You Can’t Recycle This Anymore In St Cloud

Think you've got St. Cloud recycling figured out? I'm not sure that I do. It's possible that you and I might want to take another look.

If this item is in your recycling cart, your recycling may not be picked up at all.

SHREDDED PAPER IS A NO-NO FOR RECYCLING IN ST CLOUD

If you've been tossing shredded paper into your recycling cart, you're not alone.

But according to the City of St. Cloud website, shredded paper is no longer accepted in curbside recycling.

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Whether you're cleaning out old tax records, bank statements, or junk mail, shredded paper should no longer be placed in your recycling cart. It's a bit confusing for me. Especially when we are only trying to help?

WHY SHREDDED PAPER IS AN UNACCEPTABLE RECYCLING ITEM

It's easy to see why people get confused. Regular paper products like newspapers, magazines, catalogs, junk mail, office paper, envelopes, greeting cards, and paperback books are still accepted. But if you shred those items, it becomes too small to be properly sorted at recycling facilities.

There are other things people do that stop the recycling process we need to remember.

DON'T PUT RECYCLABLE ITEMS IN GARBAGE BAGS

The city also reminds residents that recyclables should never be placed in bags. All items should be empty, thoroughly rinsed, and placed loose in the recycling cart. Glass bottles and jars should have their caps removed, but labels can stay on.

I'M DOING SO MANY THINGS WRONG

There are so many things I've been doing wrong. I've got to teach my kids and myself to rinse out all those little cat food cans every day. The caps? Shoot! I haven't been taking those off either. There IS a lot to remember, but I don't want to be recycling for nothing!

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THOSE DARN PIZZA BOXES

One of the biggest questions I have, is about pizza boxes. I knew there were some 'conditions' on what will and won't be accepted and my kids order pizza constantly. Can I or can I NOT recycle those pizza boxes? Well, it all depends!

Cardboard remains recyclable, but there's a catch. Pizza boxes that are stained with grease or food are NOT recyclable. I think that's why you'll find that cardboard insert on the bottom of your pizza, from a lot of pizza places. (Thank you pizza places!)

MAKE SURE YOU ARE BREAKING DOWN YOUR BOXES TO THESE STANDARDS

All boxes need to be broken down into pieces no larger than 18 inches by 18 inches before being placed in the cart. If you have a large amount of cardboard, bundle the pieces together with string or twine and place them next to your recycling cart.

MAKE A NOTE OF THESE NON-RECYCLABLE ITEMS

Just to be clear, this is a list of items that don't belong in the recycling bin:

• Pizza boxes
(IF they are stained with grease or food).

• Black plastic containers

• Styrofoam

• Plastic bags

• Aluminum foil

• Aerosol cans

• Light bulbs

• Mirrors and window glass

• Hard cover books

• Paper towels and napkins

YOUR CART WILL NOT BE COLLECTED

The city says carts containing unacceptable items will not be collected. If a cart must be emptied as a special pickup because it contains non-recyclable materials, property owners can request the service for a fee of $40 plus tax.

DON'T FORGET ABOUT WINTER REGULATIONS

With winter never too far away in Minnesota, the city also reminds residents to clear approximately four feet around their recycling cart after snowfalls. Carts should never be placed on top of snowbanks because collection crews need safe access.

A HELPFUL REMINDER

Not sure when your recycling week is? Residents can sign up for email or text reminders through the city's Notify Me system. Recycling reminders are sent on Sunday evenings before collection week.

THE BOTTOM LINE ON RECYCLING IN ST CLOUD

The bottom line: If you've been tossing shredded paper into your recycling cart, it's time to find another disposal method. That one change could keep your entire load from becoming a recycling problem.