What Can Be Recycled?

Confusion around the question of “what is recyclable?” can be a big hurdle for many of us! Whether you’re recycling through a curbside recycling program or dropping off your recyclables at the Erie Drop Off Center, the recycling rules below will help you determine whether an item should be recycled, composted, or put in the trash.
How to Recycle Right!

1. DO NOT BAG RECYCLABLES! Keep recyclable items loose in your bin. Unlike trash, recycling must be loose so it can be efficiently sorted at the Boulder County Recycling Center. Trash bags and plastic grocery bags get caught in recycling equipment, which slows down operations and can damage the machinery.
   
   
2. RECYCLE PAPER AND CARDBOARD. This includes corrugated cardboard boxes, “paperboards” like cereal boxes, and other types of paper like newspapers, magazines, office paper, and mail. For paper products to be properly recycled, they must be larger than a post-it note. Do not recycle plastic-coated paper products like coffee cups and frozen food boxes, or low-grade paper like tissues, paper towels, or gift wrap paper.
   
   
3. RECYCLE CONTAINERS, including bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars. Examples include glass bottles and jars, aluminum cans, steel cans, completely empty aerosol containers, and cartons, such as milk and juice. Hard plastic takeout containers, including hinged “clamshell” food containers, are also recyclable. You can leave labels on these containers. Keep lids larger than bottle caps separate. Please empty and rinse all containers.

See printable recycling guidelines for Erie residents and businesses here.

Want to know what NOT to recycle?
Check out the “Dirty Dozen” guidelines!

If you have questions about what is or is not recyclable, contact Eco-Cycle’s recycling hotline at 303-444-6634, email them at recycle@ecocycle.org, or try Eco-Cycle’s free “A-Z Recycling Guide” app.