Want to know if something can be recycled or not? Or if you have to bring that item to a special location?
Take a look at our list of resources in order to help with Recycling 101.
Use the RecycleCT Wizard to help you identify if something belongs in recycling or the trash.
Top 5 Items You put In Recycling That Belong In The Trash
1) ALL paper takeout containers are OUT. They generally have food residue and there are too many varieties to keep track of what products are made of acceptable materials. This includes ice cream cartons.
2) Black Plastic is OUT. Optic sensors in the recycling facilities can not read the color black and therefore these items are not properly sorted and contaminate other materials.
3) Shredded paper is OUT. Shredded paper flies all over the recycling facilities and contaminates other items. Look for a local shred day to take shredded paper.
4) Small items are OUT. Even though an item may be made of a recyclable material if it can fit through a 2 square inch hole it should be placed in the trash. Sorting facilities have 2" grates and small items make their way into the wrong materials.
5) ALL plastic film goes in the trash this includes plastic bags of any kind, wrap around toilet paper or water bottles, bubble wrap and more! These items CAN go to a plastic film recycling bin in your area. See below.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “RECYCLING 101 WILTON" FLYER
Also, download the “Recycle CT Wizard" app on your smartphone now to have these resources at your fingertips!
Learn more about the glass separation program here. Download a brochure.
Where can I recycle……?
If you don't see the item you are wondering about in our list below head to HRRA for how to dispose of your item properly.
Other ways to give items a new life:
Look for a “Buy Nothing" or “Freecycle" group in your town
Appliances
Wilton Transfer Station – With or without freon Click for details
Best Buy – Electronics, Appliances and Fitness Equipment Recycling
Batteries
Alkaline and zinc carbon batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 6V, 9V) are now made of common metals deemed non-hazardous by the federal government and can be disposed of in your regular trash in all states except California.
Silver oxide battery (button cells for watches, calculators, and hearing aids)- Most jewelry stores will recycle them when you your watch in to have the battery replaced
Car batteries – Most businesses that service cars will take them for recycling. In addition: Lowes, Home Depot.
Rechargeable Batteries –
Wilton Transfer Station
Wireless Zone – Norwalk, New Canaan
Staples Norwalk – 440 Westport Ave
Home Depot
Lowes
Lithium Ion Batteries-
Wilton Transfer Station
www.Call2recycle.org for more locations
Alkaline, rechargeable, lithium ion batteries are part of E-Waste. E-Waste is part of a CT Extended Producer Responsibility program. Wilton residents area allowed access to the Transfer Station to recycle these types of batteries even if they do not have a Transfer Station permit. Bring proof of residency.
Eyeglasses, Corks and Cell Phones
My Eye Shoppe, Norwalk (Collects for Lions Club)
Fairfield County Bank, Georgetown Location (Collects for Lions Club)
Corks
New Canaan Nature Center
Total Wine, Norwalk
www.recork.com/locations
Cell Phones
Lions Club
Lowes
Wilton Town Hall Lobby
Best Buy
Staples
www.call2recycle.org for more locations
Lightbulbs
Compact Florescent Lighbulbs (CFLs) –
These bulbs contain about 4 milligrams of mercury, a toxic metal.
Broken CFL bulbs can be hazardous to the environment and water supply if left in a landfill. Consult www.earth911.com for proper cleanup and disposal.
LED Lightbulbs
While LED light bulbs do not contain mercury, many do contain other hazardous substances such as lead and arsenic.
Wilton Transfer Station (ewaste trailer – any type of lightbulb)
Wilton Hardware store (anytype of lightbulb)
Lowes (CFL/LED)
Home Depot (not tube CFL’s)
Batteries Plus Bulbs (Orange and Manchester, CT)
Electronics
Wilton Transfer Station – Click here for an accepatable list of items.
E-waste is part of a CT Extended Producer Responsibility program. Wilton residents area allowed access to the Transfer Station to recycle electronics even if they do not have a Transfer Station permit. Bring proof of residency.
Mattress and Box Spring
Wilton Transfer Station – Designated Recycling Container
Mattress and Box Springs must be clean and dry to be accepted.
Mattresses and box springs are part of a CT Extended Producer Responsibility program. Wilton residents area allowed access to the Transfer Station to recycle these items even if they do not have a Transfer Station permit. Bring proof of residency.
Medicine
For a detailed list consult the FDA website to learn how to properly dispose of old, unused, unwanted, or expired medicine
Check with your local police department.
Wilton Police Department has a controlled substance drop off bin in their lobby.
Paint
Paint cans that are NOT rusted can be dropped off at participating businesses in the PaintCare program.
Wilton Hardware
Ring's End
Click to find the nearest PaintCare recycling facility near you and learn what you can and cannot drop off.
Plastic Film
Plastic film would be items such as: bread bags, dry cleaning bags, ziploc bags, product overwrap, newspaper bags, etc.
For a complete list of acceptable items click here.
Drop Off Locations:
Stop n Shop
Caraluzzi's
Village Market
Kohls
Big Y
Whole Foods
Recycled cartons are used to make new paper products we all use everyday as well as eco-friendly building materials. Click to learn more.
Click to learn about other carton myths.