Sort with absolute clarity

The sorting guide

Not all packaging is created equal. Here is how to identify authentic recyclables and avoid the common traps that contaminate local sorting facilities.

Paper & Cardboard

Glass & Aluminum

Rigid Plastics

Clean, dry mail, cereal boxes, and flattened shipping cartons are highly recyclable. Always remove plastic tape and shipping labels.

Beverage cans, tin food jars, and glass bottles are infinitely recyclable. Give them a quick rinse to remove food residue before binning.

Focus strictly on jugs and bottles labeled PET #1 or HDPE #2. These have stable domestic reclamation markets across most states.

Food Residue

Plastic Film

Mixed Materials

Greasy pizza boxes and unrinsed takeout containers contaminate entire batches of clean paper, turning valuable resources into trash.

Grocery bags, bubble wrap, and stretch films wrap around mechanical sorting gears, shutting down local municipal plants.

Mailing pouches lined with bubble wrap or multi-layer juice boxes cannot be separated and belong strictly in the landfill bin.

Conscious habits

Look for highly recyclable glass and aluminum over multi-layer plastics. Avoid black plastics, which optical sorting scanners cannot detect, and opt for loose produce over plastic-wrapped alternatives.

Recycle at the aisle

True waste reduction happens before you ever reach the checkout. By choosing conscious packaging, you simplify your sorting habits at home.

Teach the next generation

Empower your kids with simple, active sorting games. Download our youth-led guide created to make daily habits fun and impactful.