What Are Green & Blue Recycling Bins For?

Recycling is an important part of any community. Although it is common to use colored bins to differentiate between plastics, metals, cardboard and glass, not all communities do so. In addition to being organized by color, each bin should have a label on it, indicating the material to be put into it. The universally recognized symbol for recycling is three arrows chasing each other, forming a triangular loop. This symbol should accompany the label on recycling bins.

Blue recycling bins sometimes indicate a recycling bin used for metals. Although it is common to use blue bins to indicate recycling for metals, plastics also are often recycled using blue bins. Be sure to consult your local waste management organization, or check the symbol on the bin to confirm the intended use for your blue bins.

Blue recycling bins also can be used for plastic recyclable items. Again, consult your local waste management organization, or check the symbol on the bin to confirm that your blue bins should be used for plastics.

Green recycling bins usually indicate that the bin is to be used for white paper. Once again, consult your local waste management organization or bin symbol, to clarify this. When recycling paper, do not recycle plastic-wrapped paper, paper cups or plates, Styrofoam, food or pizza boxes, or tissues and napkins.

Green bins also are sometimes used for mixed paper products. These types of bins are commonly found in universities, hospitals and K-12 schools, where white and colored papers are often used.