Posted on July 16, 2025
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Cheers to you, metro residents! When it comes to recycling, you’re not just tossing stuff in your Curb It! cart and crossing your fingers. You’re actually recycling right…and the numbers prove it!
We recently took a closer look at what’s landing in Curb It! carts across the metro, and guess what? Our contamination rate came in at just 11%, way below the national average of 25%. In recycling terms, that’s gold-star, high-five-worthy success!
What’s Contamination?
In the world of recycling, contamination is the stuff that doesn’t belong in your recycling cart. Think things like electronics, plastic bags, and yard waste. The lower the contamination rate number, the better!
Education = Fewer Mistakes
We’re big believers in the power of education. That’s why we put a lot of effort into helping metro residents understand what’s recyclable and what’s wishful thinking.
From our social media tips, to our hands-on education center, to Green Talk opportunities, we’re all about making recycling a little more fun and a lot more clear!
And while our state-of-the-art Metro Recycling Facility handles the sorting, we still count on you to get the right stuff into the cart in the first place.
We’re All in This Together
Our vision is no wasted resources, and thanks to recycling rockstars like you, we’re working toward that every day. So keep up the great work, keep asking questions, and keep putting the right things in your cart at home.
Not sure if something belongs in your Curb It! cart? Check out our Recycling & Disposal Guide, give us a call at 515.244.0021, or chat with our digital assistant by clicking the icon on the bottom right corner of our page.