Recycling

Plastic Bags Don't Belong in Recycling Carts

More and more people are looking for ways to do their part when it comes to reducing carbon footprints on the environment. With the evolution of recycling programs nationwide, one common recycling mistake continues to put a jam in things – literally. Recyclable items are to be LOOSE in your collection cart, not in plastic trash bags. Plastic bags slow down the sorting process post pick-up because someone has to open the bags and dump out your items, not to mention the damage they do to sorting machines after becoming tangled in the mechanisms. Don’t take the chance your recycling efforts could go to waste, follow these simple tips:

• Items should be loose in your cart, or in brown paper bags (which are recyclable on their own).
• No plastic bags in your recycling cart EVER – this includes plastic trash and grocery bags. Note: many grocery stores will recycle plastic shopping bags, check your local retailer.
• Items should be rinsed and plastic lids/caps can remain on which will help keep containers free of excess food and other residues.

The city no longer recycles holiday string lights or toner cartridges. Please use the search bar down below to find a recycling location.

For more information on what can and cannot be recycled, click here. Click here to learn how to recycle better.

Please refer to the brochure that you received in the mail or view this map to determine when your recycling will be picked up. Recycling is collected every other week and Elk River is divided into numerous zones, shown below. 

Elk River Municipal Utilities

ERMU manages the city's service contract and provides billing for both trash and recycling to your home! Contact them to change your bin size, if you miss collection, to learn about what can be recycled curbside, holiday schedules and more.