Most items that we use every day—especially containers—are made of materials that can be used over and over again. Recycling is collecting used materials that would otherwise be thrown away and breaking down and remaking these materials into new products. When we recycle more, we are saving resources and sending less trash to landfills and incinerators. That’s good for the environment. 

In DC, we recycle glass bottles and jars; most types of clean paper, such as mail, office paper and newspaper; metal cans; and plastic bottles with narrow-openings, such as shampoo and ketchup bottles.

So, don’t throw away that milk jug, soda can, pickle jar or newspaper! Don’t just toss that junk mail into the trashcan! Put those items into your recycling cart or bin instead. Now that’s recycling!

International symbol for recycling.