Accepted Recyclables

Accepted items include paper products, metal and paperboard cans, cardboard, and rigid plastics from the kitchen, laundry room, and bathroom. Glass recyclables must go in the separate glass-recycling tote.

What Can and Cannot Be Recycled (PDF)

Recycling Tips

Always check your plastic containers for a number before placing them in your recycle cart. Most plastics are labeled or stamped with a number inside a recycle symbol. Plastic recyclables must be rigid. Bag or film plastics are not accepted through the program, even if they are labeled as a number 2 plastic.

Empty bottles and rinse cans, jugs, jars and tubs before recycling them.

If you are not sure if your recyclable is accepted, throw it away in your trash cart or contact Utility and Billing Services.

"Know Your Plastics - Recycling is Simple" Video

Accepted Plastics

Look for a recycling symbol on all plastic items. Only rigid plastics labeled or stamped No. 1, 2 or 5 are accepted.

Place these items in your recycle cart.

Plastic No. 1: PET or PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

Found in: Carbonated and non-carbonated beverage bottles and caps; mouthwash bottles; peanut butter containers; salad dressing and vegetable oil bottles; syrup and ketchup bottles; some oven-safe food trays.

Restrictions: The City of Stillwater accepts rigid plastic containers labeled No. 1. Examples include plastic bottles and containers used for products in your kitchen, laundry and bathroom. Some bag/film plastics are labeled No. 1 and are made of the same resin as a rigid container, however, our end users processing equipment is designed only for rigid containers. Therefore, bag/film plastics are not acceptable in our program.

Plastic No. 2: HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)

Found in: Milk jugs; juice bottles; bleach, detergent and household cleaner bottles; some shampoo bottles; motor oil bottles; butter and yogurt tubs; cereal box liners.

Restrictions: The City of Stillwater accepts rigid plastic containers labeled No. 2. Examples include plastic bottles and containers used for products in your kitchen, laundry and bathroom. Some bag/film plastics are labeled No. 2 and are made of the same resin as a rigid container, however, our end-users processing equipment is designed only for rigid containers. Therefore, bag/film plastics are not acceptable in our program.

Plastic No. 5: PP (Polypropylene)

Found in: Some margarine and yogurt tubs; lids; empty medicine bottles.

Unaccepted Plastics

Look for a recycling symbol on all plastic items. Plastics No. 3, 4, 6 and 7 are not accepted.

Place these items in your trash cart.

Plastic No. 3: V (Vinyl) or PVC

Found in: Some shampoo bottles; some clear food packaging; wire jacketing; medical equipment; siding; windows; piping.

Plastic No. 4: LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)

Found in: Bread and frozen food packaging; dry cleaning and shopping bags; tote bags; clothing; furniture; carpet.

Plastic No. 6: PS (Polystyrene) and EPS (Expanded Polystyrene)

Found in: Disposable plates and cups; meat trays; egg cartons; carry-out containers; aspirin bottles; compact disc cases; Styrofoam.

Plastic No. 7: Miscellaneous

Found in: Five-gallon-sized water bottles; bulletproof materials; sunglasses; nylon; DVDs; iPod and computer cases; plant-based plastics; signs and displays; certain food containers.

Medical Sharps and Other Medical Waste

Items such as medical sharps (needles, syringes, lancets), catheter bags and other medical waste are not accepted in our recycling program. These items should always be placed in your trash cart if you are disposing of them through the City's waste management program.

Recycling Glass

The Waste Management team asks customers to use a City-issued glass recycling tote to minimize confusion and ensure regular pickup. If you don't already have a tote, there is no extra fee to request one. Contact Utility and Billing Services at (405) 742-8245 with your request.

Accepted Glass

Place these items in your tote, not in your recycle cart. Recyclables are sorted by hand, so glass is collected separately.

Jars and bottles

Unaccepted Glass