MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Did you know that about 75% of the waste stream generated in the U.S. is recyclable? Local officials are reminding residents how to properly sort recyclables at Rutherford County’s Convenience Centers to keep materials clean, safe, and ready for reuse.
As an example, do you know what to look for on the bottom of plastics? That was Donna Barrett, Chair of the Central Tennessee Regional Solid Waste Planning Board.
Sorting Guidelines at Convenience Centers
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Cardboard: Corrugated cardboard, brown paper bags, and paperboard.
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Paper: Newspaper, magazines, office paper, junk mail, shredded paper (bagged), and phonebooks.
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Glass: Clear and colored bottles (wine, beer, etc.) and food jars (jelly, pickle, etc.). No ovenware, bakeware, or Pyrex accepted.
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Metals: Aluminum cans, tin/steel cans, and scrap metal.
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Plastics: Only #1 and #2 plastics are accepted. (Check the bottom of the container for the recycling triangle and number.)
Tips for Recycling Success - A quick rinse is encouraged to keep centers fresh and reduce contamination. Containers don’t need to be spotless, but they should be empty, with no liquids and minimal food residue.
If bringing recyclables in plastic bags, remember to dump items directly into bins, as plastic bags themselves are not recyclable at the centers.
Residents are also encouraged to visit RecycleRightTN.com, a free resource provided by the Central Tennessee Regional Solid Waste Planning Board, which offers up-to-date information on accepted materials, recycling drop-off locations, and local guidelines.
By recycling properly, residents help keep materials out of landfills, reduce waste costs, and support a cleaner, more sustainable Middle Tennessee.
