Recycle Right

Not only is recycling important,
but it’s also easy to do.

More and more people in Delaware are recycling every day. But not everyone is recycling the right way. If it’s not done correctly, all those items—and your time—will go to waste.

For more information about recycling please visit recycling.delaware.gov or call 302.739.9403.

Know the Rules, Recycle Right

Recycling Ref

What to Recycle

Place these materials loose in recycling carts or dumpsters—no bags please.

Newspapers

Regular and junk mail/magazines

Paperback Books

Paperboard Boxes

Pizza boxes (empty)
(no food residue)

Corrugated cardboard

Telephone Books

Office paper/file folders

Rigid plastic

Yogurt and butter containers

Plastic bottles/jugs

Cartons

Glass bottles/jars
(Remove and recycle lids and caps separately)

Aluminum and metal cans
(Can lids and clean foil)

What Not to Recycle

These items should not go in your bin, but they’re the most common recycling errors made in Delaware. Some materials are accepted for recycling in other programs.

Plastic grocery bags
(Return to stores for recycling)

Recyclables in plastic bags

Liquids or food residue

Shredded paper
(Recycle at DSWA Document Shredding Event)

Scrap metal
(Recycle at scrap yards)

Hazardous waste
(Recycle at DSWA Collection Event)

Diapers

Non-recyclable plastics
(DSWA drop off program)

Paper cups

Remove Caps/lids on glass bottles or jars
(Recycle metal lids separately)

Ceramic or nonrecyclable glass
(Recycle CFL bulbs at home improvement stores or DSWA Collection Events)

Frozen food containers
(Recycle plastic trays)

Downloadable Materials

We’re here to help you sort it out.

Place items loosely in the bin, not in a garbage bag.

Recycle plastic grocery bags at the store.

Rinse all containers of liquid or food residue.

Don’t crush aluminum cans or plastic bottles.

Put the lid back on plastic bottles.

Learn more in our guide to recycling.

Many everyday items are recyclable, and those that aren’t should be tossed in the trash. But some special materials, such as electronic goods and certain household items, could pose a threat and may require specific handling procedures. Use this guide for tips and resources on how to recycle in Delaware.

Related Topics: recycling, solid waste, waste

Recycle Right