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Single Stream Mixed Recycling
How It Works
Single stream mixed recycling is the system used in Durango that allows recyclable items such as paper, cardboard, plastic, and metal to be collected mixed together, and then sorted and processed for repurposing. Blue containers and dumpsters are used to collect this kind of common recycling.
The “What Goes Where?” Wizard tool is a great resource to search for what can and cannot be recycled through single stream collections. Even if something is not recyclable through single stream collections, it still may be recyclable through a different service or program.
Use this handy Single Stream Recycling Guidelines (PDF) flyer as quick and easy reference.
Glass Recycling
Glass is NOT accepted in Durango's single stream recycling, but you can drop-off glass at the Durango Recycle Center for free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please do not put glass in your single stream recycling containers as it can severely contaminate the recycling batches.
Accepted and Unaccepted Materials:
Paper & Cardboard
Put items loose in your recycling container – do not bag items (except shredded paper).
Accepted Paper
- Newspaper
- Magazines and catalogs
- Mixed Paper and envelopes
- Corrugated cardboard
- Paperboard
- Cartons – rinse out and remove lids
- Paper Bags
- Phonebooks and paperback books
- Long-shred paper is the only product that can be recycled in a plastic bag - see Shredded Paper FAQ
Unaccepted Paper
- Grease-stained cardboard or paper bags (pizza boxes, takeout container, etc.)
- Waxed paper
- Toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, and tissue – empty cardboard tubes are accepted
- Paper coffee cups
- Confetti or cross-cut shredded paper (square shredded)
- Paper with paint, glue, or bonded plastic (envelopes with windows are accepted)
- Hanging file folders with the plastic or metal still integrated
Don’t see the item you’re looking for? Use the “What Goes Where?” Wizard tool to search your item. If your item isn’t listed, you can request that it be added to the list!
Plastic
Put items loose in your recycling container – do not bag items.
Make sure to fully rinse out and remove the lid from all containers. Items that cannot be rinsed out should not be recycled due to contamination concerns.
Accepted Plastics
- # 1-7 hard plastics are accepted.
- Plastic bottles and food containers – little to no food residue should remain
- Plastic tubs (e.g., yogurt)
- Large plastic containers
- Plastic pump bottles (soap, shampoo, etc.) – remove pump and fully rinse
- Plastic to-go containers
Unaccepted Plastics
- Plastic bags, films or wraps – accepted at some grocery stores and commercial locations
- Food wrappers or chip bags
- Plastic utensils
- “Compostable” PLA plastic (plates, cups, utensils, etc.)
- Styrofoam®
- Flower pots and garden plastics
- Medical supplies
- Household hazardous waste containers and bottles of flammable, corrosive, or toxic material (motor oil, pesticides/herbicides, glue containers, lighter fluid, etc.)
- Plastic plumbing supplies and plastic pipe
- Plastic toys
- Plastic from household items and appliances that does not have a number identifier.
Don’t see the item you’re looking for? Use the “What Goes Where?” Wizard tool to search your item. If your item isn’t listed, you can request that it be added to the list!
Metal
Put items loose in your recycling container – do not bag items.
Make sure to fully rinse out and remove the lid from all containers. Items that cannot be rinsed out should not be recycled due to contamination concerns.
Accepted Metals:
- Aluminum cans
- Aluminum foil – rinse and ball up
- Aluminum pie plates and serving containers
- Loose metal jar lids and bottle caps
- Steel cans (a.k.a. “tin cans”)
Unaccepted Metals:
- Clothes hangers
- Metal fasteners
- Scrap metal
- Metal hardware such as screws, bolts, and nails
- Metal plumbing supplies
- Paint cans
- Motor oil cans
- Pots and pans
- Wires
Don’t see the item you’re looking for? Use the “What Goes Where?” Wizard tool to search your item. If your item isn’t listed, you can request that it be added to the list!
Unaccepted Materials in Single Stream
Please keep these items out of your single stream container. Excessive contamination has the potential to affect entire loads of collected recycling.
- Liquids or food residue, especially greasy and oily food residue – minimal amounts of residue are acceptable
- Glass bottles and jars – recyclable 24/7 at the Recycle Center glass chute
- Electronics – recyclable at the Recycle Center by drop-off during business hours
- Household hazardous waste (HHW) including flammable, corrosive, or toxic materials – recyclable at HHW collection events and at various locations around town
- Plastic bags, plastic wrappers, and plastic film - recyclable at some grocery stores and commercial
- Scrap Metal – recyclable at certain locations in town
- Food waste – sign-up for compost collections or compost yourself
- Ceramics
- Wood
- Diapers and pet waste
- Construction and demolition materials (C&D) – contact Phoenix Recycling
Don’t see the item you’re looking for? Use the “What Goes Where?” Wizard tool to search your item. If your item isn’t listed, you can request that it be added to the list!