Can I Recycle Pizza Boxes in Akron, OH?

Flatten boxes, remove packing tape. Must be clean and dry.

Accepted loose or bundled in most programs.

Glossy paper is recyclable. Remove plastic wrapping first.

Includes envelopes with plastic windows — machines handle them.

Clear, green, and brown glass. Rinse first. Lids can go in recycling separately.

Common mistake: Putting drinking glasses or window glass in recycling.

Rinse lightly. Can be crushed. One of the most valuable recyclables — infinite recyclability.

Rinse clean. Labels can stay on — they burn off during processing.

Clean foil only. Ball it up to at least 2 inches so it is not lost during sorting.

Common mistake: Putting foil with food residue in recycling.

Water bottles, soda bottles, clamshells. Rinse, crush, replace cap.

Milk jugs, detergent bottles, shampoo. Rinse. One of the most recyclable plastics.

Yogurt tubs, margarine containers, some takeout containers. Increasingly accepted but not universal.

Common mistake: Assuming all yogurt cups are recyclable — check local rules.

Clean portions are recyclable. Greasy sections can go in compost where available, otherwise trash. Many programs now accept the whole box.

Common mistake: Throwing away the whole box — the top is usually clean and recyclable.

Must be empty. Do not puncture. Remove plastic caps. Steel and aluminum cans both accepted.

Shelf-stable (aseptic) and refrigerated cartons accepted in most programs. Rinse, flatten, replace cap.

Not accepted in most curbside programs. Some cities have drop-off locations. Breaks into microplastics.

Common mistake: Assuming styrofoam is recyclable because it has a #6 symbol.

Lined with polyethylene, making them non-recyclable in most programs. Lids (plastic #6) also usually trash. Some specialty recyclers accept them.

Common mistake: Thinking paper cups are recyclable — the plastic lining prevents it.

Too small for sorting equipment. If your program accepts it, bag it in a clear bag or put in a paper bag. Check locally.

Common mistake: Putting loose shredded paper in recycling — it falls through sorting screens.

Different melting point than container glass. Wrap in newspaper and label 'broken glass' for sanitation worker safety.

Common mistake: Putting broken mirror glass in recycling with bottle glass.

Contaminates glass recycling. Small pieces go in trash. Donate intact items.

Common mistake: Putting broken mugs in glass recycling.

Compost where programs exist. Includes meat, dairy, bones in municipal composting (not backyard). Trash where no program available.

Most cities offer separate yard waste collection. Use paper bags or designated bins. Never put in recycling.

PVC (#3), LDPE (#4 film), PS (#6 styrofoam), and #7 (mixed) are rarely accepted curbside. Check local program.

Common mistake: Assuming all numbered plastics are recyclable — most programs only take #1, #2, and #5.

NEVER put in curbside bins. Return to grocery store drop-off bins. Includes Ziplocs, bread bags, bubble wrap.

Common mistake: Putting plastic bags in curbside recycling — they jam sorting machines.

Alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V) can go in trash in most states but should be taped on terminals. Rechargeable/lithium batteries MUST go to special drop-off — fire hazard.

Common mistake: Putting batteries in recycling or regular trash.

Computers, phones, TVs, printers. Many states ban e-waste from landfills. Use municipal drop-off events, Best Buy, or Staples recycling.

Contain mercury — never put in trash or recycling. Home Depot and Lowe's accept CFLs. LEDs and incandescent bulbs can go in trash.

Donate wearable items. Many cities have textile recycling bins. Never put in recycling bin — tangles machinery.

Free drop-off at most auto parts stores (AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance). Never pour down drain. Up to 5 quarts per visit typically.

Dry it out (mix in kitty litter or sawdust) and put in trash, or take to HHW event. Oil-based paint is hazardous — must go to HHW collection.

Common mistake: Pouring paint down the drain or putting wet cans in trash.

Most haulers will not take curbside. Tire retailers usually accept old tires at purchase. Municipal drop-off events or tire recyclers. Fees of $2-5/tire are common.

Bulk pickup in many cities. CT, CA, and RI have mattress recycling programs funded by manufacturer fees. Call hauler to schedule.