How to Recycle in Topeka
Knowing what you can recycle can be a little bit tricky, but here are a few resources here to help you out.
1. Curbside Recycling
If you have recycling service through Shawnee County Solid Waste, check out their curbside recycling guide and informational video to make sure you know what you can put in your bin. Many people are surprised to learn that plastic clamshells are not accepted, even if they're marked as recyclable. Here's why.
2. Full Circle Recycling Drop-Off
If you live in an apartment or otherwise don't have recycling service, you can recycle with us! We even accept some items not recycleable curbside. Our basic service is $5 per month, with a premium option for $10. Learn more here!
3. Glass Recycling
Glass is not accepted through Shawnee County curbside recycling. Instead, drop it in one of the purple glass recycling bins throughout town. These bins take bottles as well as spent candles, window glass, and more! You can even toss in the metal lids from glass jars (separately or screwed on to the jar).
4. Cardboard Recycling
If you have large amounts of cardboard, you can put it in the yellow bulk cardboard dumpsters throughout town. Make sure you only include cardboad (which is brown on the inside when you tear it) in these bins, not paperboard (which is white on the inside). Both cardboard and paperboard can be recycled in your curbside bin.
5. Plastic Bag Recycling
You may be able to recycle more than you think in the plastic bag receptacles at grocery stores. Bread bags, ziplock bags, cereal bags, and the plastic wrap around toilet paper are just some of the items you can put in the bins besides grocery bags. You can also bring these items to Full Circle to recycle for free.
6. Household Hazardous Waste
Items such as paint, chemicals, motor oil, lightbulbs, and electronics (anything with a cord) can be recycled at the Shawnee County Household Hazardous Waste facility, open on weekdays and the first Saturday of each month.
7. Textile Recycling
Textiles, including fabric scraps and unwearable clothing, can be recycled through many thrift shops and outlets that accept clothing donations. You can also purchase a bag to recycle textiles through a mail-in service or drop of clothing in some department stores, such as H&M.
For fabric remnants and leftover crafting supplies, check out Scraps KC in Kansas City. Scraps KC also takes many office supplies and other miscellaneous remnants. Check out the list of accepted items on their website. You can bring these items to Full Circle for delivery to Scraps KC. (For large amounts, it helps to let us know in advance that you're coming.)
8. Styrofoam Recycling
Large-particle styrofoam (like the kind used as packaging around TVs) can be dropped off for free at ACH Foam Technologies in Kansas City (1400 N 3rd St, Kansas City, KS 66101). The facility does not take the more "compressed" styrofoam used for takeout containers and styrofoam cups. The only way we know to recycle that is through TerraCycle (see below).
9. Other Recycling Options in Topeka
Keep America Beautiful has a comprehensive guide that covers where to recycle a wide variety of materials in Topeka.
8. TerraCycle
Materials that can't be recycled through any of the above options can probably be recycled through one of the TerraCycle programs. Full Circle operates both "paid" and free TerraCycle drop-off programs; find out if we accept the items you want to get rid of.
You can also check out the TerraCycle website to purchase your own box or enroll in programs as an individual or on behalf of your organization or business.
Still confused? We're not recycling experts, but we'll try to help you find answers. Feel free to drop us a line at info@fullcirclesustainability.org, and we'll share what we know!
