Recycling Acceptable Materials
Last Updated: 3/10/2026
1. GUIDING PRINCIPLE: THE “BIG THREE”
To ensure materials are accepted by our third-party processing partners, all items must meet these three criteria:
- CLEAN: No food residue, liquids, or grease.
- DRY: Paper and cardboard must not be saturated by rain or liquids.
- LOOSE: Do not bag your recyclables (except for shredded paper). Items must be loose in the container to allow for mechanical sorting.
2. DESIGNATED RECYCLABLES (ACCEPTABLE)
The following items are approved for collection:
| Category | Approved Items | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Plastics | Plastics #1, #2, and #5 | Rinse thoroughly; check the bottom for the triangular code. |
| Metal Cans | Aluminum, Steel, Tin, and Bi-metal food & beverage cans. | Must be empty and rinsed. |
| Cardboard | Corrugated cardboard, shipping boxes, cereal/pasta boxes. | Flatten all boxes. Remove plastic liners/film. |
| Paper | Office paper, junk mail, envelopes, greeting cards, file folders. | Shredded paper must be placed in a secured paper bag. |
| News & Media | Newspapers, inserts, catalogs, brochures, phone books, paperback books. | Keep dry; remove any plastic delivery sleeves. |
| Cartons | Milk, juice, and egg cartons (non-waxed/non-styrofoam). | Rinse and flatten. |
3. NON-DESIGNATED RECYCLABLES (UNACCEPTABLE)
The presence of the following “Prohibited Items” in a recycling container may result in the entire load being reclassified as Nonconforming Waste, subject to a Contamination Fee or Service Refusal.
- Hazardous & Safety Risks: Batteries, Electronics, Bio-hazardous waste, Light bulbs, and Hazardous Waste.
- Tanglers (Damages Equipment): Hoses, Cables, Cords, Tools, Clothes, Shoes, and Holiday decorations.
- Contaminants: Food or liquid waste, Greasy food containers (e.g., oily pizza boxes), Tissue, Diapers, and Yard waste.
- Non-Recyclable Plastics: Plastic bags, Film/wrappers, Straws, Polystyrene (Styrofoam), and plastics with no number.
- Glass & Ceramics: Glass bottles/jars, Mirrors, Dishes, and Ceramics. (Note: These items must be disposed of as Solid Waste).
- Construction Materials: Scrap metal, Construction debris, and Hardback books.
4. COMPLIANCE & LIABILITY
As per the Master Agreement, Earthwise Enterprise Inc. utilizes independent Third-Party Entities for processing. Liability for the material transfers to the third party upon delivery. However, if a load is rejected by the processor due to the inclusion of Unacceptable Items listed above, the Customer shall be liable for all resulting “Specific Handling Fees,” transportation costs, and disposal surcharges.