Recycle

Recycling Rules

Does that plastic bottle go in the trash or the blue bin? (Always the blue bin.) What about plastic bags? (Never in the blue bin, whether empty or containing recyclables; however, you can recycle plastic bags at local stores.) Throwing things in the blue bin that aren’t recyclable only contaminates the recycling stream and reduces what gets recycled. So remember – when in doubt, throw it out. Not sure how to dispose of an item? OCRRA is here to assist.

Review our recycling rules brochure or plug a word into the “How do I get rid of” bar above to search our database. The database helps you find the right way to get rid of all sorts of waste, from electronics to yard waste. (Need recycling rules in Spanish? Check them out here.)

Blue Bin Details

In Onondaga County, recycling often starts with a blue bin. It provides residents with an easy way to collect recyclables and put them out to the curb, and makes sure that those items end up in the right place.

And since single-stream recycling is now here in Onondaga County, it’s okay for recyclable papers and recyclable containers to go in the same bin. No more separating!

If you have a broken blue bin to get rid of, set it out next to your trash with a sign reading, "Broken. Please trash." and your hauler will dispose of it for you.

If you’re a resident of Onondaga County, you can get a blue bin for free. Check the list below to find out how to get a blue bin where you live: