KEEP YOUR RECYCLING CLEAN Recology WASTE ZERO China Tightens Recycling Import Rules Did you know that 60% of the recyclable materials collected in the U.S. go to China to be recycled into new products? Historically, China accepted up to 5% non-recyclable contaminants (garbage or food waste) in bales of recyclable materials. As of March 2018, the Chinese government is now enforcing a policy called National Sword, which severely restricts the import of recyclable plastics and paper China will only accept bales containing less than 1% contamination and will return any shipments that fail to meet that standard This is a big change and has had a crippling effect on WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP Keep your recycling clean and free of contaminants. Do not place recyclables in Greasy pizza boxes and other plastic bags. They will not be opened at our sorting facility. This food soiled paper should be placed in your green compost cart, not the recycling cart Food containers, like pasta sauce means they will be sent to the jars or yogurt cups should be empty and dry. Use dish water to swish, or a used napkin to wipe them out (napkins are compostable landfill as garbage Don't be a hopeful recycler. Visit Plastic bags, film plastics, coffee cups, and Styrofoam belong in the garbage our website, send us an email, or give us a call. When in doubt, check it out!