Now that single-stream recycling is underway in the city of Jefferson, one city official has some reminders and do’s and don’ts for residents.

City Council member Matt Wetrich also serves on the city recycling committee and says when it comes to plastics, items that have a number one, two or five, or have a twist-top can be recycled. He points out that glass items, such as containers like bottles, can also be recycled. He advises people to make sure they do this before recycling any allowable containers.

“It’s really helpful and just considerate to rinse them out. You don’t have to run it through the dishwasher, but get 95 percent of the stuff out of it, rinse it out before you recycle it. That’s just kind of a courtesy. If you’re going to take the time and care to recycle, just do it right.” 

Wetrich explains most paper is recyclable, along with cardboard. He notes that all cardboard must be flattened and for larger cardboard items that can’t fit into the standard 65-gallon cart, can be placed next to those carts when it is your day for recycling. Wetrich describes the next term that he uses.

“And there is a ‘wish-cycling’ kind of term that we use out there. If you’re not sure if you can recycle it just put it in the garbage. Hopefully, you’ve got the paperwork there to check it out, but don’t be a ‘wish-cycler’ because that just fouls up the system and they (Metro Waste Authority) have to take it out and all of that stuff.”   

Wetrich adds that the reason why the city is now using single-stream recycling is to make it easier for everyone to participate by placing all recyclables into one cart. You can click the link below to see what is and is not accepted for recycling. 

https://cityofjeffersoniowa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Recycling-Guidelines-1-1.pdf