Did you know that over a 12-month period in 2018-2019, tainted recycling cost the City of Jacksonville more than $500,000? Today Mayor Lenny Curry helped the Solid Waste Division on their recycling run as a good reminder as to what we can and can't recycle. The most important things to remember are:

Don't bag it. Never put recyclables in containers or bags.

Empty. Clean. Dry. Keep all recyclables free of food and liquid.

Know what to throw. You can recycle most cardboard, paper, metal cans, plastic bottles and jugs. The following items should NEVER be placed in your recycling container:

• NO Plastic Bags & Wrappers: Plastic bags, plastic wrappers and flexible plastic packaging are too thin to be recycled. Reuse them in your home or return them to your local grocer for recycling
• NO Styrofoam: Styrofoam can be great for reuse but not for recycling. Dispose of these items in your trash. 
• NO Food: Food scraps must be disposed of with your trash, or composted where composting programs are offered
• NO Electronics & Batteries: Electronics, batteries and light bulbs cannot go into your recycling container and require special handling. Check local programs for disposal options.
• NO Yard Waste: Yard waste must be disposed of with your trash or composted where composting programs are offered.
• NO Diapers: Clean or dirty diapers cannot be recycled. Dispose of them in your trash.
• NO Soiled Paper: Soiled or wet items are not recyclable and should be disposed of with your trash.
• NO Clothing: Clothing items can be taken to a dedicated reuse collection location but cannot be placed in your recycling container.
• NO Tools: Tools and other hardware items may find a second life, but not if they’re placed in your recycling container. Dispose of these items in your trash or give them away for reuse.
• NO Toys: While often made of plastic, toys cannot be placed in your recycling container. Donate these items or dispose of them in your trash.
• NO Construction Waste: Wood, sheetrock and other home construction items cannot be recycled and should be disposed of in your trash.
• NO Medical Waste: Needles and other medical items cannot be recycled and may cause serious harm to workers. Dispose of them in proper medical waste containers.