What and What NOT to Recycle in Corpus Christi

By: Terry Shannon

For so many of us, recycling has become a way of life; we're all glad to do our share.  Besides, how much easier can it be to simply place the items in a large blue container and take it to the curb twice a month?  But the reality is a lot of us tend toward throwing everything into recycling, not thinking twice.

The City of Corpus Christi has done an excellent job at posting information on what can and what can't be recycled.  There are some nuances, though.  For example, did you know bottle caps are recyclable, but they have to be completely removed from the bottle?  Or how about this one - pizza boxes aren't recyclable at all.  One more - no glass!  So, consider this a refresher course, something to keep handy in the event you're wondering whether to recycle it, or trash it.

First, what we can recycle:

Paper

• Junk mail, catalogs, and envelopes (no need to shred them)
• Shredded personal documents
• Boxes like cereal, pasta, frozen dinners and drink cartons
• Shoe boxes
• Cardboard (flattened)
• Newspaper and magazines
• Phone books
• Copy and computer paper -- white and colors
• Protective paper wrapping on shoes, purses, etc.

Plastic

• Water/soda bottles
• Detergent, soap, and shampoo bottles
• Milk jugs
• Butter, sour cream, and yogurt tubs
• Syrup, peanut butter, and squeezable jelly bottles
• Plastic bags (Tip: Tie a knot in the bag before disposal to keep it from blowing.)
• Packing bags for electronics

Bottle caps are accepted for recycling, but must be removed from the bottle or container before placed in the recycling cart.

Metal

• Aluminum, tin and steel
• Food cans for things like vegetables and soup
• Metal drink cans - sodas, energy drinks, etc.
• Other beverage cans
• Empty aerosol spray cans
• Aluminum foil and trays

Now, what you can't recycle:

Please do not put the following items in your blue recycling bin:

• Glass
• Food waste or liquids
• Containers with food residuals (like pizza boxes)
• Wet paper products
• Yardwaste (grass trimmings, branches)
• Styrofoam
• Waxed paper or waxed cardboard
• Motor oil containers or household hazardous waste items

Happy recycling!