Colorado Springs

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 - #7.

  • 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.
  • Remove caps and lids

Remove lids and caps from plastic containers

Plastic, single-serve to-go containers with no food residue

METAL

Look for tin, aluminum and other metal items

  • Aluminum & steel cans
  • Aerosol cans

Tin, aluminum, steel, and empty aerosol cans

PAPER

Look for Paper items

  • Cardboard- flattened moving boxes, food boxes, etc.
  • Cartons- milk, juice, soup, crackers, cream, beans, water, broth, wine, etc
  • Mixed paper- office paper, newspaper, mail, catalogs, magazines, and books

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- beverage, food, etc.
  • 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

  • Garbage
  • Plastic bags
  • Styrofoam
  • Foil yogurt lids
  • Microwave popcorn bags
  • Waxed cardboard
  • Toys
  • Cassettes, DVDs, CD’s or plastic cases
  • Garden hoses or plastic tubes
  • Plastic shrink wrap
  • Plastic tubes, such as toothpaste or hair gel tubes
  • Fuel canisters (camping tanks)
  • Paper plates
  • Paperback or hardcover books
  • Bubble wrap or envelopes with bubble wrap inside
  • Ceramics
  • Candy or food wrappers
  • Potato chip bags
  • Plastic containers marked as “Compostable” or “PLA”
  • Scrap metal
  • Plastic flowerpots
  • Glassware or window glass
  • Yard waste
  • Windows
  • Mirrors

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

  • Does not offer recycling for multifamily communities
  • Residents must make use of recycling drop off location
  • The city offers medical waste drop off

Learn more about recycling in your city.

For more information, please contact:

City Administration Building 30 S. Nevada Ave, Suite 604 Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Email: [email protected] Phone: (719) 385-6602

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"