Five Things You May Not Know You Can Recycle

America Recycles Day is Nov. 15! To celebrate, we’re highlighting five items that could be recycled but often get sent to the landfill. You can also find out how to get involved in creating a circular economy in Boulder – one where we continually use resources and close the loop on waste.

These items can go into your regular, single-stream recycling, which is what gets taken to the Boulder County Recycling Center.

1. Milk cartons: Milk cartons and other “aseptic containers” like juice boxes and rice milk containers are sometimes referred to by a brand name (Tetra Pak). Give them a rinse and put them in with the recycling.

2. Aluminum foil: When you gather clean, dry foil into at least a 2-inch ball and drop it in your bin, you know you’re in your element.

3. Paperback books: Fear not, eco-conscious book lovers! Torn, stained or otherwise unreadable paperback books can be added to the recycling bin. Paperback books in good condition can be donated to the public library, your neighborhood book swap, a local thrift store or the Eco-Cycle/City of Boulder Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials.

4. Berry boxes: Though it’s good form to avoid plastic as much as possible, you can recycle plastic berry boxes and similar clamshell containers along with your other single-stream recycling items. Note: take out the plastic absorbent sheet that sometimes lines these containers.

5. Plastic lids: Close the lid on the trash can and put these in your recycling bin. Flat, plastic tub lids like the ones from yogurt and deli containers are acceptable for single stream.

Searching for waste items in the Eco-Cycle A-Z Recycling Guide.

Not sure what to do with hardcover books, fire extinguishers or mattresses? These, as well as bubble wrap, windowpanes and more can be taken to the CHaRM for recycling.