Recycling Guide
IWC supports recycling efforts in Grand Cayman because we understand its impact—not just on the environment but on our island’s and community’s health. That’s why we recycle whenever possible and encourage everyone to do the same.
Together, we can make a difference in sustaining a healthy environment today and for future generations.
How Does Recycling Work?
- Aluminum Cans – Sent to Island Recycling’s non-ferrous processing facility, where they are processed and exported monthly or bi-monthly.
- Glass Bottles – Collected in 64-gallon bins and delivered to Flowers Block Factory, where they are recycled into decorative pavers.
- Green Food Waste – Transported to Beacon Farms, where it is processed for agricultural use.
Clean every item
Clean items are crucial to avoid contamination during transportation.
Waste collection
When recycle dumpsters are full, they are then collected by IWC at a curbside, multi-family dwelling, or business.
Recycling facility (MRF)
Materials are sorted and organized by material types, then inspected for final quality control clean-up before being baled (compressed) together and staged for sale to end markets.
Recycling Process
Know What to Throw Before You Leave It in Your Bin
Commercial and residential recycling options may vary, so it’s important to check with our office for additional details. Proper sorting helps ensure recyclables are processed efficiently and don’t get contaminated.
Unaccepted Items for Recycling
Items
- Propane canisters
- Flares
- Needles
- Electronics
- Flammable liquids
- Batteries for e-cigarettes
- Helium tanks
- Lighters and matches
- Knives
- Household batteries
- Butane canisters
- Ceramic plant pots
- Bear spray
- Paint
- Ammunition
- Straws
Plastic containers
- Containers for motor oil, vehicle lubricant or antifreeze products
- Garden hoses
- Packaging labeled biodegradable or compostable
- Plastic string or rope
- Microwavable bowls with metal rims
- Plastic paint cans
- Plastic wrap
- Pails for lubricants and oils
- Plastic or foil lids from coffee and tea pods
- Liquid-absorbing pads, e.g., in trays of meat, poultry, fish, etc.
- Lawn edging, tarps, plastic furniture or toys
- Plastic blister packs e.g. plastic/foil protective packaging for chewing gum and pills
Steel containers
- Steel paint cans
- Coat hangers (return to dry cleaners)
- Pots, pans and baking trays
- Propane cylinders
- Metal toys
- Appliances
- Metal hardware or other scrap metal
- Wiring or metal cords, extension cords
Misc. flexible plastic packaging
- Plastic squeeze tubes
- Plastic-lined paper
- Cellophane wrap
- Plastic strapping
- 6-pack ring
- Biodegradable plastic
- PVC/vinyl
- Squishy foam
- Plastic blister packs e.g. plastic/foil protective packaging for chewing gum and pills
Paper packaging/cardboard
- Cardboard boxes with wax coating
- Paper bags with multiple layers that include a foil layer
- Paper bags with a plastic layer
- Paper towels, napkins
- Tissues
Aluminum containers
- Spray paint cans
- Aerosol cans with any contents remaining
- Propane cylinders
- Foil-lined cardboard take-out containers and lids
Glass bottles & jars
- Drinking glasses or dishes, cookware
- Whole or broken window glass or mirrors
- Ceramic products
- Light bulbs and light fixtures
Foam packaging
- Liquid-absorbing pads used in trays for meat, poultry, fish, etc.
- Labels, tape, paper and cardboard on foam packaging
- Foam peanuts, packing chips, or noodles
- Blue or pink foam board insulation
- Squishy or flexible foam
- Furniture cushions
Plastic bags/Overwrap
- Kitchen stretch wrap
- Packaging labeled biodegradable or compostable
- Lumber or construction wrap
- Garbage bags
Paper
- Hardcover or paperback books (donate or sell)
- Ribbons or bows
- Musical greeting cards with batteries
- Rubber bands
Ask Jason!
Here are some common items that are often recyclable in Waste Connections recycling programs:
Paper: This includes newspapers, magazines, office paper, cardboard, and paper packaging.
Cardboard: Corrugated cardboard boxes and other cardboard packaging are typically recyclable.
Glass: Glass bottles and jars are commonly recyclable. Be sure to rinse them out before recycling.
Plastic: Many types of plastic containers can be recycled. Look for recycling symbols and numbers on plastic items to determine if they are accepted.
Metal: Aluminum cans and steel/tin cans are often recyclable. Rinse them out before recycling.
Electronics: Some places accept electronics for recycling. Check with local electronic recycling programs for details.
Batteries: Certain types of batteries, such as rechargeable batteries, can be recycled. Some retailers have drop-off locations for battery recycling.
Textiles: Some areas have textile recycling programs that accept old clothing and fabric items.
Household Hazardous Waste: Items like paint, batteries, and chemicals may need to be taken to specialized disposal facilities. They should not be placed in regular recycling bins.
Compost: Organic materials like food scraps and yard waste can often be composted rather than thrown in the trash.
Appliances: Large appliances like refrigerators and washing machines may be recyclable through specialized programs.
Recycling is important because it conserves resources, reduces energy consumption, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, minimizes waste sent to landfills, and helps protect the environment. Recycling helps preserve valuable natural resources, like metals and minerals, while saving energy compared to producing goods from raw materials. It also reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases, contributing to efforts to combat climate change. Recycling minimizes the volume of waste in landfills, extending their lifespan, and decreasing pollution. Moreover, recycling promotes sustainable living, job creation, and environmental education, benefiting local economies and communities. Overall, recycling plays a vital role in global environmental conservation and sustainability.
Recycling glass, plastic, paper, and metal typically involves a straightforward process, but it can vary depending on your location and the specific recycling program in your area.
Here are some general guidelines on how to recycle these common materials:
Glass Recycling: Rinse glass containers to remove any food residue.
Remove any non-glass components like caps, corks, or plastic rings.
Place the glass containers in a designated glass recycling bin or container.
Check with your local recycling program for any specific requirements or restrictions.
Plastic Recycling: Check the recycling symbol and number on plastic items. Not all plastics are recyclable, so look for numbers 1 through 7, with some exceptions.
Rinse and clean plastic containers to remove any food or liquid residues.
Remove labels or stickers if possible. Separate plastic bags and films, as they may require separate recycling processes. Place eligible plastic items in a designated recycling bin.
Paper Recycling: Recyclable paper items include newspapers, magazines, office paper, cardboard, and paper packaging. Flatten cardboard boxes to save space. Remove any non-paper items like plastic windows from envelopes.
Place paper materials in a designated recycling bin or container. Avoid heavily soiled or contaminated paper items, as they may not be recyclable.
Metal Recycling: Common recyclable metals include aluminum and steel or tin cans. Rinse metal containers to remove food residue. Remove any non-metal components like labels or plastic lids. Place metal items in a designated recycling bin.
Remember to follow your local recycling guidelines, as they may have specific requirements or variations in what can be recycled. Additionally, it’s important to keep recyclables clean and free from contamination, as contaminated materials can disrupt the recycling process.
Reducing waste and increasing recycling at home is an excellent way to minimize your environmental impact and contribute to sustainability.
Here are some practical tips to help you achieve these goals:
1. Know Your Local Recycling Guidelines:
Familiarize yourself with the recycling guidelines specific to your area. Different regions may have varying rules and accepted materials.
2. Set Up a Recycling Station:
Create a designated recycling area in your home with separate bins or containers for different recyclables (e.g., paper, plastic, glass, metal). Make it convenient for family members to recycle.
3. Reduce Single-Use Plastics:
Minimize your use of single-use plastics like plastic bags, bottles, and straws. Opt for reusable alternatives such as cloth bags, stainless steel bottles, and reusable straws.
4. Avoid Over-Packaged Products:
Choose products with minimal packaging whenever possible. Buying products in larger quantities can reduce packaging waste.
5. Use Reusable Containers:
Replace disposable containers and wrapping with reusable options for food storage and transportation.
6. Mindful Shopping:
Before making a purchase, consider whether you really need the item and whether it is recyclable or reusable. Choose products made from recycled materials when possible.
By implementing these practices, you can significantly reduce waste and increase recycling at home, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyle.
Residential Services
Check Out These Residential Services
Island Waste Carriers offers convenient pickup times and consistent, reliable service. Residential garbage recycling is available wherever we offer garbage pickup. Click on a box below to find out more about a service that meets your needs.
