Recycling Videos

Recycling Symbol

The recycling symbol does not indicate whether something is curbside recyclable or not. It’s called a “resin code” and indicates what type of plastic something is made from. While in Framingham, we generally accept plastics number 3, 4, 6, or 7, a better way of determining an item’s recyclability is by shape. We accept plastic bottles, jars, jugs, and tubs. Almost all other plastics are not curbside recyclable. 

Bagged Recycling

Bagged recycling is not allowed in the recycling bin. Any recycling in plastic bags is immediately discarded as trash once it gets to the sorting facility. Always put recyclables into the recycling cart loose or in paper bags. 

Black Plastic

Black plastic is not recyclable because the optical sorting equipment at recycling facilities cannot detect the dark pigment. It’s best to avoid black plastic; if you can’t, put it in the trash. 

Cartons

Paper cartons (for milk, juice, broth, ice cream, etc.) are not recyclable. This is because the paper is coated with plastic to make it waterproof. Paper and plastic cannot be separated, and the combination is not a valuable commodity, so recycling facilities in our area do not accept cartons. 

Donation Networks

Usable items should always be donated rather than thrown away. Several local donation networks, including Savers/Sister Thrift, Big Brother Big Sister, Facebook Marketplace, or a Buy-Nothing Group, can give your used items a second life. 

Expiration Dates

Sell by? Use by? Best by? Knowing the meaning of these common food labeling systems can help us waste less food and resources. 

Food/Liquids

Food and liquid are not recyclable materials and can ruin other recyclables if mixed. Never put food or liquid in the recycling bin.

Wrapping Paper

Wrapping paper is not always recyclable. Check the paper to see if it has additives like glitter or other plastics. If it does, it belongs in the trash. Utilizing reusable wrapping is a great way to have a sustainable holiday. 

Hello

Introducing Framingham’s new (as of August 2023) Recycling Coordinator, lifelong Framingham resident Eve Carey.

Aluminum

Aluminum is infinitely recyclable. While other materials degrade the more times they are recycled and eventually have to be discarded, aluminum never does, so it is a great choice for sustainable product packaging.

Paper Cups

Paper cups do not belong in the recycling. This is because they are coated with plastic to make them waterproof. Paper cups (and cup lids) belong in the trash.

Paper Towels

Paper towels are not recyclable. The paper fibers in them, as well as in tissues and wipes, are too short to be recycled into new paper. Paper towels belong in the trash.

Recycling Symbol (Inego Montoya)

Seeing the recycling symbol on an item does not necessarily mean it belongs in the recycling bin. Many things are stamped with this symbol, and depending on the details of the symbol, it can mean different things. Checking local guidelines is the best way to know what is/is not recyclable.

Rigid Plastic

The recycling system is only equipped to handle plastic “bottles, jars, jugs, and tubs.” Things like laundry baskets, totes, plastic furniture, and toys are “rigid plastic” and either belong in the trash or can be recycled at Framingham’s Recycling Drop-off Center. 

Shredded Paper

Shredded paper is not curbside recyclable because it is too small to be captured by the sorting machinery. Bringing your secure documents to a shredding event is a great way to ensure they are recycled, otherwise shredded paper belongs in the trash. 

Styrofoam

Despite commonly having the recycling symbol on it, Styrofoam is not curbside recyclable.

 

Solo Cups

Solo Cups are made from #6 plastic, not curbside recyclable. Opaque plastic cups belong in the trash, whereas clear cups can usually be recycled. 

Glass

Glass is not all made from the same materials. Generally, only glass food, beverage, and product containers are curbside recyclable. 

Wishcycling

Wishcycling is when you recycle something without knowing whether or not it is recyclable. It is bad because when non-recyclable items are recycled, they contaminate the good recycling. Far fewer items are recyclable than most people think. It is best to check local guidelines before recycling something.  

Toys

Toys (along with laundry baskets, totes, etc.) are made of what we call “rigid plastic” and do not belong in the recycling bin. I would always seek to donate toys in usable condition, and if they are broken, they should go in the trash. Some rigid plastic items can be recycled at the Framingham Recycling Drop-off Center.