"When you don't know for sure if it is acceptable, it is better to throw it out than to put it in the recycle" and contaminate other items, Harrman said.
She admitted that the local recycling rules can be confusing and that some of the items previously accepted, like butter bowls and aerosol cans, are now on the "no no" list.
One of the goals of the online sessions is to clarify the list and explain to the public why some items are considered recyclable and othes are not.
Items were deleted from the acceptable list because they caused the sorting machine to jam, were too small to be effectively recycled, or there was not a market to sell them, which is the case with some kinds of plastics like the yogurt and cottage cheese containers.
To sign up for a free live webinar on recycling the right way in Nashville, which includes a question and answer session, see www.nashville.gov/Public-Works/Community-Education.aspx.
The site also has a recording of one of the Recycle Right workshops that you can access any time. More information: www.nashville.gov/Public-Works/Neighborhood-Services/Recycling.aspx
Recycling basics
Harrman says that about 30 % of the items placed in curbside bins are not welcome. If you want to be sure you are recycling properly, stick to acceptable basics like aluminum and steel cans, food and beverage cartons, mixed paper, newspaper, magazines and flattened cardboard. With plastics, the rule is "no plastic of any kind unless it is a bottle, jar or jug."
A few other directives: Put recyclables loose in the bins (not in bags); items need to be clean, empty and dry; caps should be on plastic bottles, not put in loose: and cardboard boxes are best flattened.
Details:www.nashville.gov/Portals/0/SiteContent/pw/docs/recycle/HowToRecycleRightNashville.pdf
What can NOT be recycled in curbside bins
Plastic bags: Plastic bags of all kinds including garbage bags, grocery bags, wine bags, and even bags that claim to be recyclable, are not accepted because they jam and sometimes break the recycling center's sorting machines.
Plastic containers/tubs: Containers used for sour cream, yogurt and cottage cheese are a type of plastic that the recycling center here does not have a buyer for.
Aerosol cans: Unless completely emptied, aerosol cans can be dangerous in the recycling process.
Shredded paper: The scraps are too small to be recycled. It's better to add them to compost.
Hardback books: Paperback books can be recycled but the hardback bindings cannot go through the machines.
Plastic takeout food containers: The recycling center does not have a buyer for this type of plastic.
Clear plastic produce containers and clamshells: The recycling center does not have a buyer for this type of plastic.
Styrofoam: The center does not have equipment to sort it nor is there a market for it.
Yard waste: This is not part of the curbside recycling. Public works has a separate brush pickup service.
Tupperware and Rubbermaid containers: The recycling center does not have a buyer for this type of plastic.
Wet cardboard: Contaminates other recyclables.
Greasy pizza boxes: Contaminates other recyclables.
Bubble wrap: No market for it and jams the machines.
Plastic cups like Solo cups: The recycling center does not have a buyer for this type of plastic.
Face masks: Not recyclable because of safety issues.
Aluminum foil and aluminum pans: Not enough aluminum in it to recycle.
Used gift cards and expired credit cards: No market for that type of plastic.
Any items smaller than 2 inches square: Items like loose water bottle caps are too small to recycle.
Glass: The curbside recycling program does not accept glass.
Other resources for recycling
Harrman noted that just because the curbside bins don't accept certain items, it doesn't mean that they are not recyclable.
It is just that they are not recyclable in the curbside carts. For example, the carts will not take glass bottles but Metro convenience centers and recycling drop-off locations are set up to take glass bottles.
Most grocery stores, including Kroger, Publix and Trader Joe's, have recycle bins for plastic grocery bags. And Publix stores have bins for styrofoam egg cartons.
Another good resource is the bulk pickup service offered through the Davidson County Sheriff's Department. And the Metro Public Works Convenience Centers accept mattresses, electronics, household waste, carpet and more.
To find out more, call 311 or see hub.nashville.gov or https://www.nashville.gov/Public-Works/Community-Education.aspx
Family activities for 'recycling right'
Pre-K – 4th Grade Activities
Let’s Recycle! Sorting Activity - Get your crayons ready! Use this coloring page to teach your kids what goes in the recycling bin. VIsit: www.nashville.gov/Portals/0/SiteContent/pw/docs/education/LetsRecycleSortingActivity.pdf
High School and Adult Activities
Watch Plastic Wars on PBS (www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/plastic-wars/) – As both the plastic industry and concern over plastic pollution grows, Frontline investigates the future of plastics including the plastics recycling industry.
