What can and can't be recycled?

A quick guide to which cart everyday items go in under the LA County / Athens Services 3-cart system — recycling (blue), organics/compost (green), trash (black), and hazardous drop-off. When in doubt, scan the item.

📷 Scan an item with your phone

What goes in which cart

Plastic bottles, jugs, tubs (#1/#2/#5)	♻️ Recycle	Empty & rinse; keep caps on bottles.
Aluminum & steel cans, clean foil	♻️ Recycle	Rinse.
Glass jars & bottles (food/drink)	♻️ Recycle	Lids off.
Paper, cardboard, cartons	♻️ Recycle	Clean & dry; flatten boxes.
Food scraps, yard trimmings	🌱 Compost	Green organics cart.
Food-soiled paper (napkins, greasy pizza box)	🌱 Compost	Uncoated fiber only.
Styrofoam / foam #6	🗑️ Landfill	Not recyclable curbside.
Plastic bags, film, bubble wrap	🗑️ Landfill	Store drop-off instead.
Disposable coffee cups & lids	🗑️ Landfill	Plastic-lined.
Black plastic, plastics #3 & #6	🗑️ Landfill	Sorters can't detect black plastic.
Batteries, electronics, paint, chemicals	⚠️ Hazardous	HHW / e-waste — never curbside.
CFL & fluorescent bulbs	⚠️ Hazardous	Contain mercury.

Recycling FAQ

What can and can't be recycled?

Bottles, cans, clean paper/cardboard, and food glass are recyclable. Plastic bags, Styrofoam, coffee cups, black plastic, and anything under ~4 inches are not — they go in the trash. Batteries, electronics, and chemicals are hazardous waste.

What are 5 items that cannot be recycled curbside?

Plastic bags/film, Styrofoam, disposable coffee cups, black plastic, and small items under about 4 inches (straws, utensils, loose caps).

Do I have to rinse containers before recycling?

Yes — empty and give them a quick rinse. Food residue contaminates the load; "no liquids or food in recyclables" is the rule.

What are the recycling rules for 2026?

The core rules haven't changed: recycle clean bottles/cans/paper, compost food scraps and yard waste, and keep bags, foam, and hazardous items out of the curbside carts. Local specifics vary by hauler.

By item

Can you recycle styrofoamCan you recycle bubble wrapCan you recycle metalCan you recycle aluminum foilCan you recycle k-cupsCan you recycle receiptsCan you recycle milk & juice cartonsCan you recycle paper towelsCan you recycle drinking glassesCan you recycle egg cartonsCan you recycle plastic hangersCan you recycle plastic strawsCan you recycle coat hangersCan you recycle pill bottlesCan you recycle ceramicsCan you recycle aluminum cansCan you recycle bottle capsCan you recycle toothpaste tubesCan you recycle chip bagsCan you recycle plastic cupsCan you recycle plastic wrapCan you recycle packing peanutsHow to dispose of batteriesHow to dispose of cooking oilHow to dispose of mattressHow to dispose of light bulbsHow to dispose of paintHow to dispose of old gasolineHow to dispose of electronicsCan you recycle cardboardCan you recycle glassCan you recycle pizza boxesCan you recycle shredded paperCan you recycle wrapping paperCan you recycle plastic bagsHow to dispose of motor oilHow to dispose of tiresHow to dispose of clothesHow to dispose of appliances

Not sure about something else? Point your camera at it and RecycleLens tells you the right bin.