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1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Does my recycling actually get recycled?

Yes! Items from your blue cart are taken to the Pratt Recycling Facility, located at ECO-W.E.R.C.S. Resource Recovery Park, 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-percent recycled cardboard box within two weeks.

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 do I get rid of extra bags of trash that won’t fit in my trash container?

Extra trash bags can be scheduled for collection as bulky waste. Each trash bag would count as on bulky item. Two bulky items can be collected each week for free. Each additional item can be collected at a rate of $5 per item. Contact customer service at 940-349-8700, at least one business day prior to your collection day to schedule collections.

8. How do I set up trash service?

Call Customer Service at (940) 349-8700 to arrange for trash service.  

9. How can I request a replacement trash or recycling cart?

Fill out the Solid Waste Service Request form or call Customer Service (940) 349-8700 to schedule repairs of a broken cart or the replacement of a cart. 

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

• 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.

11. 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

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

As part of the City of Denton Solid Waste & Recycling Service 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. This application must be completed and returned to Customer Service within 60 days of receipt.

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