Should I remove plastic tops and paper labels on jars when recycling?

Question

Also, are metal lids on jelly jars, pickle jars etc. recyclable? What about egg cartons? thanks.

Answer 1

It depends on where you recycle . . .  

Our city picks up our recycling and tells us we can leave labels and lids on.  (But a local private company will not accept the metal lids.)  

If I were you I would ask someone at your local recycling plant or at city hall (find city hall's number in the phone book in the government pages which are probably near the front.)

The same for the egg cartons.  Paper cartons are easier to recycle than the Styrofoam variety. It depends on if your local facilities have the equipment to recycle them.

If you call they will probably be happy to answer your questions and glad that you are concerned enough to ask.

Answer 2

Just depends on where you live. In my county we have to dispose of the lids (except for can lids, they can be recycled) and can leave all labels on bottles and cans. We also can recycle paper egg cartons, but the Styrofoam ones have to go in the trash.

The agency that picks up our recyclables sends out a sheet at least annually with all the "dos and don'ts" of recycling in our county. I'm sure if you call yours they can send you the "dos and don'ts" of recycling for your area too.

Happy recycling!