Let’s use the green bins! Click here to find out how to get one. For additional recycling questions, call 410-778-7448 or check out the FAQ page.
Remember, curbside recycling is free in Kent County!
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The following items CAN be recycled in the Kent County green bins:
Plastics:
#1 PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate) : clear plastic bottles (soda, alcohol, peanut butter jars)
PET fact: PET is the only plastic that can retain carbonation
#2 HDPE (high density polyethylene) : most milk jugs, laundry detergent bottles, opaque white plastics (such as vitamin bottles)
HDPE fact: Many laundry detergent bottles are made with a percentage of recycled HDPE
Aluminum and Tin cans
Mixed paper, newspaper, cardboard (see FAQs for details)
See below for items that can be recycled at other locations.
Can NOT be recycled (in Kent County):
Plastics
#3 PVC (polyvinyl chloride) : opaque plastic bottles with a seam on the bottom
Note: These are rarely found anymore as they are difficult to recycle and tend to be confused with PET. The difference is on the bottom of the bottle: PVC has a seam, sometimes called a “smile”, while PET has a button or depression.
#4 LDPE (low density polyethylene) : plastic bags, packaging (like plastic wrap and cd/ dvd packaging)
LDPE fact: plastic bags CAN be recycled at Acme and Superfresh
#5 PP (polypropylene) : yogurt containers, cream cheese containers, lids, straws
PP fact: propylene is high on the EPA list of “worst toxics”
#6 PS (polystyrene) : take out container plastics, plastic cups, what is commonly called stryrofoam
PS fact: Styrofoam is actually a trade name which is no longer in use, as its production involves the release of CFCs, the cause of the hole in the ozone layer. It is also completely non-biodegradable and will still be present in 500 years.
#7 (everything else!) : 7 can be mixed plastic, or occasionally new, “compostable” corn-based plastics often called Greenware. These are also marked with a “PLA” for polylactide, and can be composted in high heat composting facilities. They cannot be recycled.
CAN be recycled elsewhere in K. Co:
Plastic bags (#4 LDPE- low density polyethylene)- Acme and Superfresh
Ink catridges- Town Stationers, money goes to help the Kent Center
More Info:
Frequently Asked Questions
Waste Disposal Information
Kent County’s Recycling Information Page
Top Ten Reasons to Recycle
10 Things to Recycle You Never Thought You Could
How to Make Money By Recycling
How to Recycle Anything
Light Bulb Recycling
Maryland Recycles
Learn how recycling happens.
Learn how electronics are recycled.
