Recycling in Connecticut: What’s In, What’s Out, and Why It Matters

Every day, Connecticut residents generate 4.5 pounds of waste per person—but a significant portion can be recycled. The problem? Confusion about what belongs in the bin leads to contamination, causing recyclables to end up in landfills.

This guide breaks down what’s recyclable, common myths, new laws, and cutting-edge recycling technology so you can recycle right and help keep Connecticut’s environment clean.

Recycling Guidelines in Connecticut

Connecticut was one of the first states to implement mandatory recycling, with laws dating back to 1991. The state requires residents, businesses, and institutions to recycle certain materials. In addition, "source separation" laws mandate that recyclables be kept separate from trash at the point of disposal.

🚨 Why does this matter? If trash is mixed with recyclables, it can contaminate the entire batch, sending it to the landfill instead of being repurposed.

Here’s what you need to know to recycle correctly:

✅ What You CAN Recycle in Connecticut

These items belong in your curbside recycling bin (single-stream):

• Paper & Cardboard: Newspapers, magazines, junk mail, clean pizza boxes (no grease!)
• Glass Bottles & Jars: Rinse first—caps and lids off
• Metal Cans: Aluminum, tin, and steel (soda cans, soup cans)
• Plastic Bottles & Jugs (#1 & #2 only): Water bottles, milk jugs—caps on!

🚨 Not all plastics are recyclable! Items labeled #3-7 might not be accepted in your town. Check your local guidelines!

❌ What STAYS OUT of Your Recycling Bin

The following do NOT belong in your curbside recycling bin:

• Plastic bags & wrap (take them to grocery store drop-offs)
• Styrofoam (not accepted anywhere curbside)
• Greasy pizza boxes (only clean sections can be recycled!)
• Shredded paper (too small for sorting machines—check local drop-off options)
• Tanglers (hoses, wires, holiday lights) (they jam sorting equipment!)

🛑 Bottom line: If you’re unsure—throw it out! One wrong item can contaminate an entire batch of recyclables.

Busting Recycling Myths

Misconceptions about recycling lead to contamination and wasted resources. Let’s debunk some common myths:

🚫 Myth: “All Plastics Are Recyclable.”

✅ Truth: Only #1 (PET) and #2 (HDPE) plastics are widely accepted curbside. Plastics labeled #3-7 may not be accepted—check your town’s rules!

🚫 Myth: “Plastic Straws Are Recyclable.”

✅ Truth: Nope! Straws are too small and slip through sorting machines. Avoid them or switch to reusable alternatives.

🚫 Myth: “If an Item Has a Recycling Symbol, It’s Recyclable.”

✅ Truth: That symbol only identifies plastic type—it doesn’t mean it’s accepted in your local recycling program.

🚫 Myth: “Recycling Is a Waste of Time—It All Ends Up in a Landfill Anyway.”

✅ Truth: When you recycle correctly, materials do get reused! Contamination is the biggest reason recyclables end up in landfills.

🏛 New Recycling Laws and Policies in Connecticut

Connecticut is actively updating recycling laws to reduce waste and increase efficiency. Here are the latest changes:

📢 Expanded Bottle Bill

• Deposit increased from 5¢ to 10¢ per bottle to encourage returns.
• Now covers more beverage types (sports drinks, teas, etc.).

🚫 Single-Use Plastic Bag Ban

• Plastic checkout bags are banned—bring reusable bags instead!

💰 "Nickel-Per-Nip" Program

• 5-cent surcharge on miniature liquor bottles—funds go to local cleanup efforts.

♻️ Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Program

• Manufacturers must pay for the collection and recycling of electronics, paint, and mattresses—shifting the burden away from taxpayers.

🌱 Commercial Organics Recycling Law (Coming 2025!)

• Large businesses generating food waste must separate and recycle organics—aiming to reduce landfill waste and promote composting.
  
  

🚀 The Future of Recycling: Technology to Watch

Connecticut is embracing new innovations to make recycling faster, more efficient, and less wasteful. Here are some key advancements transforming the process.

🔍 AI & Robotics Sorting

• High-tech scanners quickly identify and separate recyclables, reducing contamination.

♻️ Chemical Recycling

• Breaks down plastics into raw materials for reuse, helping recycle plastics that were previously non-recyclable.

🌱 Food Waste Recycling & Composting

• Many CT towns are piloting food waste collection programs—watch for composting drop-offs in your area!

Final Thoughts

Recycling isn’t just about tossing stuff in a bin—it’s about making sure it actually gets reused.

When done right, recycling helps:
✅ Reduce waste in landfills
✅ Protect Connecticut’s beaches, parks, and waterways
✅ Push for better environmental policies

Let’s get it right. Every effort counts!

Further Reading & Resources

🔹 CT DEEP Recycling Guidelines: portal.ct.gov/deep/reduce-reuse-recycle
🔹 Find Local Drop-Off Recycling Centers: www.recyclect.com

Citations

1. Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) – Recycling FAQs
2. Surfrider Foundation – Plastic Pollution Policy & Advocacy
3. Connecticut Mirror – CT’s Expanded Bottle Bill Updates
4. Recycling Myths & Facts – Eco-Cycle