**Accepted Items in Cobb County Single-Stream Recycling:**

Cobb County allows residents to participate in single-stream recycling, meaning all recyclable materials can be placed in the same bin without the need for sorting. Here’s a list of ACCEPTED items:

FYI: If any of the not accepted items are in your recycling bin, your bin contents will likely be added to our trash collection truck and not recycled. We commonly see plastic bags, glass, and Styrofoam as common items that aren't accepted. Please review the complete list below.

1. Paper Products

Accepted:
Newspapers and inserts
Magazines, catalogs, and junk mail
Office paper, printer paper, and notebook paper
Corrugated cardboard (flattened)
Cereal boxes, food boxes, and paper towel/toilet paper rolls
Paper bags and envelopes (with or without windows)
Not Accepted:
Paper towels, napkins, or tissues
Waxed paper (like frozen food packaging)
Shredded paper (unless contained in a clear bag)

2. Plastic Products

Accepted:
Plastic bottles and containers labeled with recycling numbers #1 (PET) and #2 (HDPE) (e.g., water bottles, milk jugs, detergent containers)
Rinsed and empty plastic containers
Not Accepted:
Plastic bags (grocery bags) – these can be recycled at local grocery stores
Styrofoam (cups, food containers, packing peanuts)
Plastics labeled with numbers #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7
Plastic wrap, bubble wrap, or plastic film
Food-contaminated plastic containers (e.g., yogurt, sour cream, and butter containers)

3. Metal Products

Accepted:
Aluminum and steel cans (e.g., soda cans, food cans)
Aluminum foil (must be clean and free of food residue)
Empty aerosol cans
Not Accepted:
Scrap metal (e.g., metal hangers, metal furniture parts)
Paint cans or cans that contain hazardous materials

4. Glass NOT Accepted

Not Accepted:
Glass of ANY kind is NOT accepted (our facility in Cobb County, Westrock, does not accept glass of any kind from waste haulers)

5. Cartons

Accepted:
Milk cartons, juice boxes, and other food cartons
Soup and broth cartons (rinsed and empty)
Not Accepted:
Cartons with plastic straws or food residue

**Items Not Accepted in Recycling Bins:**

The following items should NEVER be placed in your recycling bin and need to be disposed of via special services or drop-off locations:
Plastic bags and plastic wrap: These clog recycling machines and should be returned to local grocery stores that offer plastic bag recycling.
Glass
Styrofoam: Not recyclable in curbside bins.
Electronics: Must be recycled at an electronics recycling center.
Hazardous waste (e.g., paint, pesticides, chemicals): Must be taken to special collection events.
Batteries and lightbulbs: Must be dropped off at designated facilities.
Food waste: Should be composted or placed in your trash bin, not in the recycling bin.

**Tips for Proper Recycling:**

Rinse containers: Always rinse bottles, jars, and cans to remove food residue before placing them in the recycling bin.
Do not bag recyclables: Place recyclables loose in your recycling bin; NEVER bag them in plastic bags.
Break down cardboard: Flatten all boxes to save space in your bin and the recycling truck.

**Where to Drop Off Items Not Accepted in Curbside Recycling:**

Plastic Bags and Films: Many local grocery stores, including Kroger and Publix, have bins where you can recycle plastic bags.
Electronics: Some electronics stores (like Best Buy) and special county events accept electronics for recycling.
Styrofoam: Certain recycling centers may accept Styrofoam, or you can check for special drop-off locations.
Hazardous Waste: Cobb County periodically holds hazardous waste collection events, where residents can safely dispose of items like paint, chemicals, and pesticides.

**Additional Resources:**

Cobb County Recycling Center: Residents can visit drop-off centers for items that aren't accepted in curbside recycling bins. Fees apply.

Cobb County Transfer Station
1897 County Services Parkway, Marietta
(770) 485-8940

Keep Cobb Beautiful: This program offers more information on recycling services and events in the county.

Junk Removal Services: Contact our partner, Redeemed Disposal for Junk Removal Pickup Services. 470-971-7234

Updated on: 02/11/2025