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1. What is single-stream recycling?

When utilizing single-stream recycling all recycled materials are mixed together in the collection trucks and are then sorted at the automated processing facility located in Knoxville. This simplifies things for residents who will not have to worry about sorting any items.

2. How much does single-stream recycling cost?

There is no additional cost to the city or its residents.

3. Why use single-stream recycling?

It makes recycling even easier for Alcoa’s residents. The addition of these materials will significantly increase each household’s recycling volume, therefore adding life to the Alcoa/Maryville/Blount County Landfill. With this wider range of materials that can be recycled and the convenience of curbside recycling, Alcoa’s residents continue to demonstrate increased environmental stewardship while leading their neighbors in Blount County and throughout most of east Tennessee.

4. I shred my junk mail. Is that ok?

Yes, shredded paper is acceptable.

5. What if I have broken glass? Can I put that in my bin?

Glass of any kind is no longer accepted due to handling of the material at the sorting center.

6. How do I know if my plastic is a 1 or a 7, and what difference does it make?

If it is a recyclable plastic item, there will be an identification code number inside the triangle shaped recycle logo. This is generally located on the bottom of the item. To the consumer, the number doesn’t mean much, but for recyclers it is a means to identify the resin content of bottles and containers in the recycle stream.

7. What are the different kinds of plastics?

Generally speaking, a No. 1-coded bottle is a plastic drink bottle, salad dressing bottle, peanut butter jar, and others that can be heated in a microwave.

No. 2 items include: Milk jugs, water, and juice containers; and also those for cosmetics, shampoos, laundry products, yogurt and margarine tubs; cereal box liners; grocery, trash and retail bags, food storage bags; and trash bags like Hefty and Glad as well as plastic wrap.

No. 3 items are seen less frequently and are things like clear food and non-food packaging.

No. 4 items: Frozen food bags, squeezable bottles like those for honey and mustard, etc.

No. 5 items: Plastics that hold items already mentioned like catsup bottles, yogurt cups, margarine tubs, and medicine bottles.

No. 6 items: Categories include grocery store plastic meat trays, aspirin bottles, cups, plates and cutlery.

No. 7 items: Three and five-gallon reusable water bottles, and some citrus juice and catsup bottles.

8. Is there anything I can’t recycle?

- No type of Styrofoam can be recycled even Styrofoam that has that has the recycle logo and number on it.
- No type of light bulb
- No porcelain, pottery and ceramic products
- No aerosol cans
- No mixed containers such as those for nuts and snacks that have some plastic and some paper board and foil
- No broken glass

9. Can I recycle containers that have had such things as insecticides, herbicides, motor oil and additives, antifreeze, Clorox and other household cleaners in them?

Yes, as long as they have been washed out and the container has the 1 - 7 code on it.

10. Who can I call if I have any questions?

Residents can learn more about acceptable and unacceptable materials at the Waste Connections website, linked below. Questions may also be directed to Alcoa's Sanitation Services Division at 865-380-4800. For missed collections, please call Waste Connections at (865) 522-8161.  

Waste Connections of Tennessee Website