Recycling 101
“Can I recycle this?” It’s a common question, and it could be the difference between your recyclables going to the recycling facility and the landfill.
But it’s not always as simple as a “yes” or “no” answer. Some items are recyclable through your curbside recycling, while some you should take to a collection facility. Other items aren’t recyclable at all or must be in a certain condition – for instance, no liquids and no food waste, and when possible, remove plastic wrapping from plastic bottles.
In our Recycling 101 guide, we have the answers to some of the most common recycling questions, including:
- Should I bag my recyclables?
- What can and cannot go in my recycle bin?
- What does the chasing arrow symbol mean?
- How can I recycle plastic film?
Find out what items are and aren’t recyclable, and help Johnson County limit contamination in our recycling by following the guidance below.
Should I bag my recyclables?
First thing’s first: Don’t bag your recyclables! Plastic bags and product wrap are not recyclable and could end up in the landfill. That’s because plastic bags get caught in the machinery at the recycling facility and lower the value of other recyclables.
According to the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment’s 2019 Recycling Waste Sort report, the number-one contaminant in curbside recycling by county residents is bagged recycling, followed by contaminated paper and non-recyclable plastics.
Around 28% of what residents are putting in their recycling bin is not recyclable curbside – and this includes a whopping 175 pounds of bagged recyclables. Ensure that your recycling efforts don’t go to waste by following these three steps:
- Ditch the bag: Plastic bags and wraps don’t belong in your curbside recycle bins.
- Free your recycling: Keep your items loose in the bin, bagged recycling could end up in the landfill.
- Recycle at other locations: Take your clean bags and wraps to area grocery stores that accept these items.
What can and cannot go in my recycle bin?
Okay, you’ve ditched the bag. But what exactly can go in your recycling bin? That answer depends on the item: Bottles and cardboard are a definite yes, while you may need to seek other disposal options for your glass and electronics.
Look below for a list of what can and can’t go in your bin. If the answer is “yes,” you’re in the clear! But if the answer is “no,” you’ll need to find another method (we’ve included some options to help you find a place!). Additionally, RecycleSpot has developed a comprehensive printable list of what can and can't go in your curbside recycle bin.
Plastic bottles and containers
Can this go in my recycle bin? Yes.
Recycle empty plastics such as bottles, jars, jugs and tubs, #1, 2 and 5. Keep your plastic bottle caps on, as they can be recycled too. Do not put needles or syringes in your recycling.
Paper, flattened cardboard and paperboard
Can this go in my recycle bin? Yes.
Recycle paper, newspapers, junk mail and magazines. Flatten and recycle all cardboard and paperboard. Paper should be dry and free of food waste. No receipts accepted.
Food and beverage cans
Can this go in my recycle bin? Yes.
Recycle all empty and clean tin, aluminum and steel cans.
Cartons
Can this go in my recycle bin? Yes.
Empty cartons are now accepted in your curbside recycle bin. Juice pouches are not accepted at this time. To find out more information on carton recycling in your area, check out the Carton Council.
Aluminum foil
Can this go in my recycle bin? Yes, as long as it’s clean.
Aluminum foil that is clean and free of food waste can be recycled in your curbside recycle bin or at certain community recycling centers. Ball up your aluminum foil so it doesn't get confused for paper in the recycling process.
Pizza boxes (just eat all the pizza first!)
Can this go in my recycle bin? Yes, no food waste.
Pizza boxes are accepted in your curbside recycle bin, even with some grease.
Egg cartons
Can this go in my recycle bin? Yes, only plastic and paper egg cartons.
Plastic and paper egg cartons that are clean can be recycled in your curbside recycling bin. Styrofoam egg cartons are not recyclable and need to be disposed of in the trash.
Glass
Can this go in my recycle bin? No, but it can be recycled.
Glass bottles and jars are not accepted in your curbside recycle bin, with the exception of Honey Creek Disposal customers only. However, there are many options for recycling your glass. Ripple Glass operates the purple community recycle bins seen throughout Kansas City. There are also several companies that provide curbside glass pickup, including Atlas Glass and Crush Glass.
Plastic bags
Can this go in my recycle bin? No, but it can be recycled.
Plastic bags, food storage bags, newspaper and dry cleaning bags, and product wraps are not accepted in your curbside recycling bin. However, they are recyclable and can be returned to several area grocery stores for recycling. Find recycling options closest to you at RecycleSpot.
Packing materials, bubble wrap and packing peanuts
Can this go in my recycle bin? No, but it can be recycled.
Packing materials, bubble wrap and packing peanuts are not accepted in your curbside recycling bin but they are recyclable. Several area stores will accept these items if they are usable. For those options check out RecycleSpot.
Shredded paper
Can this go in my recycle bin? No, but it can be recycled.
Shredded paper is not accepted in your curbside recycling bin, because it can blow around and is not easily processed in a recycling facility. However, you can recycle shredded paper with several area businesses that provided shredded paper disposal. For these options, check out RecycleSpot.
Mattresses
Can this go in my recycle bin? No, but it can be recycled.
If the mattress is still usable, donate it to Sleepyhead Beds, which provides usable mattresses to kids and families who are in need. Overland Park has a mattress recycling program that takes place a couple of times a year. Check with your trash hauler, HOA representative, or city about bulky item collection options.
Electronics
Can this go in my recycle bin? No, but it can be recycled.
Electronics should not be put in the trash. There are several options available for recycling your old electronics. RecycleSpot is a great resource for finding the closest location to recycle near you.
Textiles and clothes
Can this go in my recycle bin? No, but it can be recycled.
While not accepted in your curbside recycle bin, textiles and clothes can still be recycled. Usable items can be donated at any number of locations, including Goodwill. For locations where you can recycle unusable textiles near you, check out RecycleSpot.
Plastic utensils, plates and straws
Can this go in my recycle bin? No.
Plastic utensils, plates and straws are not accepted in your curbside recycling bin. These items are made of a low-grade plastic and belong in the trash after use. Compostable utensils and cups can be composted through composting operations such as Missouri Organic Recycling, but they do not decompose in backyard compost bins.
Food wrappers
Can this go in my recycle bin? No.
Food wrappers such as chip bags, candy wrappers, ketchup packets, etc., are not recyclable in your curbside recycling bin and belong in the trash. These items are often made of a combination of materials which make it difficult to separate for recycling.
Single-serve coffee cups and plastic lids
Can this go in my recycle bin? No.
Paper coffee cups often have a plastic or waxed coating that does not break down during the recycling process at paper mills. The plastic lids used on these type of coffee cups are also not recyclable in your curbside bin, even though they have a recycling symbol on them.
K-cups
Can this go in my recycle bin? No.
K-cups and other similar single serve cups are not recyclable due to the combination of materials they are made from. These items should be disposed of in the trash.
Paper napkins, towels and tissues
Can this go in my recycle bin? No.
Paper towels, napkins, and tissues are not accepted in your curbside recycle bin and belong in the trash. Paper towels and napkins can be composted. Consider using cloth napkins and towels for a waste-free alternative.
Paper plates and cups
Can this go in my recycle bin? No.
Paper plates and cups are coated in a plastic or wax material that will not break down during the recycling process and are not accepted in your curbside recycling bin. Consider using reusable plates and cups as a waste-free option.
What does the chasing arrow symbol mean?
You’re probably familiar with the chasing arrow symbol, the recycling symbol with three arrows forming a triangle. It’s a symbol commonly associated with recycling, and it’s also featured on a variety of packaging. But what do each of the numbers mean?
Your item may featured a chasing arrow symbol along with one of seven numbers, known as the resin code. The number can help you determine whether you can recycle the item in your recycling bin. Check out the numbers below to get a better idea of which items are recyclable at curbside.
1: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
Examples: Soda bottles, water bottles, salad dressing and food packaging
Can this go in my recycle bin? Yes.
2: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Examples: Milk containers, cosmetics, shampoo, plastic bags and trash bins
Can this go in my recycle bin? Yes to all but plastic bags, which should be recycled at collection sites such as grocery stores.
3: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Examples: Cleaner bottles, kids’ toys, shower curtains and tablecloths
Can this go in my recycle bin? No.
4: Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Examples: Bread bags, trash bags, pill bottles, six-pack rings and sauce bottles
Can this go in my recycle bin? It’s recommended to recycle this at collection sites such as grocery stores.
5: Polypropylene (PP)
Examples: Hot food containers, bottle caps, straws and hangers
Can this go in my recycle bin? It depends on the color and application.
6: Polystyrene (PS)
Examples: Meat trays, plastic cups, plastic cutlery and take-out trays
Can this go in my recycle bin? No.
7: Other
Examples: Reusable bottles, baby bottles, bio plastics and water jugs
Can this go in my recycle bin? No.
How can I recycle plastic film?
What is plastic film?
Plastic film is soft, flexible polyethylene packaging used for many commonly used products. Think grocery bags, bread bags, food storage bags and air pillows. These items are not accepted in your curbside recycle bin. However, they can be recycled at several area grocery stores.
How do I recycle plastic film?
To recycle your plastic film, first make sure that it is clean, dry, and free of food waste, receipts, and – in the case of dry cleaning bags – clothes hangers. Then, take it to one of several drop-off locations around Kansas City. Once collected, these items are processed into composite lumber or small pellets, which can be made into new bags, pallets and more.
Where can I recycle plastic film?
Stores such as Hy-Vee, Walmart and Target may accept plastic film recycling. You can also view this list of participating drop-off locations.
What plastic film can I recycle?
Find out what types of plastic film you can and cannot recycle below. For a complete list of plastic film you can recycle, check out Plastic Film Recycling or RecycleSpot.
Accepted Plastic Film:
- Retail, carryout, produce, newspaper, bread and dry cleaning bags (clean and dry)
- Zip-top food storage bags (clean and dry)
- Plastic shipping envelopes (remove labels) and air pillows (deflate)
- Product wrap on cases or water bottles, paper towels, napkins, toilet paper, etc.
- Furniture and electronic wrap
- Plastic cereal box liners, but not if it tears like paper, (clean and dry)
Not Accepted Plastic Film:
- Degradable/compostable bags or film packaging
- Pre-washed salad mix bags
- Frozen food bags
- Candy bar wrappers
- Chip bags
- Six-pack rings