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What is contamination and why is it such a big deal?
Summary
A container is considered contaminated when your recycling bin contains trash, the materials are soiled by food/liquids, or items are placed in plastic bags. For recyclable materials to have a second life, they must be clean and free from contaminants.
Remember these three simple rules to recycle right:
- Recycle clean bottles, cans, paper & cardboard.
- Keep food and liquid out of your recycling.
- No loose plastic bags & no bagged recyclables.
For more information, visit wm.com/recycleright for tips and educational tools to set your recycling program up for success.
Taking care of waste the right way today will lead to a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable tomorrow.
Information in this article may be inapplicable to customers who receive service pursuant to a WM agreement with a municipality, association or other entity, or where applicable law requires differing terms of service.