Amid changes in some local recycling programs and ongoing questions about which household items are recyclable, people may be confused about the state of recycling in Hampton Roads. To celebrate America Recycles Day, November 15, the askHRgreen.org Recycling & Beautification Committee is partnering with TFC Recycling to help residents and businesses sort through the rubble by using the “Start Smart, Recycle Right” approach to recycling.

Starting smart begins when you shop. It can be as easy as buying eggs in a cardboard carton instead of a plastic or Styrofoam container or avoiding single-use plastics like plastic straws, cutlery and bags. Then, recycle right by only placing items in your recycling container that your locality accepts. 

To help communities throughout the 757 region understand what is and isn’t recyclable locally, askHRgreen.org publishes an online Recycling & Disposal Lookup Tool. It lists by community what is recyclable at curbside and through drop-off programs, as well as what constitutes trash. In general, paper, plastic bottles with a neck or spout, and metal cans are accepted for recycling in most localities throughout Hampton Roads—if the items are empty, clean and dry.

In addition to local recycling information, the online tool provides disposal information for all types of materials. What askHRgreen.org leaders want residents to remember about recycling is: “when in doubt, throw it out. The goal is not to recycle everything, but to recycle right.