From staff reports

The Allen County Department of Environmental Management and the City of Fort Wayne Solid Waste Department announce new recycling guidelines going “Back to Basics.” Changes announced May 19 affect recycling of all plastics including plastic foam and plastic caps.

All recyclables must be clean, empty and dry.

The joint announcement explained that “Back to Basics” reminds residents of the importance of rinsing out recyclables and ensuring material is clean and dry. This applies whether residents are recycling curbside or using the Community Recycling Drop-off sites. The agencies recommended leaving caps and lids off plastic bottles, jugs and food containers to help clean up the overall recycling stream.

Residents no longer need to look for recycling symbols or numbers on plastics. The local recycling facility only accepts plastic bottles, jugs and containers. Plastic foam, including the commonly used trade name Styrofoam, is not accepted for recycling and should be reused or placed in the trash for disposal. Any material smaller than a credit card, including loose plastic caps, are too small to be recycled at the local recycling facility.

ACDEM encourages residents to visit www.acwastewatcher.org for a full list of accepted recyclable materials for Allen County. Contact your local recycling hauler for questions about your curbside recycling cart.