Sorting Eliminated
No more separating paper goods from containers
All allowed recyclables can be mixed together in the same container(s)
Plastics Expanded
All plastics, #1 – #7, now allowed to be recycled
Exclusion remains: for foam-style plastic #6 (Styrofoam, packing peanuts)
Large non-packaging plastic and metal items still not allowed
large plastic ride-on or playground toys
metal car parts
unclean plant pots
Official Recycling Bin(s) Not Required – Make Your Own
MMWA will now promote the use of any 45-gallon or smaller container/can.
Residents no longer need to set out at least one official recycling bin. Recycling bins may still be used if residents choose to use their current bin. Green recycle bins are no longer available at the township office.
To use a 45-gallon container as a recycling can, residents should affix a “Recyclables Only” sticker to it or paint/mark a large letter “R” on the front. “Recyclables Only” stickers are available at Swan Creek Township office or through MMWA.
Recycling bin containers need to be marked or stickered in some way:
“Recyclables Only” sticker (from MMWA or member community); or large letter “R” marked on cans
There are a number of advantages to the new recycling program. Eliminating sorting between several bins and allowing all plastics to be recycled makes recycling one easy step. Making recycling simple has been shown to boost recycling participation and result in more recyclables getting to the curb, decreasing the amount of material bound for the landfill.
While residents may still use official recycling bins from their community, MMWA will encourage residents to swap their bin(s) for 45-gallon or smaller containers, with more than double the capacity of a recycling bin, to hold more material, and also save space in their homes and garages.
Make sure that all recycling containers follow the 50lb maximum rule. When possible, flatten containers to maximize space in your recycling container.