Posted on August 12, 2025
There’s something to celebrate in the Metro: Our communities are leading the way in recycling, and the results are nothing short of inspiring! A recent audit of Metro Waste Authority’s Curb It! program shows that our contamination rate is just 11 percent, far lower than the national average of 25 percent. This achievement reflects a collective effort to recycle right, and it’s a success we should all take pride in.
Contamination, which occurs when non-recyclable items like automotive parts, plastic bags, and batteries end up in the recycling cart, can cause serious problems. It damages equipment, slows down the sorting process, and devalues recyclables. But thanks to our residents’ commitment to doing things right, we’re seeing cleaner materials and a stronger recycling program that benefits everyone.
This isn’t just about the numbers, this is about making a difference! With over 100,000 residents across 21 metro communities, Metro Waste Authority is working hard to create a cleaner, more sustainable future. The success we’ve seen is the result of collaboration from residents, modern facilities, and partnerships all playing key roles in this effort.
One of the shining stars of this achievement is the Metro Recycling Facility in Grimes. Opened in 2021, this state-of-the-art facility has become the heart of our recycling efforts. It’s where the materials we collect are carefully sorted and turned into valuable, reusable products. This is a key step in our mission to reduce waste and conserve resources.
But this success wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of the community. Metro Waste Authority has invested in public education to make sure everyone knows what belongs in the recycling cart. Whether through advertising, social media, or hands-on learning, we’re making it easier than ever for residents to recycle right.
The free, interactive education center at the Metro Recycling Facility is one of our proudest achievements. More than 5,000 visitors have already experienced the process firsthand, learning how their recycling efforts are making a real impact. These Ready, Set, Recycle events are helping to engage and inspire the next generation of recyclers.
Recycling doesn’t have to be complicated. By sticking to the basics, paper, cardboard, plastics with twist-off lids, and aluminum and tin cans, we can continue to turn recyclables into high-quality products. This reduces waste, strengthens recycling markets, and ensures that our communities are doing their part for the planet.
At the end of the day, though we think everything "should" be recyclable, only items with an end market can be recyclable, wishing it can be recyclable alone is not enough.
This is a time to celebrate. Low contamination rates, cleaner processes, and a more sustainable
future are all outcomes of our community’s efforts. Together, we are proving that when we all work together, we can make a big difference.
Thank you for being a part of this success! We’re building a cleaner, greener Metro one recycling cart at a time.