After six months, curbside recycling returns for Jacksonville residents.
The drop-off sites have now been closed. So, starting tomorrow, do not put trash in those recycle bins. Residents had been allowed to do that since there was no recycle pick-up, but tomorrow, it resumes.
When it comes to recycling, the biggest thing officials want you to remember is do not put recyclables in bags. If they're in bags, they end up at the landfill, because employees are not allowed to open bags, due to safety issues.
You will be allowed to recycle glass. The city was saying they would not take glass when curbside pickup resumed but they have changed their minds on that. So, you can put clear, green or brown glass and jars in the recycle bins. Throw any lids in the regular trash.
As for plastic, the best way to determine if the plastic is recycle worthy is to look for the recycle symbol on it.
Here is a guideline of items allowed for recycling:
Paper: Mail, office and school paper, newspapers, magazines, catalogs, phone books, paperback books, brown paper bags, fiberboard boxes, corrugated cardboard that is flattened and in pieces that are 2 feet by 3 feet or smaller.
Plastics: Numbered 1-3, 5 and 7, water/soda bottles, detergent bottles, cleaning solution bottles.
Cartons: Milk and creamer containers, juice boxes, soup and broth containers.
Glass: Green, brown or clear bottles and jars. Throw lids away with regular garbage.
Metal: Steel food containers, aluminum cans, aluminum baking pans. The items should be clean, empty and dry.
Grocery bags are not taken by the city. Many local grocery stores take those for recycling.
The city also cannot recycle No. 6 plastics, which include Styrofoam, disposable cups and bowls, take-out food containers, plastic cutlery, hangers, and medicine bottles.