Rinse it clean
By rinsing out all food containers, you raise the value of the material. Unrinsed items will not be collected as they contaminate the other recyclables.
Zero Waste Tip: Water used to rinse our containers can be saved and use to water plants!
Off with the lids
Lids, from plastic or glass bottles and jars, cannot be recycled. Lids are made out of a different type of plastic that is not collected and pose a threat to recycling workers if they are attached to containers that are put into the bailing machine. One exception: you can recycle metal lids on cans, for example soup cans. Leave these metal lids attached or place them in the bottom of cans, and pinch the top of the cans together.
Zero Waste Tip: Collect various bottle caps and lids (different sizes and colors) and contact a local school art department to donate them for art projects or use them as a learning tool for your own children!