Since switching to single-stream recycling in 2009, Mt. Lebanon has significantly increased recycling tonnage. However, many of us are still confused about  what can and cannot be recycled. An up-to-date list appears in the public works section of Mt. Lebanon’s website. Here are the most common items acceptable for recycling at curbside:

PAPER Paperboard boxes (such as those used for cereal, tissues and shoes), copier paper, magazines, newspapers, catalogs, junk mail including envelopes and telephone books. Coffee cups, wrapping paper, laminated paper, shredded paper, softcover books, hardcover books with the cover removed, Corrugated cardboard must be flattened and no larger than 36 x 36 inches.

METAL Aluminum, steel, tin and bimetal cans, aluminum foil and foil products.

GLASS All clear, amber and green glass.

PLASTICS Manufacturers have developed a coding system for identifying various types of plastic. That’s the number you see inside the triangle on the bottom of a container. Mt. Lebanon recycles plastic 1-7;  check the triangle. All containers must be empty and free of food waste and original contents. Here is a list of what plastics are accepted:

1. Clear containers typically used for soft drinks, bottled water, salad dressing, peanut butter.

2. Colored or translucent plastic. Typically used for milk or juice containers, trash and shopping bags.

3. Commonly used for medical tubing, construction products such as pipes, siding and insulation.

4. Used predominately for frozen food bags, squeezable condiment bottles, cling wrap.

5. Reusable microwave ware, yogurt containers, plastic cups and plates

6. Protective packaging, plastic takeout containers (not styrofoam)

7. Beverage bottles, baby milk bottles and electronic casing.