin. Reuse or find a mail-in program instead.

Have something else you’re not sure about? Check out BINfluencer to search the database of local places you can recycle almost anything. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, just ask us! We love to hear your questions and if it’s not listed in our database, your questions help us add it to the list for others to see.