Dual trash and recycling cans

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Two bins, one footprint

A dual can holds two inner bins under one lid or two lids, so trash and recycling sit side by side. Some put the bins front to back instead.

Why sorting at the can matters

EPA says many people are confused about what items can be recycled, where they can be recycled, and how, and that this often leads to recyclables going in the trash or trash going in the recycling bin.

Your local program decides

EPA gives general answers but says your local program may have different rules. Check with your local recycling program to learn what it accepts.

Keep bags out of the recycling side

EPA says plastic bags, wraps, and films are recyclable but cannot go in your household recycling bin. It says retail and grocery stores often accept them for recycling.

Clean enough to recycle

EPA says items with food debris cannot be recycled, and that "spatula-clean" is clean enough to recycle. University of Maryland Extension says to rinse and drain bottles and cans that are to be recycled, as part of keeping fruit flies down.

Sources: EPA, Recycling Basics and Benefits; EPA, How Do I Recycle Common Recyclables; EPA, Frequently Asked Questions about Plastic Recycling and Composting; University of Maryland Extension, Fruit Flies.

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