WHAT IS CONTAMINATION?

Contamination occurs when garbage and non-recyclable materials are placed in the recycling carts with good recycling materials. Contamination increases the cost of processing recyclables, undermines the good habits of those who practice proper recycling, and limits the ability of the recyclables to be made into new products. Loads of recycled materials must be taken to the landfill if there are too many contaminants.

The top 5 contaminants in the City of Roanoke are: 

  1. Plastic bags (this includes bagging your recyclables) 
  2. Tanglers (things like cords and hoses)
  3. Wet waste (things like food, diapers, and liquids)
  4. Metal and electronics
  5. Styrofoam

Show All Answers

1. WHAT IS THE RECYCLE RIGHT PILOT PROGRAM?
2. WHY IS THE PROGRAM NEEDED?
3. WHEN AND WHERE WILL IT TAKE PLACE?
4. HOW WILL NEIGHBORS BE NOTIFIED?
5. HOW WILL THE PROGRAM WORK?
6. WHAT IS CONTAMINATION?
7. WHY DID MY CART GET TAGGED AND WHAT DO I DO NOW?
8. WHAT ARE ACCEPTABLE ITEMS TO BE PUT IN MY RECYCLING CART?
9. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF RECYCLING?
10. WHAT INFORMATION ARE YOU GATHERING DURING THE TAGGING PROCESS?
11. SHOULD I BAG MY RECYCLABLES? ARE PLASTIC BAGS ABLE TO BE RECYCLED?
12. IF ONLY PLASTICS #1 AND #2 CAN BE RECYCLED, WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH PLASTICS #3-#7?
13. WHERE CAN I TAKE THINGS LIKE BATTERIES, METAL, AND ELECTRONICS?