Items such as gloves, wipes, masks, and tissues, which are being widely used by all residents due to the COVID-19 pandemic, should not be placed into curbside recycling containers.  They are contaminants and must be put into the trash. 

Recycling crews in many towns are finding high rates of gloves and masks ending up in the recycling mix, with workers sorting out these items by hand at the recycling facilities.   When these materials end up in the recycling stream, along with items such as plastic bags and plastic film, they can trigger problems.  They pose a danger to workers and they can jam the rotating screens and cause equipment to breakdown. 

Keeping these items out of the recycling stream is important to preventing system breakdowns and important to the health and safety of workers. Thank you for your cooperation.