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Recycling Tip: Leave the Labels On!

Recycling Myths
two glass bottles with text overlay

We’re making recycling a little easier:
You do not need to remove paper labels from cans, glass jars, or bottles before recycling.

Unless your local recycler or transfer station specifically says otherwise, those labels can stay on.

That means no soaking, no peeling, and no stressing over sticky residue. Just make sure the container is empty and then put it in the recycling.

Why is this okay?
During processing, materials like glass and aluminum go through high-heat systems that remove paper labels and adhesive.

A good reminder: empty matters more than label-free.

Recycling Myth: You must remove labels.
Reality: Leave them on!

This material is based upon work supported under a grant by the Rural Utilities Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Rural Utilities Service. Rural Community Assistance Partnership, Inc., is an equal opportunity provider and employer.