Ever wonder what happens to your household recycling once it gets collected? Check out this virtual tour at Recycling & Disposal Solutions, located in Roanoke Virginia, where your single stream recycling is processed!

#1 and #2 plastic containers only

#1 plastics (PET) is used for soft drinks, water and other beverage containers ,as well as detergent and cleaning containers.  Some peanut butter and other food containers  and bottles can also be a #1 plastic.

#2 plastics (HDPE) is used for milk and water jugs, laundry detergent and shampoo bottles. Some plastic bags are a #2 plastic but we cannot accept plastic bags of any kind. This material can jam up the sorting machines and can cause the facility to have to shut down for a period of time. Plastic bags can be returned to the grocery store.

If you are not sure about a plastic item, check the bottom of the package for a recycling imprint . It will either have a number or PET (#1)  HDPE (#2).  If it is any other number (or acronym), or it is a plastic but there is no imprint, please do not recycle it. These materials will need to go in the trash.

What can I recycle?

• Flattened cardboard and paperboard, (cardboard boxes, cereal boxes, tissue boxes, shoe boxes, etc.)
• Pizza boxes, (no greasy paper or leftovers)
• Newspapers, magazines, catalogs, junk mail
• Phonebooks, paperback books, soft cover books
• Office paper, (paper clips and staples are ok), copy paper, computer printouts, envelopes, stationery, notebooks, brochures, post-it notes, file folders
• # 1 and #2 Plastics (NO Styrofoam, motor oil or antifreeze bottles, or any container used for hazardous substances)
• Aluminum cans, pet food cans and lids
• Steel cans/tins cans such as soup and vegetable cans, empty aerosol cans, all types of metal lids
• Glass bottles and jars only - all colors
• Paper bags
• Wrapping paper, craft paper, poster board

Preparation Guidelines

Absolutely no Styrofoam packaging or Styrofoam peanuts should be deposited in your cart.  Remove all Styrofoam, plastic wrap, and other plastic packaging from cardboard boxes prior to recycling. You may take these items to a UPS store or discard them with your regular household garbage.

Pour out any remaining liquids or foods from bottles, cans and jars. Some food residue is okay, such as peanut butter, mayonnaise, etc. It is not necessary to rinse out or wash your bottles, cans and jars; they will be cleaned during the recycling process.  If you choose to rinse out your recyclables, don’t waste water and energy in the process. Use a minimal amount of water, only use cold water or use leftover dishwater. Then, put the cap back on  and place in your new recycling cart.

Please Note: Syringes and needles are not recyclable.

Residential medical waste is not regulated and therefore should be placed in a sturdy container and disposed of in the regular trash. Please follow these guidelines when discarding syringes or needles.

• Do not put syringes or needles in your recycling container(s). Recyclables are hand sorted so personal injury is a real concern for those handling these items.
• Syringes should be placed in a sturdy plastic bottle, preferably a bottle with a #2 on the bottom.
• Place all syringes in the container and when full, securely screw on the cap.
• Label the container "DO NOT RECYCLE, CONTAINS SYRINGES" and then place in your garbage.
  You may also purchase special "sharps" containers at your local pharmacy for this type of medical waste. These special containers must also be disposed of in the regular trash.

For additional information or questions about the proper disposal of syringes/needles please contact the Town of Blacksburg's Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling at 540-443-1212, or recycle@blacksburg.gov. You can also contact the Montgomery Regional Solid Waste Authority at 540-381-2820, or visit www.mrswa.com.

For more information, please contact the Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling at 540-443-1212 or recycle@blacksburg.gov.

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