Acceptable Recyclables

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Plastic Containers

  • Number 1, 2, & 5 plastic containers only (must be labeled with a proper number)
  • Yogurt cups, ketchup, mustard bottles; takeout containers (except Styrofoam)
  • Tubs, bottles, jugs, detergent containers, and emptied paint cans

Other Recyclable Plastics

  • Corrugated plastic political and yard signs

Unacceptable Recyclables 


Plastic bags and films are not recyclable. Bags are great for collecting your recycling, but when it comes time to put them into your blue cart, pour your recycling loosely into your cart and then throw the plastic bag away. 

Other Unacceptable Items:

  • Number 3, 4, 6, or 7 Plastics 
  • Plastic Wrap 
  • Ceramics or Dishware


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Unacceptable Recyclables 

  • Styrofoam
  • Packing Peanuts or Bubble Wrap
  • Windows or Mirrors
  • Medical Waste (see the Household Hazardous Waste Facility webpage re: sharps disposal)
  • Plastic Wrap
  • Photographs
  • Loose Shredded Paper

Paper, Office Paper & Cardboard

  • Newspaper and shiny inserts, magazines, phone books, office paper
  • Shredded paper is ok, but it must be in a sealed, clear plastic bag!
  • Hardcover and paperback books
  • Soda boxes, tissue boxes, paper plates, paper towel rolls
  • Cereal, cracker, and snack boxes (but not the plastic inserts)
  • Toothpaste, soap, and detergent boxes
  • Mail, receipts, and envelopes, including those with windows
  • Cards and gift wrap (but no tissue paper, foil paper, or glitter)
  • Corrugated cardboard (cut into pieces to fit in cart)
  • Paperboard political and yard signs
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Unacceptable Recyclables


Other Unacceptable Recyclables include soiled materials and food waste. 

It important to keep non-recyclable materials out of our recycling stream in efforts to save time and money. 

A good example of this are soiled pizza boxes. Once you've enjoyed your tasty pizza put the box in the garbage. 

Other Accepted Recyclables 

Cartons‐Food & Beverage

  • Milk cartons (dairy, soy, almond)
  • Juice, soup, broth, and wine cartons

Aluminum, Tin & Steel

  • Aluminum, tin, and steel cans
  • Empty aerosol cans, empty paint cans, and lids (no hardened paint)
  • Aluminum foil, plates and containers
  • Christmas lights, extension cords and electrical wire
  • Pots and pans

Glass Jars & Bottles

Jars and bottles of any color

Additional Information

Check out this cheat sheet for accepted recyclables. You can also find information and recycling options at the La Crosse County landfill, as well as at two local Winona recyclers: Matejka Recycling 507-452-8242 and Miller Scrap Iron and Metal Company 507-452-2067.