Fort Worth

Recycling Guidelines

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

Mixed Recycling: Plastic, paper, metal and glass can be comingled together in your single-stream recycling collection

PLASTIC

Look for plastic items labeled #1 - #5.

  • Bath bottles- shampoo, mouthwash, lotion, soap, etc.
  • Bottles & jugs- beverage, food, etc.
  • Containers- fruit, baked good, etc.
  • House bottles & jugs- cleaning supplies, detergent, etc.
  • Tubs- yogurt, margarine, etc
  • Lids and caps can stay on plastic bottles
Lids and caps can stay on bottles and containers
Plastic, single-serve to-go containers with no food residue

METAL

Look for tin, aluminum and other metal items

  • Aluminum cans- beverage, food, etc.
  • Tin containers

Tin, aluminum, and empty aerosol cans

PAPER

Look for Paper items

  • Common mail
  • Flattened cardboard- food boxes, moving boxes, etc.
  • Magazines
  • Newspapers
  • Office paper
  • Paper towel rolls
  • Toilet paper rolls

Paper can be recycled up to seven times, depending on the quality

Cardboard tubes from wrapping or toilet paper rolls

GLASS

Look for glass food jars and drink bottles

  • Bottles & Jars- beverage, food, etc.
Bottles and jars (remove lids or caps)
Clean and dry your glass bottles

Mixed Recycling: Plastic, paper, metal and glass can be comingled together in your single-stream recycling collection

Doorstep Recycling Collection
Place acceptable recyclables in a securely tied, see-thru bag, separate from your trash and place in your bin, outside your front door with your scheduled trash collection.

When in Doubt – Toss it Out
Please do not place any unacceptable items in communal recycling containers or in your household recycling bags. Remember, if recycling contains “contaminants” (non-recyclable items or containers not properly cleaned), the whole batch may be rejected and sent to a land fill. When in doubt – best to toss it out!

What can NOT be recycled

  • Plastic bags
  • Batteries and electronics
  • Yard waste
  • No soiled paper
  • No medical waste
  • Construction waste
  • Toys
  • No garbage
    • Do not bag recyclables
  • Nothing that can tangle easily
    • This includes hoses, wires, chains or electronics
  • Diapers
  • Soiled cardboard
  • Clothing
  • Styrofoam
  • Food or liquid
    • All containers should be emptied before recycling
  • Ceramics
  • Windows
  • Mirrors

Recycle Collection Tips

  • Labels can be left on glass and all color glass is accepted.
  • Paper must be clean and dry
  • You can also download the City of Fort Worth Garbage & Recycling app; to get collection reminders and look up how to dispose of waste

Multifamily-specific highlights. Check with your municipality for the latest guidelines.

  • Property managers/owners must complete and submit a recycling plan (http://fortworthtexas.gov/uploadedFiles/Code_Compliance/Education_and_Outreach/AptRecycling_plan.pdf)
    • This recycling plan is to be submitted to the city, three months prior to their scheduled recycling start date
    • Property owners/managers with pre-existing recycling programs are asked to complete a recycling plan; which should describe their existing recycling program and submit the plan to the city
  • The City of Fort Worth curbside garbage and recycling services are provided by Waste Management and Knight Waste Services
  • Owners/managers must provide containers or bags of appropriate size and number for residents (which they can do through a private contract; meaning we must provide these containers or recycling bags to each resident)
  • Must place recycling containers as close as possible to garbage containers (to provide convenience to residents)
    • According to city guidelines if communities use or provide door-to-door valet service as the main method of waste collection, then it is recommended that the collection of recyclables be equivalent
  • Must service recycling containers frequently enough to avoid overflowing containers
  • Labels on containers must be made clear
    • Signage should indicate that containers are for recyclables only and list the types of materials accepted
  • Multifamily property owners/managers must ensure that residents are educated about the provided recycling services
    • Property managers/owners must provide educational material to new and existing occupants upon move-in
    • They are also required to inform occupants of any change in the recycling collection service (i.e., container placement)

If you are not sure how to recycle an item, please visit the link below. Find the Waste Wizard search bar and type in your waste item for more knowledge http://fortworthtexas.gov/solidwaste/recycling/

Multifamily Recycle Collection Tips 

  • Must provide educational services based on the recycling option provided in the community.
  • Must complete a recycling plan and submit it to the city for approval before starting any recycling initiatives
  • Provide clear labeling for recycling containers
  • Must frequently collect (enough to avoid overflowing of containers)
  • Property owners/managers must provide containers or bags for recycling (to each resident)

Learn more about recycling in your city.

For more information, please contact:

[email protected] or call 817-392-1234

This information is not your official community or municipality guidelines. Recycling mandates may change based on the local processing capabilities and shifting markets. Contact your leasing office or local recycling agency to learn more or use the links under the “Recycling Resources"