LINCOLN SQUARE — The more we comb through Chicago's recycling guidelines, the more we realize that we still have a lot to learn.
Take lids.
Did you know that some should be recycled with their container, while others should be recycled separately?
Here are the rules, according to the city's new recycling website:
• Aerosol cans: remove lids and recycle separately. Can must be completely empty, otherwise it could explode.
• Glass jars: remove and recycle separately.
• Plastic bottles: Lids on, recycle with container. Exception: Pumps and nozzles should be discarded because of their metals.
According to Jennifer Martinez, spokeswoman for the Department of Streets and Sanitation, recycling guidelines apply to all blue cart haulers, including city crews from Streets & San and private vendors such as Waste Management.
Martinez recommended making a "good faith effort" to wash out containers before recycling.
"It doesn't have to be perfect," she said, "but we see containers full of food waste," which is a major no-no.
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