Do you run out of room in your recycling cart at home before your recycling day? You're not alone due to the fact that more of your waste is recyclable than ever before, some families find that their recycling cart is overflowing on a regular basis.  Luckily, there are easy steps you can take to ease those recycling woes.

Option 1. Increase cart size

Most garbage companies will automatically give you a 65 gallon recycling cart, which gets picked up every other week. If that system doesn't work for your household, try calling your hauler and ask to upgrade to a 95 gallon recycling cart. Please inquire about fees directly with your hauler, as it will depend on your location and if you're in a townhome, homeowners association, or single-family home. (Don't know your hauler's number? Click here for a directory)

If you are recycling more, you may also be able to downsize your garbage service. By law, garbage haulers are required to charge less for a smaller-sized garbage cart. You could save $1 to $3 per month, not to mention space in your garage!

Option 2. Increase recycling pick-ups

Some garbage haulers are now offering weekly recycling pick-ups which may help to reduce the overflow in the recycling bin. Call your hauler to see if that is an option available to you. 

Option 3. Ask for a second recycling cart.

Still not enough room to recycle? Consider asking for a 2nd recycling cart. Some haulers may provide this for free, other may charge a small monthly fee.

Did You Know?

When your recycling cart is overflowing, it may be tempting to squish all the recyclables down to make them fit. However, this can be trouble down the line. The machines at the recycling facility sort recyclables based on their dimensions--cans and bottles are three-dimensional (3D) and paper and cardboard are two-dimensional (2D). So, DO NOT flatten pop cans or plastic containers, but DO flatten your cardboard boxes. See a video about the process of sorting materials at a recycling facility.