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orzechod t1_j2bx2pe wrote

I thought this rule changed recently too but I can't find any info online applying specifically to Worcester. I just tear off and throw out any greasy bits and recycle the clean bits.

but, in general: when in doubt, throw it out. if the recycling stream is too contaminated then it gets burned or dumped into a landfill instead of properly recycled.

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Easy-Working-7 t1_j2c7p9z wrote

Soiled pizza boxes (and food soiled containers) are trash, they contaminate the recycling stream. Recycle, dont wishcycle

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guybehindawall t1_j2dd98u wrote

Per worcesterma.gov's recyclopedia:

>You can put your EMPTY pizza box in the recycling. Grease is okay.

>Some people ask us what kind of pizza boxes we mean. The answer is pizza boxes (with the exception of frozen pizza boxes) made out of cardboard or box board (think: cereal box) can be recycled as long as they are empty. Helpful suggestion: Fold the box inside out before you put it in the recycling. This will make sure that the box is completely empty so there are no surprises at the sorting facility.

>Liners and pizza savers (pizza tables) go in the trash. The food should be composted or put in the trash

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Candid-Arugula t1_j2dv749 wrote

This is shocking! Thought pizza boxes were the quintessential "do not recycle" item.

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guybehindawall t1_j2dyapv wrote

I'm not an expert but I'm pretty sure that was the case for a long time, and recycling facilities have only recently been able to process them.

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D_is_for_Doomsayer t1_j2dz2kw wrote

It's the little things, like this, that remind you that as much as Worcester has changed, Worcester is the same. Why not contradict yourself on your own website?

FWIW: When they launched the new recycling bins, the literature they shared agreed with this, pizza boxes, even with grease, can be recycled.

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guybehindawall t1_j2e3riz wrote

It would be nice if they tidied up the definition of "soiled", that's for sure.

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tiffanylockhart t1_j2deeq8 wrote

both.

if the top half doesnt have any food residue on it, you can recycle it. but the part that has cheese and grease has to be thrown away.

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NovelNo87 t1_j2c7wyj wrote

I’ve never had a problem putting pizza boxes in recycling, as long as they’re clean and I try to break them apart.

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jackbologna t1_j2dj05x wrote

I always place them under trash bags curbside and they get picked up. The smaller boxes I place in the trash bags of there is space.

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AreYouNobody_Too t1_j2e2bwu wrote

You can recycle them now! Just remove any wax paper with food on it.

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Kirby_with_a_t t1_j2c5lwd wrote

Recycle. Throw away the paper/refuse inside box. Disassemble. Fold. Then recycle.

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KnottyHookerNeedles t1_j2c9cik wrote

I was always taught that paper was automatically trashed if it touched food directly. Pizza boxes, donut boxes, fast food wrappers, etc.

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Beneficial_Tap_7502 t1_j2dhk6m wrote

I pull off the greasy paper,rip up the box and recycle haven't had a problem yet

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