Recyclopedia: Can I recycle it?
or trash?
sort it out.
Featured Stories
The waste produced from demolishing one average-sized house is equivalent to a person’s lifetime of trash. There’s an alternative: Deconstruction. Watch our video to see how it works!
Join us as we take a (metaphorical) road trip to meet some of the faces and places that make reuse and recycling happen.
Massachusetts has been recognized as a “national leader” in keeping food waste out of the trash! Learn about the progress we’ve made toward reducing food waste in this month’s newsletter.
If you've ever wondered what a white good is, you're not alone! Learn more about large appliances and what happens to them in this month's newsletter.
It’s easy to forget about all the trash we throw away – until you see where “away” actually is. Here’s an inside look at where our garbage goes and a reminder on why we reduce, reuse, and recycle.
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ICYMI, all paper cups are recyclable now! Learn more ⬇️
Q: Do paper cups need to be rinsed out (beyond just being empty)?
A: Only rinse if there’s some kind of food residue in them. Otherwise, empty is good enough!
Q: Does this mean milk cartons are also recyclable?
A: No. Cartons and wet-strength containers (like pints of ice cream and butter boxes) are still not acceptable. If anything changes, we’ll update the Recyclopedia.
Q: If they have wax on the inside, are they still recyclable? What about compostable cups?
A: Yes! All cups made of paper are now recyclable.
Q: What changed?
A: Previously, paper cups were kept out of the recycling because of a protective layer inside (either wax or plastic). But with new technology, paper mills now have the ability to separate that coating from the paper. So recycle those paper cups!
#recyclesmart #recyclingtips #papercups reduce reuse recycle
ICYMI, all paper cups are recyclable now! Learn more ⬇️
Q: Do paper cups need to be rinsed out (beyond just being empty)?
A: Only rinse if there’s some kind of food residue in them. Otherwise, empty is good enough!
Q: Does this mean milk cartons are also recyclable?
A: No. Cartons and wet-strength containers (like pints of ice cream and butter boxes) are still not acceptable. If anything changes, we’ll update the Recyclopedia.
Q: If they have wax on the inside, are they still recyclable? What about compostable cups?
A: Yes! All cups made of paper are now recyclable.
Q: What changed?
A: Previously, paper cups were kept out of the recycling because of a protective layer inside (either wax or plastic). But with new technology, paper mills now have the ability to separate that coating from the paper. So recycle those paper cups!
#recyclesmart #recyclingtips #papercups reduce reuse recycle
Donating old or outdated items? Ask yourself this question first: 💭 Would I buy this secondhand in this condition? 💭
Before you donate, make sure you`ve got all the necessary pieces and the item is in working condition. If it`s not in working order, consider checking with gifting groups to see if anyone wants it in its current condition. If it can`t be reused or repurposed, it may be time for the trash.
Search Beyond the Bin to find collection options for things that can`t go in your home recycling but are too good to trash: Link in bio.
#RecycleSmart #SustainableChoices #SecondhandFirst Reduce Reuse Recycle
Donating old or outdated items? Ask yourself this question first: 💭 Would I buy this secondhand in this condition? 💭
Before you donate, make sure you`ve got all the necessary pieces and the item is in working condition. If it`s not in working order, consider checking with gifting groups to see if anyone wants it in its current condition. If it can`t be reused or repurposed, it may be time for the trash.
Search Beyond the Bin to find collection options for things that can`t go in your home recycling but are too good to trash: Link in bio.
#RecycleSmart #SustainableChoices #SecondhandFirst Reduce Reuse Recycle
There is still time to recycle string lights that don’t work! We just heard about the Lights for Lions program at Franklin Zoo and Stone Zoo and wanted to make our followers aware. Please share!
Recycling runs through February 28, 2026
Daily, 9am - 4pm
Stone Zoo: Main entrance by the giftshop https://zoonewengland.org/stone-zoo/map/
Franklin Park Zoo: Zebra entrance https://zoonewengland.org/franklin-park-zoo/map/
If the zoos are not convenient:
✅ Check with your city/town for a string light recycling program.
🔍 Or visit Beyond the Bin to find drop-off options near you: Link in bio.
#HolidayDecorations #RecyclingTips #RecycleSmart Holiday Lights #Recycling
There is still time to recycle string lights that don’t work! We just heard about the Lights for Lions program at Franklin Zoo and Stone Zoo and wanted to make our followers aware. Please share!
Recycling runs through February 28, 2026
Daily, 9am - 4pm
Stone Zoo: Main entrance by the giftshop https://zoonewengland.org/stone-zoo/map/
Franklin Park Zoo: Zebra entrance https://zoonewengland.org/franklin-park-zoo/map/
If the zoos are not convenient:
✅ Check with your city/town for a string light recycling program.
🔍 Or visit Beyond the Bin to find drop-off options near you: Link in bio.
#HolidayDecorations #RecyclingTips #RecycleSmart Holiday Lights #Recycling
