Zero Sort Curbside Recycling Program

The City of Biddeford began the Zero-Sort Recycling Program in 2013. Through this system, our residents may place all accepted recyclable items loosely in their 65-gallon blue recycling bin, and they will be sorted by Casella at their recycling plant. All residents also receive a 35-gallon green trash bin for non-recyclable waste. Trash and recycling will be collected on the same day once per week. The City collects the green container and Casella collects the blue container.

Recycling vs Trash Bins

Pay-As-You-Throw Bags

Trash in excess of the green 35-gallon container is addressed through a Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) bag system. Find more information about the PAYT system.

Accepted Recyclables

ONLY the items listed below can be placed in your blue recycling bin. Place your recyclables loosely in the blue bin (do not bag them).

  • Cardboard/Paper
    • Corrugated Cardboard (Wavy center layer)
    • Boxboard (Dry-food boxes, egg cartons, paper towel rolls, etc.)
    • Junk Mail, Glossy Inserts, Newspapers, Periodicals, Envelopes, and Catalogs
    • Office Paper
    • Paper bags
    • Telephone books
    • Shredded paper - please place in paper bag before recycling
  • Plastic
    • Rigid Plastic Bottles, Jugs, Tubs, and Lids (such as empty kitchen, laundry, and bath containers)
  • Metal
    • Aluminum and Steel Cans
    • Aluminum Foil
    • Bi-metal cans
  • Glass
    • Empty food and beverage bottles and jars

The items on the poster below CANNOT be put in your blue recycling bin and should be thrown away.

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Plastic Bags
  • Bagged Recyclables
  • Clothing/Textiles
  • Food Waste and Liquids
  • Scrap Metal Items
  • Batteries
  • Electronic Waste
  • Plastic Wrap
  • Styrofoam
  • Medical Waste
  • Hazardous Waste
  • Wood
  • Tires
  • Toys
  • Hangers
  • Ceramics/Baking Glass
  • Other Disposable Items
Not Recyclable Items

Recycling Tips

  • All waste that goes into the blue recycling bin must be empty, clean and dry.
    • Greasy pizza boxes/takeout containers or other waste that has food remnants on it NEVER belongs in the recycling bin.
  • Plastic bags are NOT accepted in the curbside recycling program!
  • As a general rule, if it is smaller than a Post-It, do not place it in your blue recycling bin.
  • Styrofoam is NOT recyclable, even if it has a #6 recycling logo on it.
  • Cardboard should be flattened and broken down.
  • Some recyclables are also collected at the Recycling/Transfer Station.