Recycling

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CLICK HERE TO SEE IF YOUR ITEM CAN BE RECYCLED

CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF COLLECTION HOLIDAYS

Recyclable materials are collected on the same schedule as household trash and yard debris by an automated one-man truck for residents who pay a City of Germantown water bill. Recycling must be placed in a City-issued blue recycling cart and at the curb before 7 a.m. on collection day but not before 6 p.m. the day before collection. Waste Pro has until 7 p.m. to collect the materials. Condominium residents must place recycling in a City-issued 18-gallon bin for pick-up. To report a missed collection of household trash, yard waste or recyclable, call (901) 757-7200 or email CustomerService @Germantown-TN.gov. It is not considered a missed collection until the day after your scheduled collection.

Single Stream Carts Make Recycling Easier

If you do not currently recycle but would like to start, you may request a cart here.

Rolling carts make getting recyclable material to the curb easier and allow all recyclable material to be mixed together. Paper, glass, narrow neck plastic bottles and tops, metal food cans without lids and aluminum beverage cans can all be placed in the cart. DO NOT place plastic bags in the recycle cart.

Per City of Germantown Ordinance, all carts must be stored behind the front line of the home and should not be seen from the street.

Where to place the recycle cart for collection

Where to place the recycle cart for collection:
1. Place the cart behind the curb (or between the curb and sidewalk) at least 3 feet away from any obstructions such as mailboxes, utility poles, debris, bags or trees.
2. Remember - "Handle to House" The cart handle and wheels must be placed facing away from the street, this will ensure the cart will be emptied completely when serviced by the automated truck.

Which items can be recycled?

Due to the collection process, all recycling materials must be placed inside the roll cart. Any materials outside of the cart will be collected as household trash. Have a question about a specific item? Get your answer fast with Waste Wizard.

Mixed paper products: newspaper, magazines, brochures, paper bags, paper towel rolls, paper back books, cartons, greeting cards, regular and junk mail, cardboard beverage carriers, phone books, office paper, catalogs, paperboard boxes and file folders.
Corrugated cardboard containers, flattened and cut to no more than 3 feet by 2 feet
Non-corrugated cardboard commonly used in dry food and cereal boxes, shoe boxes and other similar packaging
Glass bottles and jars - no lids (empty and rinse)
#1, #2, #4, #5 and #7 plastic food and beverage containers –including bottles, jars, jugs and other rigid plastic containers.
PETE, HDPE, PVC, LDPE and PP
Aluminum and metal food cans without lids
Aluminum beverage cans (empty and rinse)
Foil and foil trays clean of food
Empty juice boxes, soup and milk cartons (empty and replace cap)

What can not be recycled?

Recycling alternatives

Plastic grocery bags - A majority of local grocery store locations
Printer cartridges - Office Depot locations, receive a credit on a future purchase; cartridges refilled at local Walgreens locations
Batteries, including car, cell phone, camcorder and rechargeable batteries - Batteries Plus, 465 North Germantown Parkway
Cell phones - AT&T locations, at Verizon locations or visit Verizon online recycling program or visit cellphonesforsoldiers.com
iPods - Apple Store, Saddle Creek
Used motor oil - Germantown Public Works Complex, 7700 Southern Avenue
Clothing, furniture and household items - Nonprofit agencies or garage sale
Wire hangers - Some dry cleaners accept used hangers for reuse
Used electronics can be taken to the semiannual Amnesty Dumpster and Recycling Day