No Need to Soak Paper Off Cans!
WE ARE GOING TO MAKE YOUR RECYCLING LIFE EASIER:
You do NOT need to remove paper labels from cans or glass jars and bottles prior to recycling!
Unless your recycler or transfer station specifically tells you otherwise, you can leave those paper labels be! We are all for making recycling easier for everyone, so if removing labels is a hassle for you, check it off of your list of things to worry about. Just make sure you empty that can, jar, or bottle and toss it in the recycling bin, label and all.
Why can we leave the labels? When glass and aluminum is processed, there is often a heating portion of the process, which will remove any paper labels or sticky residue from the can, jar, or bottle.
This material is based upon work supported under a grant by the Rural Utilities Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Rural Utilities Service. Rural Community Assistance Partnership, Inc., is an equal opportunity provider and employer.