Frequently Asked Questions about Recycling

What kind of plastics can I recycle?
These containers are recyclable:

• #1 and #2 with a threaded neck
• #2 HDPE margarine and yogurt containers
• #5 Polypropylene food containers (ketchup, chocolate syrup, etc.)
• #6 rigid, transparent polystyrene food containers (NOT Styrofoam TM food containers)

What happens to the computers you recycle and why do you have to charge for disposal?
Please note! Electronics are not currently being accepted by the Community Recycling Centers. Please contact Surplus Exchange directly for help with this matter.
Fees associated with recycling monitors and other items pay for the handling of hazardous materials they contain and to augment the cost of refurbishing them. For more information, please contact the Surplus Exchange at 816-472-0444 or customer_relations@surplusexchange.org.

Who gets the money from the profits of the recycled material?
Deffenbaugh and other receivers of materials pay Bridging The Gap, which helps to cover the operating costs of the Community Recycling Centers.

Where can I dispose of hazardous materials?
In Kansas City, Missouri you can make an appointment to drop off hazardous materials at Household Hazardous Waste. You must call ahead for an appointment at 816-784-2080. For more information, visit the Household Hazardous Waste Management Program website. Johnson County residents should use the information on the JCED Hazardous Materials website.

Why can’t I put shiny cardboard in with other cardboard?
There is a chemical finish on the shiny cardboard that makes it less desirable to manufactures than flat finished cardboard. Shiny cardboard can be recycled as paperboard.

What is paperboard?
Paperboard is thin non-corrugated cardboard composed of layers of paper or paper pulp compressed together. Examples of paperboard include cereal and other food boxes (as long as food was not directly touching the box), toothpaste boxes and other personal care product boxes. Any paper that does not fit well in any of the other categories can also be recycled as paperboard.

Why do cans and plastic go together?
Deffenbaugh has found this to be the most economical means of processing both.

Does Deffenbaugh throw what I recycle away?
Deffenbaugh has spent millions of dollars on materials recovery, too much to throw it away. For more information about Deffenbaugh recycling practices, please visit the Deffenbaugh website.

Where do I recycle phonebooks?
Phonebooks can be recycled as paperboard.

Can you pick up my recycling?
No, Bridging The Gap operates the Community Recycling Centers, but cannot pick up materials. Some local governments offer curbside and other pick up services for individuals. In Kansas City, Missouri contact the City Center at 816- 513-1313 or online. Businesses and organizations wanting to set up recycling pick-up services can find information at Mid-America Regional Council’s RecycleSpot.

Do you accept glass?
Yes, Bridging The Gap’s Community Recycling Centers accept glass bottles and jars to be recycled. See a full list of materials here.
For additional glass recycling locations, visit www.rippleglasskc.com or 816-221-GLASS (4527).

What are the Community Recycling Centers hours and locations?
Click here to see hours and locations.

How can I volunteer at a Community Recycling Center?
Click here for information.

Where does shredded paper go?
Shredded paper should be recycled with office paper and should NOT be contained in a bag.

Still have questions? Call 816-561-1090 or e-mail sadie.gardner@bridgingthegap.org.