Recycling

Here are some important recycling etiquette guidelines that will help us all contribute to a cleaner environment. 

  1. Single Stream Recycling: It’s important to understand that “single stream” does not mean you can simply dump all your garbage together. Sorting through single-stream recycling is an inefficient process at recycling plants, and contamination can lead to the entire batch being discarded. For a deeper understanding of this issue, you can watch this informative video by Vox. 
  2. Know What’s Recyclable: Please refer to this flyer for a comprehensive list of items that can be recycled in Middletown. You can also visit Middletown’s recycling website to check if specific items are recyclable. Remember that clothes should be either donated, taken to a specialty store that recycles them, or disposed of properly in the trash. 
  3. Flatten Your Boxes: When disposing of empty boxes, please take a moment to flatten them before placing them in the recycling bin. This simple act helps create more space and ensures efficient recycling. 
  4. Do Not Leave Boxes on the Curb: It’s essential that we do our part to keep our surroundings clean. Leaving boxes on the curb or next to the bin can cause clutter and is not a responsible practice. The collection of boxes from the curb is at the discretion of the single-stream recycling service, and they do not receive extra pay for doing so. If you notice the bins are full, consider temporarily storing recyclables in your closets until the bins are emptied. 
  5. Collection Schedule: Recycling is picked up every two weeks. Please be mindful of this schedule when placing your recyclables out for collection. 

 We all share a concern for the environment, and while the challenges can seem daunting, it only takes a few extra seconds each day to ensure we’re doing our part correctly. Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to a cleaner, greener future.