LAFAYETTE, La. ( KLFY ) — A new warning tag will be used to flag recycling carts that contain unacceptable items in an effort to improve recycling in Lafayette.

Lafayette Consolidated Government Public Works Department’s Environmental Quality Division and Acadiana Waste Services are starting the new Recycling Tag Program.

“This initiative aims to address contamination issues and ensure that recycling efforts contribute effectively to environmental sustainability,” LCG said.

Any recycling carts found to contain contaminated waste will receive a warning tag. The first warning will provide residents with information about the contamination and instructions on proper recycling. If a recycling cart is found to be contaminated a second time, a second warning will be issued. After a third violation, the recycling cart will be removed from the property.

Items that can be recycled include metals like cans, dry paper like cardboard and plastics like bottles and jugs. All recycling must be emptied and rinsed.

A list of acceptable items includes:

• Cans: Aluminum beverage cans, steel, and tin cans (emptied and rinsed)
• Paper: Mixed paper, newspaper, magazines, cardboard (dry)
• Plastic Containers: Plastic bottles and jugs (emptied and rinsed)

Materials such as plastic bags, food, glass and clothing do not belong in the recycling bin.

The following items are unacceptable :

• Do not bag recyclables
• No garbage
• No plastic bags
• No food or liquids
• No tanglers (wires, hoses, chains, cords)
• No clothing or toys
• No glass
• No bulky plastics (furniture, buckets, crates, storage containers)
• No shredded paper
• No styrofoam (foam cups, plates, egg cartons, trays)
• No scrap metal
• No yard waste
• No electronics

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The Recycling Tag Program was started to educate residents about recycling and mitigate the amount of contamination.

“Proper sorting of recyclables ensures that materials can be effectively processed and recycled, ultimately benefiting the environment and community,” LCG said.

Nearly 23,000 residents in Lafayette recycle; adding up to 533 tons of recycling collected annually.

For more information regarding recycling guidelines and curbside service, visit the LCG website .

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