How to recycle: what goes in, what stays out
As fall sets in and we tackle seasonal cleanups, it’s a perfect opportunity to revisit our recycling routines. This guide will outline the dos and don’ts of recycling and how to properly manage items that can’t be tossed in the bin.
What can I put in my recycle bin?
Recycling is an important part of protecting our environment and conserving our natural resources. Recycling can also be confusing and lead to wishful recycling, when we hope it will be recycled but we don’t really know. When non-recyclable materials such as plastic bags are placed in the recycle bin, they can cause quality recyclables to end up in the landfill. It is up to all of us to ONLY put acceptable materials in our recycle bins. Remember: NEVER bag your recyclables, or they could end up in the landfill; this includes bags that are advertised as “for recycling.”
Cardboard
Flatten your boxes to save on space; no need to remove tape. Wet or food-contaminated cardboard goes in the trash. Remove plastic product wrap from boxes, plastic wrap can go back to grocery stores for recycling or go in your trash. If you don’t have access to curbside recycling, check out one of the recycling drop-off locations at recyclespot.org.
Paper
Recyclable paper includes: paperboard (cereal boxes, food boxes), mail (no need to remove the plastic window), office paper, magazines, catalogs, phone books, newspaper and even toilet paper tubes. Paper cartons are accepted if empty and rinsed out. All recyclables should be free of food waste and liquid.
Metals
Accepted metals include aluminum cans, steel/ tin cans, and clean aluminum foil and aluminum pans. Collect metal caps and lids in tin/steel can and squeeze shut. Other scrap metal can be recycled at the Overland Park Recycling Center, Other options can be found at recyclespot.org.
Plastic
Plastics can be confusing. Plastic bottles and containers with numbers #1, 2 and 5. Only hard or rigid plastic containers and bottles are accepted, including plastic bottles, tubs and jars, spray/ pump bottles (remove the nozzle first) and plastic buckets (5 gallons or smaller only). No plastic bags, wrappers, etc. Must be empty, no liquids. Caps can go back on bottles and containers.
What shouldn’t I put in my recycle bin?
Items that shouldn’t go in your recycle bin fall into two categories:
- They could be recycled elsewhere. This includes glass, electronics, and plastic bags.
- They always go in the trash, like straws.
The following list includes items that are NOT accepted in your curbside recycle bin.
Coffee Cups
Clothes
Donation and recycling options can be found at recyclespot.org.
Fast Food & Takeout Containers
Paper or Styrofoam. All recyclables should be free of food waste and liquid.
Frozen Food Containers
Not an accepted paper product, should go in the trash.
Medical & Personal Hygiene Products
Paper Towels, Napkins & Tissues
Plastic Bags & Film
Certain plastic bags can go back to grocery stores for recycling. More info at jocogov.org/recycling101.
Other Plastics
If it is made of plastic and isn’t on the yes list, then it probably belongs in the trash. This includes plastic silverware, straws, plastic wrap and bags, and even prescription pill bottles.
Styrofoam
Cups and to-go containers go in the trash. Packing material can be recycled at ACH Technologies. More info at recyclespot.org.
Tanglers
Items that get tangled in recycling equipment includes hoses, VHS tapes and hangers.
What do I do with my glass?
Ripple Glass’s big purple bins provide a wonderful option for glass recycling. Accepted glass includes food and beverage glasses, drink glasses, candle jars, glass cosmetic jars and windows. They DO NOT accept lightbulbs, ceramics, Pyrex, mirrors or TVs. Amber glass is recycled into beer bottles by Boulevard Brewing Company, and other glass is recycled into fiberglass insulation by Owens Corning. Ripple Glass offers a recycling program for restaurants and bars; you can find more information at rippleglass.com.
What can I do with my e-waste?
Electronic recycling locations include the City of Olathe Household Hazardous Waste facility (for Olathe residents ONLY) and Secure E-Cycle located off of I-35 and Lamar. Other options can be found at recyclespot.org.
What can I do with leftover paints or chemicals?
Johnson County residents have two options. The Johnson County Household Hazardous Waste facility located in Overland Park is open year-round by appointment only. You can schedule a drop-off at jocogov.org/hhw or by calling 913-715-6907. Olathe also has a facility that any Johnson County resident can use; more information can be found at bit.ly/Olathe-HHW or by calling 913-971-8600.
What can I do with my food waste?
Composting is one option and can be done in your backyard or by using one of two companies that provide curbside collection. Both Compost Collective KC and KC Can Compost collect food waste from homes, apartments, businesses, etc. Missouri Organic Recycling provides collection from businesses and larger generators. The City of Olathe now has a drop-off location for food waste that Olathe residents can use; it is located at the Olathe Yard Waste facility.
Extra Resources
Questions? Contact Brandon Hearn with the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment at brandon.hearn@jocogov.org or 913-715-6936.
Follow Johnson County Recycles on Facebook and Instagram: jocogov.org/social-media-directory.
Visit jocogov.org/recycling101 for a detailed guide on what and how to recycle in Johnson County.
Find local recycling options at recyclespot.org.
Explore sustainability programs and volunteer opportunities in Kansas City at bridgingthegap.org.
Terracycle works to recycle hard-to-recycle items, especially plastics; find more info at terracycle.com.