We know a big way to save the environment is to recycle, but we need to make sure we are doing it the right way. This is the easiest way to keep our community clean and keep the City of Annapolis sustainable for many years to come.
Adding materials that are not able to be recycled to your entire container can result in the whole pile being left behind. Know what materials can and what cannot be recycled. For example, don’t put the recyclables into a plastic bag, keep them loose in the container, the city does not accept bags for curbside recycling.
Help us in the commitment for Annapolis to Rethink Recycling and reduce the amount of recyclables in our city’s landfill.
Proper vs. Improper Plastics
Most people think that if it is plastic, then it is recyclable, but that is not always true. Some forms of plastic are able to be melted down and made into new products, other forms of plastic jam the facility equipment and push back production.
Know Where It Goes
There are four collectible materials. If the item is not paper, plastic, metal, or glass, throw it in the trash!
Know How it Goes
Annapolis has a single stream collection process. With this, the city picks up your recyclable and transports them to the material recovery facility to be separated by type, and processed. Make sure to put your Annapolis Recycles container on or close to the curb, but not in the street. The city is not allowed to enter private property to collect the container so make sure you do not leave it in the yard!
Sort different components of the items from one another if the item contains both recyclable and non-recyclable materials. For example, a cereal box is recyclable, but the bag inside is trash. Also, make sure the item is clean. A peanut butter jar is recyclable but you need to clean out and remove as much of the excess peanut butter inside as possible.
Show us how you are rethinking recycling by connecting with us on social media, using #AnnapolisRecycles. For specific questions, contact us at 410-263-7949, or email pubworks@annapolis.gov. For more information, visit Rethink Recycling.