Takeout packaging varies in its recyclability. Paper coffee cups are lined with polyethylene plastic to prevent leaks. This lining makes them not recyclable through standard paper recycling programs. Many takeout boxes and bowls have similar coatings, which also prevent them from being recycled despite their paper appearance, according to information from Cobb County release.
Some plastic lids can be recycled if they display a recycling symbol with resin codes #1, #2, or #3. These items may be placed in curbside recycling bins or taken to the Recycling Drop-Off Area in Marietta. Lids without recycling symbols should not be recycled.
Plastic utensils such as forks, knives, and spoons are not accepted in curbside recycling. Cobb County allows these items to be collected in orange Hefty ReNew™ bags and taken to the Recycling Drop-Off Area.
Plastic bags, including shopping and trash bags, should not be placed in curbside recycling bins because they can contaminate other recyclables. These items can also be collected in orange Hefty ReNew™ bags and dropped off at the Marietta Recycling Drop-Off Area. Proper sorting helps reduce contamination and improves recycling efficiency.
