Nature Valley Recycle

Great question—snack packaging can be tricky. In most areas, the paperboard box is commonly accepted if it’s clean and dry. Flatten it first to save space. The individual bar wrappers are often made from mixed materials (plastic/foil laminates), which many curbside programs don’t take.

• Check the label: Look for a How2Recycle or recycling symbol on the box and wrappers.
• Keep it clean: Remove crumbs and food residue before recycling the box.
• Don’t wish-cycle: When in doubt, place wrappers in the trash to avoid contaminating recyclables.
• Local options vary: Some communities offer drop‑offs for specific materials. It’s best to confirm with your local recycling program.

Recycling rules differ by city, but several common kitchen items typically aren’t accepted in curbside bins because of materials or contamination issues.

• Paper towels and napkins: They’re often soiled and not recyclable.
• Plastic utensils and straws: Small, hard-to-sort items are frequently excluded.
• Multi-layer snack wrappers: Laminated candy, chip, and bar wrappers usually aren’t accepted.
• Foam takeout containers: Many programs don’t process expanded polystyrene.
• Disposable coffee cups: Plastic-lined paper cups can be difficult to recycle.

Tip: Clean, dry, and empty materials are more likely to be accepted. Always verify with your local recycling guidelines to avoid contamination and make the biggest impact.

Heat-treated glassware—like certain bakeware and tempered items—has a different composition and higher melting point than standard bottles and jars. When mixed into container-glass recycling, even small pieces can prevent the batch from melting uniformly, which may compromise the final product.

• If intact: Consider reuse or donation when appropriate.
• If broken: Carefully wrap pieces (e.g., in newspaper or a box) before placing them in the trash to help protect sanitation workers.
• Check locally: Some communities have special drop-offs for hard‑to‑recycle materials, but availability varies.

For curbside programs, keep heat-treated and non-container glass out of the recycling bin to help keep the stream clean.

Many gum and candy wrappers are made from laminated materials (paper, plastic, and sometimes foil) that curbside programs rarely accept. To avoid contamination, it’s safer to place them in the trash.

• Plain paper wrappers: If they’re clean and uncoated, check whether your local program accepts them with paper.
• Foil or plastic laminates: These usually aren’t recyclable in curbside bins.
• The gum itself: Dispose of gum in the trash—never in recycling or compost unless your local program states otherwise.
• Alternatives: Some communities or mail‑in services handle specialty items; availability varies by location.

When in doubt, follow local guidelines to keep recycling streams clean.

Most snack boxes are paperboard, which many curbside programs accept if clean and dry. A quick check can help you sort correctly.

• Look for labels: The How2Recycle label or a recycling symbol offers guidance.
• Prep the box: Empty crumbs, remove plastic liners or windows (recycle or trash separately per local rules), and flatten the box.
• Watch coatings: Boxes with metallic finishes or heavy food residue may not be accepted.
• Local rules vary: Always confirm with your city or hauler’s list of accepted materials.

Taking these steps can help your clean paperboard make it to the right place without causing contamination.