Recycling

Recycling is complicated! We rely on staff, volunteers, and customers alike to make sure our recyclables are clean and well-sorted, which keeps them out of the landfill.

Learn more >

Here's what you can recycle at Lopez Solid Waste:

Mixed Paper

Must be clean and dry
NO food, grease, oil, paint
NO waxed paper products or linings
NO plastic (envelope windows OK)
NO cartons or cups intended for liquids
NO tissue or paper towels

Corrugated Cardboard

Look for the ~wavy~ layer
Must be clean and dry
NO grease or paint
NO waxed cardboard
Tape and staples OK

Plastic Bottles & Jugs

ONLY items with threaded tops, no lids
Must be empty and clean
YES #1 (PET) clear & lightly tinted
YES #2 (HDPE) cloudy
YES #2 (HDPE) solid white & light color
NO hazardous waste containers, even if clean!

Glass Bottles & Jars

Must be clean & empty
NO glass dishes, plate glass, mirrors, bulbs
Note: All glass is deposited in gravel pit
on-island (inert landfill)

Metal

YES clean aluminum cans and lids
YES clean and flat aluminum foil
NO colored foil or peel-off container lids
YES steel cans and lids
YES pure scrap metal (self-sorted)
YES electrical wire — insulated, copper, aluminum
YES mixed metal items if 50% or more steel/iron
NO aerosol or pressurized containers
NO hazardous waste containers, even emptied

Paint

On Sundays, bring qualifying paint

products for free recycling and reuse.

See guidelines >

Automotive Fluids

Up to 5 gallons per day. Must be uncontaminated.

Motor oil
Hydraulic fluid
Transmission fluid
Diesel fuel
Antifreeze/coolant
NO cooking oil

Empty containers can't be recycled — include them with your regular garbage.

Batteries

IMPORTANT: Tape all positive terminals with non-conductive tape to prevent fire hazard.

NO damaged or defective batteries.
NO batteries over 11 lbs or 300 watt hours (except car batteries)
YES lithium ion, nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, nickel zinc, and small sealed lead acid rechargeable batteries.
YES lithium primary, carbon zinc, alkaline, button cell, and coin cell single-use batteries — positive terminals MUST BE taped with non-conducive tape.
YES cell phone batteries.
YES car batteries.

Fluorescent Light Bulbs

The contain mercury — do not throw in the trash!
Recycle spent fluorescent bulbs and tubes at no charge.

LED & Halogen Light Bulbs

Include these in your paid trash -or-
Recycle at the Dump for $2/tube, $1/bulb

Electronics

YES televisions, computers, monitors, laptops, tablets, e-readers, and cell phones
NO printers, keyboards, or other accessories
YES Inkjet cartridges
NO toner cartridges

Some electronics may be accepted at TIOLI.

See TIOLI Donation Policies >