Recycling can feel like a puzzle sometimes. There are a lot of different bins, package symbols, facilities, and rules. It’s no wonder people have questions. What you need is clear, easy answers.
That’s why the Sutter Metals team turned to Google to find the most common questions people have about recycling, so that we can create the FAQ guide you need to do it right. So grab your coffee (recyclable mug, of course), and let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
General Recycling Questions
We’ll start with the basics and then move on to the big “can I recycle this?” debates about specific items. Three of the most common, simple questions people have are: what is recycling, why is it important, and how do I do it?
What is Recycling?
Not gonna lie, we’re wondering who’s asking this question. How have you not encountered recycling? But we’ll answer it all the same.
Recycling is the process of taking used materials—like metal cans, old electronics, or cardboard boxes—and giving them a new life instead of letting them pile up in a landfill. Think of it as a makeover for your stuff: your soda can could be reborn as a car part, your laptop could become part of a new appliance, and your rusty wrench might one day return as… well, a less rusty wrench.
At its core, recycling means less waste, less energy use, and fewer resources pulled from the earth.
Why is Recycling Important?
The benefits of recycling are huge. Did you know that recycling aluminum saves up to 95% of the energy it would take to make new aluminum from raw materials? Or that recycling one ton of steel saves about 2,800 pounds of iron ore, 1,600 pounds of coal, and 600 pounds of limestone? That’s a lot of digging we don’t have to do.
Recycling also reduces landfill waste (which nobody wants in their backyard or the ocean), cuts down greenhouse gas emissions, and supports the economy through jobs in the recycling industry.
In short: recycling is good for the planet, your community, and sometimes even your wallet (especially when you recycle at Sutter Metals!).
How to Recycle
Start with the basics.
- Know what goes where. Your city likely has guidelines for curbside bins (plastics, paper, cardboard). If you live in our area, lucky you—we’ve got a handy Tacoma recycling guide that details what can go in your curbside bins. And, for the metals and electronics that don’t go in the bin, you can bring it to us and get paid.
- Keep it clean. Rinse out cans and jars before recycling. No need for a bubble bath, just a quick rinse.
- Don’t bag recyclables in plastic. Loose is best so they can be sorted easily. Also, plastic bags get recycled separately from things like cardboard and paper.
And remember: when in doubt, check your local recycling program or call us at Sutter Metals—we’ll help you figure it out.
The Big Questions: What Can You Recycle?
The most common questions we found people searching on Google are about specific items and whether or not they’re recyclable. In your day-to-day life, you encounter so many different things, many of which are single-use or have a limited lifespan…so which of them can you recycle? Let’s look at the top four items people ask about.
Is Styrofoam Recyclable?
Ah, Styrofoam—the lightweight material that takes up entirely too much space, squeaks, and clings to your hands. Unfortunately, Styrofoam (a.k.a. expanded polystyrene) isn’t widely recyclable in regular curbside bins. It takes hundreds of years to break down in landfills, which is why it’s such a problem.
While Sutter Metals doesn’t handle Styrofoam and the City of Tacoma doesn’t either currently, facilities like the Styro Recycle Center in Kent, WA accept certain types of clean foam. But since Styrofoam is difficult to recycle and in some cases, impossible, and doesn’t biodegrade it’s best to avoid using it in the first place. Look for reusable or reyclable packaging alternatives.
Where to Recycle Batteries
Batteries are like tiny superheroes—packed with energy—but when tossed in the trash, they can be downright dangerous. They contain heavy metals and chemicals that shouldn’t end up in landfills.
Luckily, there are options. Many hardware stores, electronics retailers, and recycling centers accept batteries. In Tacoma, the Household Hazardous Waste Facility takes them. Sutter Metals doesn’t recycle batteries directly, but if you’re coming in with electronics, check if your device’s battery can be safely recycled along with it.
Where to Recycle Electronics
Old laptops, phones, printers, and game consoles—these are some of the most common clutter culprits in households today. Tossing them in the trash is a big no-no, since electronics contain both valuable metals (like copper and aluminum) and toxic materials.
The good news? Sutter Metals offers electronics recycling right here in Tacoma. Bring in your old devices and we’ll make sure they’re properly dismantled, metals are recovered, and hazardous components are handled responsibly. Bonus: you’ll keep your drawers clutter-free.
Is Bubble Wrap Recyclable?
Bubble wrap is fun (who doesn’t love popping it?), but it doesn’t belong in your curbside bin. Most curbside programs reject plastic film because it tangles in sorting machinery.
However, clean bubble wrap can be recycled at designated drop-off locations—often the same places that collect plastic grocery bags. Many grocery stores and shipping centers have collection bins. If you can’t find one nearby, consider reusing bubble wrap for storage or gifting.
You’ve Got Questions, Sutter Metals Has Answers
Recycling doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether it’s cans, electronics, or that old box of hand tools you’ve been meaning to toss, Sutter Metals is here to help you recycle smarter.
Stay tuned—next week we’ll dive into Part 2 of this series and tackle even more “what can you recycle” questions (spoiler alert: pizza boxes will make an appearance).
In the meantime, if you’ve got scrap metal, electronics, or aluminum cans waiting to be recycled, bring them to Sutter Metals today. You’ll declutter your home, help the planet, and maybe even leave with some extra cash in your pocket.