Recycling something that you’re not sure is recyclable is “wishcycling.” Recycling some items can harm recycling, putting recycling workers at risk and raising recycling costs. In order to keep our recycling system healthy, it’s just as important to leave stuff out of the recycling as it is important to put in the good recyclables. Take a tour of Delaware Recycling by clicking here.

Think of recycling as a business that takes a certain selection of materials and turns them into new items. Truly recyclable items can be made into insulation, linings, rugs, decks, and other items.

DNREC has launched a new program called Recyclopedia which helps the public and businesses determine the quickest and easiest ways to recycle materials that would otherwise go to a landfill. The web-based application offers an easy-to-navigate, pictorial guide for more than 200 commonly used recyclables and where those can be recycled depending on the user’s ZIP code. Whether by computer, tablet, phone or other device, Delawareans and businesses can choose or search for an item and quickly find where it should be recycled. The site also shows the everyday items that can be safely recycled in your trash.