Item
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OK to Recycle?
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Alternative?
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Shredded paper (Long & cross-cut shred)
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Only long shreds (at least 8 ½ inches long and ¼ inch wide).
Confetti-like pieces from cross-cut shredders have no retrievable fibers for recycling.
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Cross-cut shredded paper can be added to yard waste carts. It’s also acceptable in garbage.
Read more about recycling paper.
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Plastic food bags (produce bags, bread bags, frozen food and Ziploc pouches)
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No.
Plastic food bags often contain food residue and moisture that contaminate large bales of plastic.
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Re-use plastic bags when you shop. They’re also acceptable in garbage.
Read more about recycling plastic.
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Computers & Electronics
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No.
Electronics may contain heavy metals, such as mercury and lead.
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Because of heavy metals, they cannot go in your garbage. Many recycling organizations accept electronics, such as computers, televisions and VCRs. For local listings, see the Take It Back Network
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Packing materials (Styrofoam “peanuts,” Styrofoam blocks bubble wrap)
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No.
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Many mailing and shipping businesses accept “peanuts” for reuse. Check King County Reuse and Recycling Database or search the Peanut Hotline for recycling locations by ZIP code.
Packing material can go in your garbage.
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Caps and lids
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No.
Because of their size, they can jam the machinery at the recycling plant.
For metal cans, leave lid slightly attached, push lid into the can and recycle.
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Plastic caps and lids and detached metal lids can go in the garbage.
Read more about recycling plastic.
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Plant pots
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No.
Due to the type of plastic and amount of dirt that often comes caked onto plant containers, they have a very low recycling value.
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Check the King County Materials Exchange site to see if anyone is interested in your pots.
If not, you can throw them in your garbage.
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CD cases
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No.
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Search by categories of items for local private recyclers at Resource Venture: Find a Recycler or King County Reuse and Recycling Database.
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Any plastic containers with a number on bottom
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Ignore the numbers—recycle only plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars, plus shopping, newspaper and dry cleaning bags. The number indicates the resin (a type of plastic) content. The cost of recycling some items exceeds the value of recycled plastic.
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Read more about recycling plastic.
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Aluminum foil
Pie Pans
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No.
Aluminum foil, trays and pie pans are all a different metal alloy than aluminum cans and burn at different temperatures. Mixing them during the melting process creates a fire hazard.
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Wash and reuse aluminum foil, pans and trays. Otherwise, toss in the garbage.
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Pill bottles with a “neck and shoulders”
Prescription containers
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Only recycle bottles with a “neck and shoulders,” such as aspirin or vitamin bottles.
Cylindrical prescription medicine containers are not recyclable.
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Prescription medicine containers can be thrown in the garbage. For information about safe disposal of medications, call the King County Household Hazards Line, (206) 296-4692.
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