What Can't Be Recycled in Delaware? A Homeowner's Guide

Recycling is one of the easiest ways to reduce your environmental footprint, but in Delaware, not everything belongs in your blue bin. Contaminated recycling can actually do more harm than good—causing entire loads to be sent to landfills and resulting in fines for municipalities. Here's your complete guide to what can and can't be recycled in Delaware.

Why Recycling Contamination Matters

When non-recyclable items end up in recycling bins, they contaminate the entire batch. This means:

• Entire truckloads of recyclables can be rejected and sent to landfills
• Recycling facilities face increased costs and equipment damage
• Municipalities may be charged contamination fees
• Workers can be injured by hazardous materials

Items That CANNOT Be Recycled in Delaware

Plastic Bags & Film Plastics

One of the most common recycling mistakes in Delaware:

• Plastic grocery bags
• Garbage bags
• Plastic wrap and food packaging film
• Bubble wrap
• Plastic shipping envelopes

Food-Contaminated Items

• Pizza boxes with grease stains (clean boxes are OK)
• Paper plates or napkins with food residue
• Soiled cardboard containers
• Containers with leftover food inside

Styrofoam & Foam Packaging

• Styrofoam cups and containers
• Foam takeout containers
• Foam packing peanuts
• Foam egg cartons

Hazardous Materials

• Batteries (require special recycling—see below)
• Electronics (e-waste)
• Paint cans
• Motor oil containers
• Propane tanks

Glass Items (Depends on Your Area)

Glass recycling varies by municipality in Delaware:

• Window glass and mirrors
• Drinking glasses and dishware
• Light bulbs (especially CFLs—contain mercury)
• Pyrex and tempered glass cookware

Note: Some Sussex County areas accept glass bottles and jars in recycling, while others require drop-off at designated locations. Check with your local municipality.

Other Common Non-Recyclables

• Shredded paper (too small for sorting equipment)
• Wax-coated cardboard (like produce boxes)
• Ceramic items
• Rope, hoses, and cords (tangles in machinery)
• Clothing and textiles
• Medical waste

What CAN Be Recycled in Delaware

To keep things simple, here's what you can confidently put in your recycling bin:

• Paper & Cardboard: Newspapers, magazines, office paper, cereal boxes, shipping boxes (flattened)
• Plastic Bottles & Containers: #1 and #2 plastics (water bottles, milk jugs, detergent bottles)—rinse first!
• Metal Cans: Aluminum and steel cans (soda, soup, vegetables)—rinse first!
• Aluminum Foil & Trays: Clean foil and disposable baking pans

Special Recycling Options in Sussex County

Electronics & E-Waste

Delaware prohibits throwing electronics in the trash. Instead:

• •Use the Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA) drop-off centers
• •Check with retailers like Best Buy for recycling programs
• •Call Coastal Cleanout for bulk e-waste removal

Batteries

• •Drop off at DSWA facilities
• •Many hardware stores accept rechargeable batteries

Large Items & Bulk Waste

For furniture, appliances, and other large items that can't be recycled curbside, Coastal Cleanout offers responsible disposal:

• We recycle or donate items whenever possible
• Proper disposal of electronics and appliances
• Same-day pickup available

Quick Recycling Tips for Delaware Residents

Need Help with Bulk Waste Disposal?

Not everything can go in your recycling bin, but that doesn't mean it has to sit in your garage forever. Coastal Cleanout specializes in responsible disposal and recycling of items that don't fit in regular trash collection.