If an item is not on my acceptable items list, and I think it could be recycled, should I put in my recycling bin/cart?

No. Putting the wrong recyclables into your bin or cart will contaminate the recycling stream. The materials move quickly on the belts through the Material Recovery Facility (MRF). Machines and people cannot quickly sort all of the unacceptable items, which can create contamination and the recovered items cannot be sold. It’s best to follow the acceptable item list. It’s important to recycle, but it’s just as important to recycle correctly.

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1. What is Hamilton County R3Source and what do they do?
2. If an item is not on my acceptable items list, and I think it could be recycled, should I put in my recycling bin/cart?
3. What types of plastics can I recycle curbside? Why are some plastics like trays, and hinged (clamshell) containers not accepted in Hamilton County?
4. Are cups recyclable?
5. What is contamination and why is it bad for recycling?
6. Where do items go for recycling after the hauler has collected them?
7. What are the most common misconceptions about recycling?
8. Which Hamilton County communities are the most successful in their recycling efforts?
9. How can I reduce the amount of junk mail I receive?
10. Can I put yard trimmings, latex paint, household hazardous waste, or electronics in my curbside recycling bin/cart?
11. How can I compost my yard trimmings?
12. How can I recycle or properly dispose of latex paint?
13. How can I recycle or properly dispose of household hazardous waste?
14. How can I recycle or properly dispose of electronic equipment?
15. Since plastic bags, plastic film, etc. can't go in the recycling cart, where can I recycle plastic bags and plastic film?
16. What simple things could any consumer do to reduce the amount of waste put into landfills?