Recycling reduces waste, protects wildlife, saves energy, and creates more employment opportunities. By recycling as much of your household waste as possible, you can do real good for your community and the environment. However, before you toss your items in recycling bins, it’s important to understand what’s recyclable and what isn’t. Here a helpful guide to recycling in Farmington, MO. 

Recyclable Materials in Farmington

Most of the items you use on a daily basis can be recycled. This includes aluminum cans, newspapers, cardboard, egg cartons, glass bottles, and office paper.

Labels can be left attached to your items, though it’s helpful to remove excessive tape from cardboard shipping boxes. If you recycle glass items, make sure they’re clean and unbroken. Tie newspapers in bundles before putting them in recycling bins. Yard debris, such as grass clippings, branches, and leaves, can also be recycled. 

In terms of plastic, bottles, jugs, transparent cartons, and many bags are accepted. Plastic comes with a number between 1 and 7 inside a triangle of arrows that designates the type. Most contractors in Farmington accept all of these types except for 6, which denotes polystyrene. Be sure to check with your waste contractor to verify. 

Non-Recyclable Materials

There are certain items that can’t be recycled, such as scrap metal, ceramics, light bulbs, bottle caps, tree stumps, household cleaners, electronics, window glass, brake fluid, and thin plastic shopping bags. Many supermarkets provide a bin to recycle the latter.

Some of these items, including cleaning products, batteries and electronics, can’t be discarded either because they’re harmful to the environment. Find locations in your area where you can discard these hazardous items. Some businesses offer disposable services to properly discard hazardous waste.

For more help on what to put in your recycling bin, turn to Freedom From Waste in Farmington, MO. The locally owned and operated waste management company provides commercial and residential trash and recycling services, including dumpster rental and weekly pickup services. The company’s recycling center also accepts donations, including clothes, reading glasses, toys, and blankets. To learn more about their services, call (573) 747-0550 or visit their website.