Hi Sam,
I have a stainless steel implement that is at the end of its life. But, I’m not sure what to do with it! It seems like stainless steel should be recyclable, but I don’t know if Minneapolis would accept something like that, and I don’t want to wish-cycle.
Best,
~Amelia
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Hi Amelia,
Thank you so much for writing in and for being mindful about not wanting to “wishcycle.” Stainless Steel is not currently recyclable through the Minneapolis recycling cart program. Metals that are recyclable through the blue bin include food and beverage cans, aluminum foil and trays, decorative tins, and pie tins.
I know that many of us want to ensure that we are reducing our impact on the environment through recycling and that it can get confusing at times. The best way to ensure that you aren’t wishcycling in Minneapolis is to review the resident guide that outlines current accepted items that belong in your blue bin.
In Hennepin County there are several places where stainless steel can be recycled. You can find several resources through their Green Disposal Guide.
https://www.hennepin.us/green-disposal-guide/items/scrap-metal
There is also the option to leave any scrap metal items out near your alley or where you put your garbage bins with a note on it letting people who pick scrap metal know that it is okay to take for the purpose of selling it.
Keep up the great work on educating yourself on proper recycling and waste reduction!
-Sustainability Sam