Recycling Right in Twin Lakes: Simple Steps to Avoid Costly Mistakes
In neighborhoods across Texas, including right here in Twin Lakes, residents take pride in doing their part to care for the environment. Recycling is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect our land and reduce waste—but even well-intentioned efforts can go wrong if not done correctly.
One overlooked mistake—like tossing a greasy pizza box or a plastic bag into your recycling bin—could potentially cause an entire truckload of otherwise good recyclables to be rejected and sent to the landfill. Not only does that defeat the purpose of recycling, but it could also increase overall disposal costs for the community.
To help Twin Lakes stay clean, green, and cost-efficient, here’s a quick refresher on what generally can and cannot be recycled.
What You Can Recycle
Stick to clean, dry, and accepted items. Recyclables should be placed loose in the bin—never bagged.
Paper Products
- Newspapers, magazines, catalogs
- Junk mail, envelopes, greeting cards
- Wrapping paper (non-foil), file folders
- Clean cardboard boxes (like soda, beer, and shoe boxes)
- Clean pizza boxes (no grease!)
- Grocery bags (paper), egg cartons
- Computer and construction paper
Plastics (Rinsed)
- Bottles and containers labeled #1–#7
- Milk, juice, soda, and water bottles
- Shampoo, soap, detergent containers
- Yogurt cups, to-go containers (no Styrofoam)
- Prescription bottles, plastic flower pots
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Metals (Rinsed)
- Soda, beer, and juice cans
- Food and pet food cans
- Pie trays, metal jar lids, aluminum foil
- Empty aerosol cans
- Gutters (must be under 5 feet)
Glass (Rinsed)
- Food jars
- Beer, soda, and wine bottles
What Not to Recycle
These common items can contaminate the load and could cause the entire batch to be rejected:
- Styrofoam
- Plastic grocery bags, bubble wrap
- Soiled or greasy pizza boxes
- Thin plastic mailer bags (like Amazon packaging)
- Mirrors, ceramics, light bulbs
- Wet or soiled paper, paper towels, tissues
- Pots, pans, paint containers, PVC pipe
- Microwave trays, dry cleaner bags, coat hangers
Even if these items feel recyclable, many are not accepted through standard curbside programs. When in doubt, leave it out—or check first.
Why It Matters in Twin Lakes
Recycling only works when it's done right. Contaminated loads may be rejected in part or in whole, increasing landfill use and disposal fees. These added costs can ultimately be passed along to residents.
By taking a few extra moments to sort your items properly, you help preserve valuable resources, keep our streets clean, and maintain the cost-efficiency of services in Twin Lakes.
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Questions?
If you’re ever unsure about what can or cannot be recycled in your area, contact your local trash or recycling service provider for guidance. Recycling rules can vary slightly between providers, so getting direct information ensures your efforts make a positive impact.
Let’s Keep Twin Lakes Clean and Smart
Recycling right is a shared responsibility—and when we all do our part, the whole community benefits. Stay informed, stay mindful, and help Twin Lakes stay a model of Texas pride and sustainability.
For more helpful community updates and local resources, visit My Neighborhood News.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
