Recycling

  1. Recyclable Materials
  2. Recycling Fees
  3. Blue Containers & Blue Bags

Recyclable Materials

Residents can fill their recycling containers with the same items that have been placed in the blue bags and bins:

  • Newspapers, newspaper inserts, magazines, catalogs, junk mail, paperboard, cardboard, office paper and phones books
  • All food and beverage glass bottles and jars
  • Plastic bottles and jugs - (no polystyrene or styrofoam)
  • Empty aerosol containers
  • Aluminum, tin and steel cans
  • Wax paper cartons - (milk cartons, juice boxes, etc.)

For more information, check out the City's Recycling Flyer (PDF).

Other Tips & Procedures

  • Before placing bottles, cans and jars inside the containers, bins or the blue recycling bags, residents should rinse the materials.
  • All paper materials should be placed directly into the bins. Cardboard boxes can be flattened and placed in containers or under bins to maximize space.
  • To assure pick-up, place all recyclables next to your trash cans by 7 am on their scheduled collection day.

How Long Does It Take to Break Down

  • Paper Towel - 2 to 4 weeks
  • Banana Peel - 3 to 4 weeks
  • Paper Bag - 1 month
  • Apple Core - 2 months
  • Orange Peel - 6 months
  • Milk Carton - 5 years
  • Tin/Steel Can - 50 years
  • Foam Plastic Cup - 200 to 400 years
  • Plastic Bottle - 450 years
  • Plastic Bag - 200 to 1000 years

For More Information

Residents may request additional information regarding recycling operations by calling 214-987-5451. Phone calls will be answered between 8 am and 5 pm on weekdays.