Many recycling programs have started accepting additional recyclable materials. Materials being added include plastic cups, tubs, containers and trays, and paper food and beverage cartons.

See the Recycling Guide (pdf) for a list of materials now accepted for recycling.

The following is a more detailed list of materials accepted, materials not accepted, and materials that may be accepted depending on your recycling program.

Paper

Yes:

  • Mail, office and school papers
  • Magazines and catalogs
  • Newspapers and inserts
  • Phone books
  • Shredded paper in closed paper bags
  • Boxes: Cardboard; cereal and cracker boxes; shoe boxes, gift boxes and electronics boxes; toothpaste, medication and other toiletry boxes  

No:

  • Paper soiled with food
  • Paper plates and towels
  • Gift wrap

Maybe:

  • Pizza boxes
  • Paper egg cartons
  • Pop and beer cases
  • Refrigerated or frozen food boxes

Cartons

Yes:

Preparation: Rinse. It’s OK to leave caps and lids on.

  • Milk cartons
  • Juice boxes
  • Soup, broth and wine cartons

Plastic

Yes:

Preparation: Rinse. It’s OK to leave caps and lids on.

Bottles and jugs:

  • Water, soda and juice bottles
  • Milk and juice jugs
  • Ketchup and salad dressing bottles
  • Dishwashing liquid bottles and detergent jugs
  • Shampoo, soap and lotion bottles

Cups and containers:

  • Yogurt, pudding and fruit cups
  • Disposable cups and bowls
  • Margarine, cottage cheese, and other containers
  • Produce, deli and take out containers

Packaging: Clear packaging from toys and electronics

No:

  • Styrofoam™ cups, plates and packaging
  • Microwaveable food trays
  • Plastic wrap
  • Motor oil bottles and other containers that held hazardous products.

Maybe:

Some cities or haulers accept these materials. Contact your city recycling coordinator or your waste hauler for details about your recycling program.

  • Plastic bags

Glass

Yes:

Preparation: Rinse and remove lids.

  • Food and beverage bottle and jars

No:

  • Drinking glasses, dishes, and vases
  • Window glass and mirrors

Metal

Yes:

Preparation: Rinse.

  • Food and beverage cans

No:

  • Cans that held hazardous products such as paint thinner.

Maybe:

Some cities or haulers accept these materials. Contact your city recycling coordinator or your waste hauler for details about your recycling program.

  • Scrap metal
  • Aluminum foil
  • Aerosol cans
  • Empty paint cans

City recycling coordinators

Your city recycling coordinator is your point person for information on recycling and trash disposal in your city. 

Apartment/condominium recycling

Property owners are required to provide occupants with the opportunity to recycle. Call your city recycling coordinator if this service is not available. Visit our page about county resources for multifamily building residents and property owners for more information. 

Hennepin County drop-off facilities

Hennepin County operates two permanent drop-off facilities that accept curbside-type recyclables from households or businesses for no charge.