Recycling just got simpler in St. Paul, as single-stream arrives on Monday, April 7. That means no more sorting: cans, bottles, plastics, paper all go in the same container. More plastic containers will also be accepted for recycling. According to Eureka’s website:
“As a general rule, most food and beverage containers are recyclable (and some containers from your bathroom and laundry room, too). However, any plastic marked with a #3 or #6 (look on the bottom) are not recyclable because no market exists for this packaging.”
If you are new to recycling, here are three steps to get started:
1) Call your community council to get one of those blue bins you’ve seen along the curb, and to find out your neighborhood’s recycling day. (You can also call Eureka – (651) 222-SORT (7678) Until you get the bin, you can use brown paper grocery bags.
2) Put all your clean, recyclable containers, paper and cardboard in the bin or grocery bag.
3) Set it out on the curb on recycling day.
For questions or details, check out Eureka’s website. Eureka Recycling is the non-profit organization that contracts for St. Paul recycling.
Eureka is pushing for curbside composting of organic materials, and surveys show that St. Paul residents want it, but the city says the start date is still a couple of years away. However, in the meantime, residents can pack up their compostable items, including food scraps, in a compostable bag and take them to a Ramsey County Yard Waste site. (Or you can compost in the back yard,)
- Between 28 and 38 percent of all waste is compostable depending on the type of composting program. An average of 25 percent of household waste is compostable.
- Basic types of organic materials compostable in backyard compost bins include fruit and vegetable trimmings, egg shells, banana peels, bread, rice, houseplants and garden waste.
- Anything that is plant or animal based including all items mentioned above plus meat, dairy products, leftovers, and non-recyclable paper (refrigerator/freezer boxes, paper towels, plates, napkins and egg cartons) can be composted via a commercial facility.
Feeling green enough yet? If not, St. Paul offers another opportunity on Saturday, April 12 — get together with neighbors, brag about your recycling prowess, and help in the citywide spring clean-up day.
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