Recycling broken down

DO’S FOR RECYCLING

Reduce and reuse: Skip plastic storage bags, use reusable containers. Use refillable water bottles. Keep reusable tableware handy for use with takeout.

Clean and dry: Avoid spoiling other items in the blue bin. Bottles (including glass) should be empty with their lids on.

Recycle cardboard: More than 5% of landfill waste in 2019 was corrugated cardboard that could have been recycled.

Don’t sweat the small stuff: Staples in magazines? Wine bottles with foil and corks? Tape on boxes? Recyclers would like them removed, but they’re not deal killers.

Recycle milk cartons and other

waxy beverage cartons: In the L.A. region, the paper is separated out and made into toilet paper.

DON’TS FOR RECYCLING

Don’t gum up sorting machinery: No plastic bags, hoses or electrical cords. And don’t bag your recyclables. Safety first: No broken or flat glass. No aerosol cans or batteries. No paint, oil or other toxic containers. No clothing: Take it to the thrift store.

No “wish cycling”: No paper cups, paper towels, plastic packaging, polystyrene foam, pizza boxes, plastic straws or tableware, or diapers.

No food or liquids: These spoil legitimate recyclables. Don’t put them in the yard waste bin either.