Simple Steps for Smarter Recycling

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- he Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department is helping residents recycle smarter this spring and summer through the Recycle Right education program. Since its inception, this initiative has successfully reduced recycling contamination by 15%, ensuring that materials placed in curbside carts are properly processed and recycled.

Residents will receive an educational tag on their recycling carts between February and May 2025. These tags serve as a helpful reference guide, clarifying what can and cannot be placed in curbside recycling bins. Residents are encouraged to save the tag and refer to it when questioning whether an item belongs in their cart. No inspections of cart contents will take place—these tags are purely for general education.

To keep our community’s recycling program running efficiently, it’s essential to follow the golden rule: if an item isn’t listed as one of the five accepted recyclables on the tag, it doesn’t belong in the cart. Non-recyclable items, regardless of material, contaminate the recycling stream, reduce the value of acceptable recyclables and can create processing issues at recycling facilities.

Common contaminants include plastic bags, greasy pizza boxes, Styrofoam, wires, yard trimmings, and cords of any kind. Additionally, recyclables should never be bagged. Items enclosed in plastic bags are treated as contamination and discarded. Instead, place all recyclables loose into the cart to ensure they are properly processed.

The Recycle Right program provides simple, straightforward guidelines to help residents make informed recycling choices. For more details about the Township’s residential recycling program and options for disposing of items that cannot be placed curbside, please visit thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/recycling, email enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or call 281-210-3800.

Cart Tagging Procedure

• When: February – May 2025
• Where: All single-family homes within The Woodlands Township
• What: Township employees will place an educational tag on each recycling cart on its regular service day.

Residential Recycling Guidelines:

1. Do not bag recyclables.
2. Do not place plastic bags in the cart—these can be recycled at local grocery stores.
3. When in doubt, throw it out or contact The Woodlands Township Environmental Services for guidance.

By following these guidelines, residents can help maintain a successful and efficient recycling program in The Woodlands.