Happy America Recycles Day! It’s a great time to reflect on how recycling responsibly helps the environment. To celebrate, here are seven simple tips you can follow all year round.

1. Use the “What Do I Do With…” tool

Not sure if something is recyclable? Use the What Do I Do With… tool to find out which items can be recycled (and how), and which should be thrown away.

2. Never bag recyclables

Plastic bags can get tangled in and damage recycling equipment. If recyclables are bagged, facility staff might not be able to see what’s inside. This may lead to the entire bag and its contents being sent to the landfill. To avoid this, place your recyclables loosely in the blue cart. (Plastic bags can still be recycled—keep reading for details.)

3. Keep contaminants out of the blue cart

Plastic bags, Styrofoam, batteries, and electronics are contaminants that can’t go in your blue cart. They can damage recycling equipment and often end up in landfills. But they can still be recycled using these options:

• Plastic bags: Recycle at participating stores
• Batteries: Schedule an on-demand household and hazardous waste collection or take them to participating libraries
• Electronics: Schedule an on-demand bulk collection
• Styrofoam, plastic bags, batteries, and electronics: Recycle them at the Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center

4. Donate or repair items

Give items a second life by donating or repairing them. Visit the Austin Reuse Directory to find local resale or repair shops.

5. Avoid single-use plastics

Choose durable alternatives, such as silverware, reusable shopping bags, and sustainable water bottles (made from aluminum, silicone or other materials), instead of plastic utensils, bags, and bottles. Small changes add up.

6. Break own cardboard boxes

Flattening clean cardboard boxes makes it easier for recycling crews to process and keeps your cart from filling up too quickly.

7. Recycle cartons and coated paper products

Food and drink cartons and coated paper products are now recyclable in Austin. Just give them a quick rinse, leave caps on, and place them in your blue cart.

By following these tips, you’re helping Austin move toward its goal of zero waste. For full recycling guidelines, visit AustinTexas.gov/Recycling. Thanks for keeping Austin sustainable, not just on America Recycles Day, but every day.