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.
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)
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)
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
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