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1. Where do the recyclables go when they leave my curb?

EWS picks up your recyclable materials, and they are transported to a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). At the MRF, recyclable items are sorted by type and then shredded or crushed, baled and loaded onto tractor-trailer trucks to be shipped to factories or mills and turned into new, usable products.

2. Do I have to remove labels and lids?

No. The manufacturing processing is designed to handle labels and lids. 

Please make sure anything placed in your recycling container is empty.

3. How clean do containers have to be before I recycle them?

A good swish is usually enough if all food residue is gone. Rinsing before recycling helps prevent odor and insects.

4. Why can’t I recycle plastic bags in my blue cart?

Putting plastic bags in household recycling containers slows down the sorting time at the processing facility as the bags get caught in equipment.

Most retailers who use plastic bags will take them back for recycling in bins positioned at the front of the store. 

Consider investing in reusable canvas bags to eliminate the need for single-use plastic bags.

5. Do I have to bag my curbside recycling?

Clear or transparent bags are OK. 

Bagging recycling can help prevent litter during hauling but is not required.

6. Why do I have to flatten cardboard?

Empty, flattened cardboard boxes take up less room and have less of a chance of blowing out of the recycling container.

7. Can I recycle pizza boxes?

Grease and oil residue from pizza boxes can cause problems in the recycling process. 

You can recycle the part of the cardboard box that is not contaminated with food residue. For example, if the lid is clean, you can tear it off and recycle it. 

When in doubt, throw it out.

8. Why can’t I recycle broken glass (such as a window) and dishes?

The combination of ingredients used to make glassware is different from what goes into container glass for bottles and jars. If these two types of glass are recycled together, the resulting glass will not be suitable for container glass. In fact, glassware, ceramics, window panes, or mirrors can pose a threat to equipment in a glass recycling plant.

9. Who can I contact about starting a recycling program or garbage collection at my apartment complex or business?

Visit the Commercial Services page for information about services for the business community or email EWS Customer Service or call 972-205-3500.

We can help you assess your trash and recycling needs.