REMEMBER: The number inside recycle triangles on products does not always indicate that it is recyclable. The triangle actually indicates that a product is made from recycled material, while the number indicates what type of recycled material. For plastics, Gilbert accepts numbers 1-7, which is almost all plastic. One example of a product made from recycled material but is not itself recyclable in our blue bins is polystyrene (“Styrofoam”).
***For more specific information about what can and cannot be recycled, plus information about refuse and bulk pick up, please download the free “My Waste” app! It is available for both Android and Apple phones.
YES-IT CAN BE PUT IN THE BLUE BIN
Aluminum/Metal
-Aluminum/metal cans*
-Aluminum foil (SMALL deposits of food/grease acceptable)
-Screws
-Wires
-Bucket handles
-Food/liquid containers*
-Aerosol cans
-Emptied and dried paint cans
Cardboard
-Food/liquid boxes
-Laundry soap boxes
-Facial tissue boxes
-Gift boxes
-Paper tubing
-Bathroom/paper towel rolls
-Corrugated storage boxes
-Shipping/moving boxes
-Waxed covered milk cartons
Glass*
-Food/liquid bottles
-Wine/beer bottles
-Baby food jars
-Condiment containers
Paper
-Junk mail
-Magazines
-Catalogues
-Newspapers
-Hard bound books (must removed spine, the -glue is not recyclable)
-Telephone books
-Shredded paper in a clear, plastic bag
-Plates (SMALL deposits of food/grease -acceptable)
-Chipboard
-Pizza boxes (SMALL deposits of food/grease acceptable)
Plastic*
-Bottles/jugs*
-Hard numbered plastics 1-7
-Emptied and dried paint containers
-Emptied medication bottles (make sure to remove personal information)
*Labels, inserts, and caps do not have to be removed. Bottles do not have to be absolutely clean, dry, and emptied. Lightly rinsed is adequate.
NO-IT CANNOT BE PUT IN THE BLUE BIN
Aluminum/Metal
-Melded with plastic
-Scrap metal
-Wire coat hangers (can be returned to drycleaners)
-Electrical wire
-Auto parts
-Metal patio furniture (please donate useable items to charity)
-Aluminum siding
-Pots and pans (please donate useable items to charity)
Paper
-Tissues/napkins
-Paper towels
-Diapers
-Wrapping paper
-Pet food bags (the paper bag is recyclable, but the waxy lining inside is not, remove the lining to recycle)
-Air conditioner filters
Glass
-Light bulbs
-Ceramics/Dishes/glassware (please donate useable items to charity)
-Mirrors
-Window glass/panes
Plastic
-Grocery bags
-Dry cleaning bags
-Sheets of plastic
-Pool covers
-Bubble wrap
-Packing peanuts (return to post office to be reused)
-Polystyrene (“Styrofoam”)
-PVC
-Garden hoses
***To find a local place to recycle plastic films please go to: http://www.plasticfilmrecycling.org/s01/s01_search.html
Clothing/shoes are NOT recyclable in the blue bin. Please see our list of charities/organizations on the “Donations & Reuse” page for places you can donate your useable items!
