Sometimes recycling defies logic, which is why it’s a good idea to ask if you aren’t sure. Arlington’s Solid Waste Division has a website with a tool (“where does it go?”) you can use to query the database, but sometimes it isn’t comprehensive enough. Never fear, Ursula Escoto, the administrative technician at Arlington County’s Solid Waste Bureau, and her colleagues are happy to answer your questions and, when you ask, it adds to the database. Some of her recent answers:
Empty plastic jar of cold cream. No recycling marks on it. – Recycling cart.
Wine cork – Trash cart or take back programs from stores such as Total Wine or Mom’s Organic
12 oz dixie cup - paper inside, outside feels like foam – Trash cart
Plastic top of milk carton - on or off? – On, recycling cart.
Old school binders – Trash cart
Cardboard shred used as packing material - Trash cart
Plastic cups number 2 – Recycle cart
Used ballpoint pen – Trash cart
Butcher paper – Trash cart
Brita filters - can be recycled through Brita
Still have a question? Visit https://recycling.arlingtonva.us/where-does-it-go/ and the email query is on the same page.