Recycling industry getting bogged down

The recycling industry is experiencing high levels of contamination as end-users of recyclables are adopting new standards.

DO:

• Recycle empty plastic bottles, cans, paper and cardboard.

• Keep foods and liquids out of recycling.

• Keep plastic bags out of recycling.

DON’T:

• Bag your recyclables – plastic bags and film tangle the machinery.

• Include food-soiled items – they can turn recycling into trash.

• Add sharp or dangerous materials like needles and electronics – they can injure recycling workers.

• Toss in “tanglers” like rubber hoses and wires – they can shut down an entire recycling center.

• Include bulky items like propane tanks or construction debris.

– Scott Hanson, The Arizona 100