Things we learned about Texas - recycling

This is not the first city we have lived in that recycles, but I must say that Fort Worth is probably the first city we have lived in where the recycling can (blue in the picture) is two to three times larger than the normal trash can (brown in the picture). You can actually ask for a larger trash can, but this is their incentive: "Recycle more, pay less. The more you recycle, the less garbage you have. The less garbage you have, the smaller cart you need. The smaller the garbage cart, the less you pay per month."

In addition, the list of recycling items is also very extensive:

Paper (Paper clips and staples are OK.)

• Advertising circulars
• Carbonless paper
• Cardboard – corrugated cardboard. Large boxes must be broken down or cut to fit inside the cart.
• Catalogs
• Envelopes – with or without windows
• Junk mail
• Magazines
• Newspapers – all sections
• Office paper – file folders, letterhead, sticky notes, printer paper, calendars, school papers
• Paperback books
• Paperboard – cereal boxes (liners removed), soda and beer carry cartons, dry goods packaging, paper towel and toilet paper cores.
• Paper bags
• Phone books

Metal Containers (Please rinse. Labels can be left on.)

• Aluminum drink cans – do not flatten
• Aluminum baking tins – durable; not disposable
• Steel or tin food cans and lids
• Empty aerosol cans – with spray nozzle; remove plastic lid unless part of the can
• Empty steel paint cans – must be empty and dry; a thin skin of dry paint on bottom and sides is OK; remove lid and recycle

Glass Containers (Please rinse. Labels can be left on. All colors accepted.)

• Bottles and jars – remove metal and plastic lids and recycle
• Ceramics
• China
• Dishes
• Mirrors – must fit inside cart with lid closed
• Windowpanes – no auto glass

Plastic Containers (Please rinse. All colors accepted. Must be hard plastics.)

• Bottles, cups and jars – with #1 through #7 recycling symbols on bottom of container; remove caps and lids and recycle
• Food trays, tubs and bowls – with #1 through #7 recycling symbols on bottom of container
• Plastic eating utensils

See: http://www.fortworthgov.org/dem/info/default.aspx?id=8434