Bowling Green City

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my recycling materials?
Recycling is collected by City crews or contracted services. The City partners with a processing company that sorts and sells recyclable materials to market. Revenue from these sales is shared between the City and the contractor. To understand how single-stream recycling is processed at the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), watch educational videos like Recycling 101 with Mr. Cool Can or Eureka Recycling's Story of a Cereal Box.

Can I use paper bags for recyclables?
Yes! Brown paper bags are perfectly acceptable for sorting your materials. Simply place all filled paper bags into your single-stream cart. Please avoid placing plastic bags (empty or full) in your blue recycling cart, as they tangle in the sorting machinery at the MRF, forcing operations to halt for removal. You may collect recyclables in plastic bags temporarily, but empty the contents into your cart and dispose of the plastic bag separately.

What items are accepted in single-stream recycling?
Accepted items remain similar to previous multi-sort systems: glass, metal and plastic food containers, beverage containers, paper, and cardboard. All recyclables can be placed in the cart together without sorting. The cart lid displays images explaining acceptable items. Garbage, plastic bags, needles, and syringes (Sharps) are prohibited.

Should I take my recycling cart when moving?
No. Like garbage carts, recycling carts are City property and should remain at the address. Each cart has an assigned serial number linked to the specific property.

Are smaller recycling carts available?
Yes, 64-gallon carts are available. We recommend trying the standard 96-gallon cart for a few weeks before requesting a smaller size. Contact our office for assistance if you determine a smaller cart better suits your household.

What if my cart is missing?
If your cart was removed due to contamination, it can be returned after three months at no charge. In the meantime, properly prepared recyclables in paper bags or cardboard boxes will be collected on your scheduled day. A $15 fee applies for early return. For missing carts, check your alley or neighboring properties first, as carts are sometimes moved. If unable to locate it, contact Solid Waste & Recycling at (612) 673-2917 for assistance.

What if my cart is damaged?
Solid Waste & Recycling repairs or replaces damaged lids and wheels at no cost. Contact our office to schedule repairs. If not completed within one month, please follow up.

Why doesn't my building provide recycling?
Contact your building manager first. Minneapolis Ordinance 225.780 requires owners of buildings with two or more units to provide recycling opportunities, adequate containers, and education to occupants. Contact our office if services remain unavailable.

How does snow affect collection?
All procedures remain the same during snow events. See Snow Shoveling requirements for specific guidelines on maintaining access during winter.