I'm still trying to determine how and what can be recycled. When the construction and remodeling equipment was removed from the garage, a blue recycling container emerged from the mess. I knew I needed another bin, so I called in to see how to get another one. It was dropped off for free a few days later. That is good service.I watched the neighbors, and sorted out that the recycling bins were placed on the curb each Thursday morning. I realized that others had put out larger things than fit in the blue bin, so I tried as well, but had those items left on the yard. My neighbor tried to help saying that everything had to be less than a 40" and tied together with twine, so I did that but had it left on the yard again. The following week, I stopped the driver and asked what I was doing wrong. He said I should check the website but he couldn't or wouldn't provide additional information.
I'm looking at the list of what is acceptable for Tampa FL Solid Waste Recycling site, and realized I had better stop complaining because the driver didn't take a few pieces of cardboard. I have been placing items in the recycling bin that can't be recycled here. I'm lucky I didn't have a lot more dumped back on the lawn. I'm not doing too badly, but I haven't been removing the lids and I haven't been putting all of the paper in a paper bag. I'll try to follow the guidelines as indicated.
What can be recycled curbside in the blue recycling bin? (from the website)
- Phone Books
- Paperback books
- Junk mail
- Cereal boxes
- 6-Pack soda boxes
- Office paper
- Cardboard*
- Magazines
- Newspapers & inserts
- Catalogs
- Plastic bottles (numbers 1 and 2 only)
- Aluminum and steel cans (including empty aerosol cans)
- Gable-top beverage containers (juice & milk containers)
- Glass bottles & jars (all colors)
PREPARATION of Recyclables:
- Please remove caps and lids and discard
- Please place all paper in a brown paper grocery bag
- Please remove the vellum windows from all envelopes
- No need to remove labels
- Please rinse all containers before placing them in your bins
It is important to note that the recyclability of a product is not determined by a symbol. In most cases, recyclability is determined by what is accepted in the local community by recyclers, as well as the industry. In order for a material to be truly recyclable, a market must exist so that the material can be sold, reprocessed and then made into a new product or material.
