What is Recycling Contamination?

Contamination happens when residents place non-recyclable or improperly prepared items into recycling containers. This includes materials such as plastic bags, cords, wires, tarps, and hoses, which can jam or damage sorting equipment at Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs). Additionally, unrinsed food containers or soiled paper products can contaminate the other clean, quality recyclables, making them unrecoverable.

Other items commonly mistaken as recyclable—such as electronics, clothing, and certain types of plastic—cannot be processed through single-stream recycling programs and should not be placed in drop-off containers.

Contamination reduces the quality of recyclable materials, increases processing costs, and may even cause entire loads of recycles to be redirected to the landfill. You can help support a cleaner, more efficient recycling program by reviewing and following the City's recycling guidelines.