Philly Streets Dept: Stop recycling those greasy pizza boxes
The Philadelphia Streets Department posted an important message under a tasty guise: Your greasy pizza box in not recyclable.
Did you know you CAN'T recycle greasy pizza boxes? Only the non-greasy cardboard can be recycled. Thanks @philastreets! pic.twitter.com/v8woqKZ8Dv
— Philly311 (@philly311) July 17, 2017
Why not? According to 6ABC, when recyclables get transported and sorted, oils, food and liquids can contaminate the surrounding paper and cardboard. Contamination makes paper and cardboard less valuable for reuse.
Local schools take note: NC State created pizza box compost dumpsters on campus for students.
What else are you doing wrong? You should be rinsing jars and cans clean before disposing of them.
Keep Out of the Bin List:
- Plastic Bags
- Styrofoam Food/Beverage Containers and Shipping/Packing Material
- Food Waste
- Wet or Food-Soiled Paper
- Waxed Paper Plates, Cups, and Takeout Containers
- Greasy Pizza Boxes
- Tissues, Paper Towels, and Napkins
- Light Bulbs
- Porcelain and Non-Container Glass
- Cassette Tapes (VHS and audio)
- Garden Hoses
- Needles and Syringes
- Electronics
The items you should be recycling:
PLASTICS: Emptied and rinsed – caps are OK
- All Food and Beverage Containers
- Hard Plastic Takeout Containers
- Plastic Cold Drink Cups and Lids
- Detergent and Shampoo Bottles
- Pump and Spray Bottles
- Plastic Pails, Buckets, Garden Pots
PAPER:
- Newspapers and Inserts
- Magazines, Brochures, and Catalogs
- Junk Mail, Envelopes, and Writing Paper
- Scrap Paper
- Paper Bags
- Phone Books
- Paperback Books
- Greeting Cards and Gift Wrap (non-metallic)
CARTONS: Emptied and rinsed
- Milk
- Juice
- Wine
- Soups
METALS:
- Emptied and rinsed
- Aluminum, Steel, and Tin Cans
- Empty Paint Cans
- Empty Aerosol Cans
- Metal Trays and Baking Dishes
- Jar Lids and Bottle Caps
- Clean Aluminum Foil
GLASS: Emptied and rinsed – caps are OK
- All Bottles and Jars
CARDBOARD: Flattened and free of grease and food
- Corrugated Cardboard Shipping Boxes
- Clean Pizza Boxes
- Paper Towel Rolls
- Egg Cartons
- Dry Food Boxes
