TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE! TAKE A RECYCLING QUIZ

1. Plastic bottles from the kitchen, laundry room and bathroom are recyclable - true or false?

2. Recycle plastics based on the number on the label - true or false?

3. Metal cans are recyclable - true or false?

4. Which of these scrap metals is recyclable in the blue cart - tanks, pipes, hangers, or none of them?

5. Shredded paper is recyclable in the blue cart - true or false?

6. Benefits of recycling are environmental, financial or both?

7. Old garden hoses go in which cart - blue cart or garbage cart?

8. Don’t bag your recyclables - true or false?

9. Free yard waste pickup is available all year round by calling 311 - true or false?

10. Three of these are recyclable in the blue cart, which is not - cardboard, glass jars, plastic wrap or cartons?

11. A bottle with water in it is ready for recycling - true or false?

12. Polystyrene (aka: PS #6 or styrofoam) is not recyclable in the blue cart - true or false?

QUIZ ANSWERS

1. It’s true! If it's a plastic bottle and it's empty, it's recyclable in Chicago. Put plastic caps back on, then trash all nozzles and pumps because of the metal.

2. It’s false! The number doesn't mean a plastic item is recyclable. Size and shape matter too. The recycling program is designed to handle hard plastic bottles and containers. The system cannot handle odd-shaped plastics (like toys or plastic furniture), very small items (less than two inches), or plastics that are flexible – like bags and wrap. Chicago does not accept #6, polystyrene (aka: styrofoam), in any form.

3. It’s true! All empty metal cans are recyclable in Chicago. Metal cans can be recycled into new cans again and again - forever - providing massive energy and resource savings. Recycle your cans, Chicago! Every one counts.

4. It’s none of them! Scrap metal is not recyclable in the blue cart. Propane tanks can be dropped off at the City's Household Chemical and Computer Recycling Facility for recycling. Check with local scrap dealers to recycle scrap metal for a profit.

5. It’s false! Shredded paper is not recyclable in the blue cart because it clings to other recyclable materials and clogs up the machines at the recycling facility. Shredded paper can be recycled at dozens of Shredding Events scheduled from Spring through November. Check recyclebycity.com for details.

6. It’s both! Recycling conserves oil, water, and other precious resources. Plus, it costs less than landfilling trash. Win win. Recycle up, Chicago!

7. It’s the garbage cart! Old hoses and other "tanglers" like ropes, chains, and cables aren't recyclable because they get caught in the equipment at the recycling facility.

8. It’s true! Don't bag your recyclables, place items loosely in the blue cart. Plastic bags of all sizes and shapes are not accepted. They're another "tangler" that can't be processed at the recycling facility. Plastic bags can be recycled at nearby stores including Jewel-Osco, Mariano's and Target.

9. It’s true! Leaves and grass are collected for recycling all year round. Just bag them up (in a paper or plastic bag) and call 311 to schedule a pickup.

10. It’s plastic wrap! Plastic wrap, like the kind that comes wrapped around paper towels and toilet paper, is not accepted in the blue cart. They're basically just like plastic bags. Plastic wrap can be recycled along with plastic bags, at many local retailers.

11. It’s false! Containers don't need to be spotless, but they do need to be empty. Food and liquids, including water, can ruin the paper and cardboard in your bin.

12. It’s true! Packing peanuts can be returned to shipping stores for reuse. All other clean polystyrene items can be dropped off for recycling. These recycling options wouldn’t be possible without organizations creating structural solutions. This is a powerful way to combat low recycling rates - businesses implementing policies to make recycling possible and to encourage it, like the jeans stores.