Recycle Together is RI’s bin/cart recycling program. Below are the four categories of materials we accept in your recycling bin/cart. Stick to these basic guidelines, you’ll be a great recycler! Ready to take your recycling to the next level? You'll find our detailed guidelines at the bottom of this page. Your efforts to recycle right will save your city/town money, keep our workers safe, and conserve natural resources.
That's it—no other fiber products. For example, wood and textiles are made from natural fiber but they aren't paper, cardboard, or cartons, so they don't belong in your bin or cart. Paper and cardboard should be mostly clean and dry (a little grease on a pizza box is OK) and be flattened. Cartons must be empty at a minimum, and rinsed whenever possible. Place plastic tops back on to cartons prior to recycling.
No shredded paper, and no napkins, tissues or paper towels.
That’s it—no other metal. For example, a metal frying pan is not a can, lid, or foil, so it doesn’t belong in your bin or cart. Containers must be empty at a minimum, and rinsed whenever possible. Foil should be clean and bunched up.
That’s it—no other glass. For example, a drinking glass is not a bottle or jar, so it doesn’t belong in your bin or cart. Containers must be empty at a minimum, and rinsed whenever possible. Remove metal tops from glass bottles and jars first, and recycle separately.
That’s it—no other plastic. For example, a plastic coat hanger is not a container, so it doesn’t belong in your bin or cart. Containers must be empty at a minimum, and rinsed whenever possible. Place plastic tops back on to containers prior to recycling.
No foam containers, or plastic containers that once held flammable materials like motor oil, antifreeze, pesticides or herbicides.
Recyclables must arrive to our Materials Recycling Facility loose. Click here to learn more about Rhode Island's special program for recycling plastic bags and film.
Rhode Island is the first state in the nation to adopt Recycle Across America standardized labels. These labels are proven to increase recycling and decrease contamination. Free labels are available to public schools and government agencies, as well as private businesses and institutions who participate in RI’s recycling program. Contact us for more information.
Our goal is to see every Rhode Islander following the basic guidelines above, however if you are passionate about recycling right, you can download our detailed guidelines below, or watch detailed how-to videos on our YouTube channel, like this one on paper, cardboard, and cartons. These detailed guidelines include more “don’ts,” and more tips for preparation. Still have questions? Our A-Z search tool is perfect for you!
