Recycling Basics for Phoenix, AZ
Simple recycling!
For Phoenix and most of the surrounding metro area. Remember to check your city’s page for their recycling rules!
Need a reminder? Download Phoenix’s rules in English & Spanish (PDFs). Here in the valley, you can recycle “The Big Four” (as we like to call it): Paper/cardboard, Glass, Metal, and Plastic.
Paper & Cardboard – We all grew up knowing that you can recycle old papers and boxes, but here are some other useful tidbits:
- make sure to reuse papers by printing or writing on both sides
- post-it notes, junk mail, and envelopes (even with the little clear windows) are recyclable.
- paperboard cereal boxes, cartons, and other cardboard boxes are more easily processes when they’re flattened.
- if you have have shredded paper, place it in a clear bag before adding it to the recycling bin so help the sorters identify it.
- photography paper, sticker sheets, tissues, paper towels, and greasy cardboard are not recyclable.
Glass – Glass can be confusing, but here is an easy trick:
- recyclable glass containers are those you might find holding food in a grocery store – those bottles and jars are recyclable!
- remove and recycle the lids separately.
- other household glass like mirrors, picture frames, and glass tableware are not recyclable.
Metal – Metals are extremely recyclable!
- aluminum cans, foil, and stainless steel are all recyclable.
- get out as much of the residue as you can – make sure nothing will drip from a can on to the rest of your recycling.
Hard Plastic – This is a biggie! When in doubt, throw it out!
- hard, or rigid plastics are recyclable – that means sturdy stuff!
- examples of hard plastics are bottles, cups, jars, jugs, lids, and tubs.
- good recycling is always clean, dry, and empty – and when it’s a plastic container with a plastic lid, leave the lid screwed on.
- the numbers on the bottom of many plastic containers don’t tell you if it’s recyclable.
- soft or mushy plastics: plastic bags, air pillows, zip top bags, or styrofoam are not recyclable.