Residential Recycling FAQs

Question:  What is Single Stream Recycling?
Answer:  Single Stream Recycling allows all recyclables to be collected in the same container and loaded into the same truck without sorting.  The materials will be taken to a new Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) on the West Plains where they will be sorted onsite and prepared for processing.  This facility is owned by Waste management, a private company.

Question:  What are the benefits?
Answer:  Single Stream Recycling offers customers several benefits.  First, you will be able to recycle more products.  Second, you will get a 64-gallon automated cart so you can easily recycle a larger quantity of items.  Third, by recycling more materials, you may be able to reduce the size of your refuse container and lower your monthly cost!

Question:  What additional items will I be able to recycle?
Answer:  With Single Stream Recycling you will now be able to recycle items such as office paper, junk mail, cereal boxes, aluminum foil and plastics numbered 1-7.

Question:  Will you still pickup recycling weekly?
Answer:  Yes, recycling in the City of Spokane will remain on a weekly schedule.

Question:  Do I still have to empty and rinse out my containers?
Answer:  Yes, all containers need to be free of food contamination.  Carts that are contaminated or contain unacceptable materials will be charged accordingly.

Question:  Where do I place my cart for collection?
Answer:  Please place your new Single Stream Recycling Cart in your previously designated collection area.  Don't forget to make sure your carts are 3 feet away from each other and any other obstacles. 

Question:  What do I do with my old 18-gallon recycling bin?
Answer:  You can keep it for home use or we can pick it up.  It is your choice!  If you would like it removed, just place the bin out after you have received your new Single Stream Recycling Cart and we will automatically take it away.

Question:  What will this cost me?
Answer:  Recycling will continue to be a free service for residential customers.  Commercial customers will continue to be billed at a low monthly fee for recycling.

Question:  What about pizza boxes?
Answer:  Clean pizza delivery boxes are now accepted in the Single Stream Recycling Cart (as of February 1, 2013)!.  Pizza delivery boxes can also be placed in the brown refuse cart or green Food Scraps & Yard Debris Cart.

Question:  What about shredded paper?
Answer:  This is a change to the original information.  The SMaRT facility has asked that we do not accept shredded paper because it jams their conveyor belt system.  Also, the shredded paper often falls out of the cart and creates a litter nuisance on the street.  Please do not put shredded paper in your Single Stream Recycling Cart.

Question:  What about wrapping paper?  
Answer:  Most wrapping paper is acceptable except for the metallic foil style paper and cellophane (no bows or ribbon).  Metallic foil wrapping paper and cellophane needs to be disposed of in the brown refuse cart. 

Question:  What about batteries?
Answer:  Household batteries will only be accepted if they are put inside a clear plastic bag and placed on top of the Single Stream Recycling Cart lid.

Question:  What if I have more recycling than will fit into the cart?
Answer:  You can either save your extra recycling for the following week or order an additional 64-gallon recycling cart for an additional monthly charge.

Question:  What if I do not want this new cart?
Answer:  We ask that you give the new program a try.  If you find that the program is not working for you, please call us at 509.625.7878 or put a request in online to have the cart removed.

Question:  What if I have items that are not acceptable on your website?
Answer:  You can either call the Recycling Hotline at 509.625.6800 or visit solidwaste.org.