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1. What can I put in my recycle cart?

See the Curbside Recycling Guidelines (PDF) for related information.

You put in your cart the following:

• Aluminum Cans
• Bi-Metal Cans and Metal Lids
• Cardboard
• Detergent Refill Containers
• Glass
• Juice Boxes
• Magazines
• Milk Cartons
• Newspaper
• Plastics With a 1 up to a 7 Inside the Recycle Arrow
• Scrap Paper
• Steel Cans
• Tin Cans

2. What time should I put out my recycling cart?

It is best to put your recycling cart out the night before your cart is to be  picked up. Route pick up begins at 5 a.m. each morning.

3. Which day should I set out my recycling cart?

Recycling occurs in your area on one of your scheduled garbage days. Visit My Government Services for Recycling, Garbage, and Bulky Trash and Yard Waste Collection Days.

4. What should I do if the recycling truck accidentally misses my weekly pick-up?

Call the East Baton Rouge Parish Citizens Service at 311 or 225-389-3090 to report the missed pick-up.

5. Can I recycle large corrugated boxes?

Yes, large corrugated boxes can be flattened and placed on the ground next to your recycling cart. This includes very large boxes, such as, appliance boxes. Remove any packing materials, 

Styrofoam and straps.

6. Can I recycle magazines, junk mail, newspaper inserts, and phone books?

Yes, just put these items loose in your recycling cart. These materials are collected along with other paper materials here in Baton Rouge.

7. What happens to the recyclables after they are collected?

Recyclables collected at the curbside and monthly drop-off are transported to the Waste Connection, Inc. at:
7923 Tom Drive
Baton Rouge
LA 70806

At the recycling facility or MRF, materials are sorted, baled, and shipped off to be processed into new recycled products such as:

• Carpet
• Construction Materials
• Insulation
• Newspaper
• Paperboard
• Plastic Lumber
• Tin and Aluminum Cans

8. Why should I buy recycled products?

By purchasing recycled products, you are creating a market for the materials you set out at the curb. The recycling industry also creates jobs; according to a 2002 survey, over 300 jobs are associated with the recycling industry in East Baton Rouge Parish. Buying recycled products boosts the economy while reducing pollution; saving landfill space; and conserving natural resources, energy, and water. Please, buy recycled products and close the loop.

9. Where and when is the monthly recycling drop-off for apartment dwellers and small businesses?

Apartment dwellers and small businesses can recycle using the monthly drop-off. Recyclables are collected on the third Saturday of each month. Apartment dwellers and small businesses can drop off their recyclables 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at Waste Connection, Inc. located at:

7923 Tom Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70806

Or call 225-925-3442. Check our Community Drop-off page or download Recycle Rouge Round-Up flyer (PDF) to learn more.

10. Where can I buy a compost bin?

Check back for Recycling's main page postings for Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Sale held annually. Compost bins can be purchased on line from Garden Supply companies or from garden supply catalogs. Also check with your local Garden Center or Hardware store, they may be able to order one for you.

The East Baton Rouge Parish Recycling Office also has designs for compost bins that you can build out of simple materials at home. Visit our Yard Smart, Earth Wise page to find out how to build one or call our office at 225-389-5194 for a copy of the designs.

11. My office or business wants to recycle, what should we do?

Office recycling and business waste reduction practices are great ways to streamline operations and protect the environment. The recycling office can provide information for businesses to perform internal waste audits. Businesses can then contract with a local waste hauler for recycling services.

The Recycling Office pages are also a good resource for both businesses and residents interested in recycling and waste reduction.