After posting
my December blog about single-stream recycling, I got a call from
Tom Strickland.
He is the recycling program administrator for the City and County of Denver, well-suited to clarify a few points that I picked up on my Waste Management tour.
Basically, the list of what Denver Recycles can pick up from our purple carts is not nearly as impressive as the portfolio of what WM can process. For example, whether a container has a neck is what to look for in sorting plastics for the cart, not a specific number on the bottomthe item.P lastic tubs that you buy your butter inandthe containersthat hold yummy strawberries are a no-no.
The aluminum lining is that if you have something that's not curbside-pickup friendly, you can take it to a drop-off site. See you there!
Here are the specifics Tom sent me:
For a list of accepted items that can be recycled in your Denver Recycles purple recycling cart at home, please visit this
site. All plastic containers (Numbers 1 through 7) can be recycled at Waste Management Recycle America's main drop-off site or at other various recycling center locations:
1. WMRA 48th Avenue Drop-off Site:3730 E. 48th Ave., Denver, CO
2. WMRA Franklin Street Drop-off Site: 5395 Franklin St., Denver, CO
3
. Other WMRA Sites: Visit : www.wmcolorado.com then click the "Recycle" link on side and then "Recycling Center Locator." Searches for closest centers to you.
Shredded paper can be placed inside a brown paper bag with the lid folded or stapled shut. (Applies to Denver Recycles & WMRA)
If you live outside of Denver, contact your solid waste service company or local city/county offices to find out what items are accepted for recycling in your area.