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 allentownpa.gov - Metro Government of Allentown (Print logo)

Reduce, Reuse & Recycle

Reduction and reuse are the most effective and desirable ways to save natural resources, protect the environment and save money. The phrase, “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” is placed in that order to demonstrate best practices for a better environment.

By doing this, you will:
  • Prevent pollution
  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
  • Save money
  • Save energy
  • Help sustain the environment
  • Reduce the amount of waste recycled, landfilled, or incinerated.





REDUCE & REUSE
  • Buy used products
  • Only buy products with minimal packaging
  • Buy reusable instead of disposable items
  • Maintain and repair products
  • Borrow, rent, or share items
  • Donate
RECYCLE

Single Stream Recycling
Easier than ever, just mix all recycling together!

Mixed Paper

  • File folders and office paper
  • Flattened paperboard and paper bags
  • Junk mail, magazines, newspapers
  • Paperback books
  • Paper towel and toilet paper rolls
  • White and colored paper

Plastics - Bottles, jars, jugs, tubs #1 - 7

  • Beverage bottles
  • Gallon jugs
  • Food bottles, jars, jugs, and tubs
  • Must be clean and dry.  Please discard all food and liquid.
  • NO styrofoam

Aluminum and Steel Cans

  • Beer, seltzer, juice, and soda cans
  • Food cans
  • Pie plates and other aluminum food trays
  • Aluminum foil
  • Aerosol cans (Must be completely empty.)
  • Must be clean and dry.  Please discard all food and liquid.
  • NO chips bags or food/snack wrappers.

Glass - Bottles, jars, and jugs

  • Food jars
  • Beer, juice, and soda bottles
  • Wine and spirit bottles
  • Must be clean and dry.  Please discard all food and liquid.
  • NO plate glass (windows) or dinnerware (Pyrex, etc.)

Cardboard

  • Must be flattened
  • To save space in your recycling bin, cardboard can also be bundled or placed inside another cardboard box and placed next to your recycling bin for collection.
  • Do not mix trash and food waste with cardboard.

Cartons

  • Juice, milk, and other beverage cartons
  • Soup, stock and broth cartons
  • Please rinse in order to remove food and drink residue.
  • Place plastic cap back on the carton or push drinking straw inside the carton before placing in your recycling bin.