Frequently Asked Questions 3

Scroll down for the answers to these questions.

• Can I recycle any plastics other than narrow neck plastic bottles?
• Do I have to rinse out my food and beverage containers?
• Where/How can I properly dispose of or recycle things not accepted in the CVWMA curbside recycling program?
• Can I recycle shredded paper with my other curbside recycling items?
  

Can I recycle any plastics other than narrow neck plastic bottles?

We only accept the narrow neck plastic bottles with a number 1 or number 2 inside a recycling symbol on the bottom.  While the recycling symbol with another number means that the material IS recyclable, our program accepts only the PETE (1) and HDPE (2) forms of plastic.  Examples of these plastics include soda bottles, milk jugs, shampoo bottles, and laundry detergent bottles.  

PETE or HDPE plastics with a wide mouth, such as butter tubs or yogurt cups, are not accepted in the CVWMA programs.   These items should be reused or disposed of in the trash.

Another guideline for plastic recycling involves the lid or cap of the container.  These are often made of a different plastic than the body of the container and are NOT recyclable.  These should be disposed of in the trash.

For more information about the different types of plastic, please click here.

Do I have to rinse out my food and beverage containers?

Please do!  This prevents your recyclables from smelling or attracting rodents and insects.  Rinsing also maintains the value of the recyclable material.

Where/How can I properly dispose of or recycle things not included in the CVWMA curbside recycling program?

For more information about recycling or reusing items not accepted in the curbside or drop-off programs, please visit our online Recycling Wizard.

Can I recycle shredded paper with my other curbside recycling items?

For more information about recycling shredded paper, please click here.

For questions not addressed above, please call the Recycling Hotline at 340-0900 or email us.