Reduce.Reuse.Recycle Right.
Let's Keep Our Recyclables Clean
We’ve seen an increase in the amount of non-recyclable items being erroneously placed in curbside recycling bins and mixed paper recycling carts. These materials can contaminate recyclable materials, rendering them no longer recyclable, and can also impact sorting operations at Montgomery County’s Recycling Center. While some of these items can be recycled through other recycling opportunities, they should not be placed in your blue recycling bin or blue-wheeled cart for curbside recycling collection.
The items we most often see inappropriately placed in blue recycling bins or mixed paper recycling carts, and that we want to remind residents NOT to put in their recycling bin/cart are:
- Plastic Bags, Plastic Film or Shrink Wrap
- Hazardous or Toxic Product Containers (such as containers for herbicides, pesticides, insecticides and automotive fluids)
- Electronics (including computers, keyboards, TV’s, etc.)
- Styrofoam® or Polystyrene (packing peanuts or foam blocks used to protect items in shipments, or other items marked #6 PS)
- Home Health Care/Medical Supplies (including needles/syringes, plastic intravenous (IV) fluid bags, plastic respirator and medical equipment tubing, CPAP masks, gloves, etc.)
- Recycle Right Education Recycle Right Education If you place an unacceptable item in your blue bin or wheeled cart, you may have received an “Oops” tag to let you know. Learn what materials are recyclable in Montogomery County.
- Keep Plastic Bags Out of Your Blue Bin Single use plastic bags can impact streams, rivers, lakes, oceans and forests and the wildlife that inhabit them. Always remember to bring your reusable bag when shopping.
Have what you need?
Build Your Recycling Toolkit
The DEP store has everything you need, from brochures and handbooks to recycling bins, stickers and magnets. Request or download these materials today.
Visit DEP web store
Recycle Right Videos
In this series, we answer your questions about how to recycle Plastic Containers, Plastic Bags, Glass Bottles, Foam Packaging, Batteries, and Aluminum in Montgomery County Maryland.
Watch how to recycle videos