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1. Does my recycling actually get recycled?

Yes! Items from your blue cart are taken to the Pratt Recycling Facility, located at the City of Denton Landfill, where they are sorted and sold to manufacturers who make them into new products. In fact, from the moment you drop your cardboard or paper into your cart, it is made into a brand new 100% recycled cardboard box within two weeks.

2. Should I take the caps off or leave them on my water bottle to recycle them?

Both the bottle and the caps are recyclable, so leave them on. The best way to be sure they get recycled is to squeeze all of the air out and screw on the cap before tossing them into your blue recycling cart.

3. Why can’t I recycle Styrofoam?

Polystyrene (commonly called Styrofoam) is a plastic that is puffed full of air, which makes it light and inexpensive to make. This is also the reason that few places recycle it.

4. Why can’t I recycle plastic bags curbside?

Plastic bags get caught in the machinery that is used during sorting, causing damage to the equipment and can shut down the sort line. There are recycling drop-off spots at most grocery stores for plastic bags (including clear plastic film), or you can choose reusable bags instead of plastic.

5. Do I need to rinse before I put things in the recycling cart?

We recommend that you get as much food and liquid out of your containers as you can before you recycling them; however, you do not have to go overboard. If there are tiny bits left, we will still take it.

6. What do I do with broken plates and other items?

The glass that is used to make dishes is different from the glass that bottles are made from. Because of this difference, plates and bowls should go into your green cart.

7. How can I request a replacement recycling cart?

Call Customer Service at 940-349-8700 to request a new recycling cart.

8. How should I place my cart on the curb for pickup?

Remember that you will place it, point it, and space it:

• Place it: place your cart on the street with the wheels against the curb
• Point it: carts should point to the middle of the street
• Space it: leave at least four feet of clearance between carts, yard waste, and other objects such as parked cars and mailboxes

9. How should I properly store my trash and recycling carts?

Trash and recycling carts must be removed from the curb by 8 am the day following collection. Carts need to be stored in an inconspicuous location such as:

• In a garage or outdoor storage building
• On the side of a structure on the property
• At the back of a structure on the property

10. Can someone assist me with getting my cart to the curb for collection?

As part of the Solid Waste and Recycling Services Assistance Program, residents in need of service accommodation can sign up to request that staff bring their carts from the house to the street. To be eligible for the program, residents must complete an application and provide a doctor's certification.

To begin the application, please email Customer Service, or call 940-349-8700.