Many Twin Cities garbage haulers are now accepting more materials for recycling.

As processing and manufacturing technology has changed, materials that were previously not used for recycled-content products are now sought after by manufacturers.  The new items that you are able to recycle will depend on your garbage hauling company, so you should check with them to be certain what you can and cannot recycle.

Things that can now be recycled by most haulers include:

Paper: Mail, magazines, newspaper, boxes, cardboard [some haulers now accept frozen food boxes and/or pizza boxes – check the hauler directory for your hauler's list]

Cartons: Milk cartons, juice boxes, soup cartons

Plastic: Bottles, jugs [many haulers now accept plastic cups, tubs, containers and lids – check the hauler directory for your hauler's list]

Metal: Food and beverage cans

Glass: Bottles and jars

For a full list of items accepted in your recycling bin, including the "maybe" list, download Rethink Recycling's new Curbside Recycling Guide (PDF).

New technologies, growing markets and new products made from recycled materials are expanding the types of things we can recycle at the curb.  But not all recycling facilities are equipped to handle the new recyclables, so what you can and cannot put in your curbside recycling bin depends on where your hauler takes it.

Recycling markets are rapidly growing in the Twin Cities area, so the materials collected through residential curbside recycling programs are subject to change.  Stay tuned!

For detailed information on materials currently accepted in your area, go to the the hauler directory, click on your city, and click your hauler's name.  Call your hauler information on how the materials should be sorted or when they will be picked up.