Keep It Clean, Keep It Low-Cost
Hey ReCollectors! We’re grateful for how thoughtfully you’re using our bag system—it keeps things running smoothly and helps us maintain low membership fees for everyone. That said, it’s time for a quick Spring Sorting Refresher to ensure we’re all on the same page.
1. Use the Bag System, Please!
You’re given labeled bags for a reason. Each bag is designed to keep similar materials grouped, clean, and easy to process.
Important tip: All canvas ReCollective bags should be placed inside the black bag on pickup day.
Proper sorting before pickup saves our team valuable time, reduces contamination, and helps us keep ReCollective affordable and efficient.
2. Plant Pots: Our Favorite Dirty Little Secret
We LOVE that you recycle so many plant pots—but they’re among the dirtiest materials we collect.
Here’s our ask:
- Please do not put plant pots in the black bag.
- Instead, stack them neatly next to your bags or place them in a BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag or Box). No more than two stacks, two feet high.
Plant pots are part of the June ReCo Pick, which means we’re collecting them as a special ReCo Pick in June only—so go ahead and clean out your stash!
3. Let’s Talk Styrofoam (EPS)
We only accept BLOCK Styrofoam (EPS) foam—the sturdy type found in appliance packaging and coolers.
We do NOT accept:
- Squishy foam
- Foam packing peanuts
- Food or takeout container foam
- Soft foam inserts
We know it can be confusing, but block EPS is the only type we can process right now. Stay tuned as we explore future possibilities for other types of foam as a ReCo Pick!
4. Plastic Film: Tear vs. Stretch
We accept only stretchy plastic film—the kind that passes the “tear test.”
Accepted:
- Grocery bags
- Bread bags
- Product bags
- Bubble wrap
- Air pillows
- If you pull it and it stretches, it’s a yes!
Not accepted:
- Crinkly, crunchy plastic
- Chip bags
- Candy wrappers (If it tears or rips instead of stretching, it’s a no.)
5. Need Help? Use the QR or Reach Out!
Every ReCollective bag has a QR code linking directly to up-to-date guidance on what goes where. Still unsure? Email us anytime at help@therecollective.co.
Thanks for keeping it clean, sorted, and sustainable.
We love how you ReCollect!